First, a confession: it’s been too long since I’ve put on sunscreen. For a skin care fanatic, this is almost a sacrifice, I know. When I was a kid, I had sensitive skin and was worried about having a rough skin break me. Furthermore, I thought, my melanin will protect me, right? Wrong. When I started getting serious about my skin, my research alerted me to the fact that not wearing sunscreen made most of the rest of my routine ineffective — especially since I’m having a hard time. struggling with hyperpigmentation. I look back and wonder what I was thinking. Now, I can’t start my day without it. And you shouldn’t either. Whether you’re transitioning to a clean sunscreen or looking for a new favorite, this roundup of all the best clean sunscreens will get you on the right track.
I learned my lesson about sunscreen, fast. Now I’m one of the biggest advocates of using sunscreen, making sure to put on enough (the answer is always more than you think!) and reapply throughout the day. But there are a lot of people who oppose this important part of their routine, just like me. From concerns about acne to bad experiences with formulas that leave skin white, we often overlook SPF. However, it is actually one of the most important parts of any skin care routine. no matter in season.
Featured image of Riley Reed
Applying sunscreen is your best defense against skin cancer and premature aging. It also helps prevent wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sun damage by protecting you from UV rays and carcinogens, either physically or chemically.
So how do you find a good one? Most sunscreens contain additives that cause many people to even skip that all-important layer. However, there are now more “clean” options than ever before, so I talked to Dr. Michelle Henrya dermatologist in New York City, to understand what to look for in your sunscreen and the best clean sunscreen she recommends.
So what is a clean sunscreen?
“Clean is not an FDA regulated term,” Dr. Henry told me. “Typically, if a company calls itself a clean sunscreen, it’s a sunscreen that doesn’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. As we researched them further, their use was restricted out of an abundance of caution. “
Instead, clean sunscreens use zinc oxide, a broad spectrum filter that protects skin from UVA rays, creating a physical blocker that provides a barrier between your skin and the sun without have any nanoparticles or poisons.
What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen?
According to Dr. Henry, “Chemical sunscreens are made from synthetic ingredients, while physical sunscreens are made from natural ingredients like zinc and titanium dioxide. The terms physical and mineral sunscreen can be used interchangeably. “The minerals in physical sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin to reflect the rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb the rays.
When choosing one, both are effective but may react differently to your skin. The minerals in physical sunscreens can sometimes create a white powder, while the chemicals in chemical sunscreens can cause irritation. Physical sunscreens also work immediately while chemical sunscreens need about 20 minutes before they take effect. However, physical sunscreens are more prone to sweating or rubbing, an issue you don’t have with chemical sunscreens. “The decision is made individually and with a person’s dermatologist,” says Dr. “However, physical sunscreens tend to be better for people with sensitive skin.”
Which ingredients should you avoid?
The main concern with impure sunscreens is that we’re still not sure exactly what some ingredients do or if they have harmful side effects in the long run. Based on recent research, some ingredients commonly found in chemical sunscreens can be hormone disruptors, such as oxybenzone, enzacamene, padimate O, octinoxate, and homosalate. Some can also cause allergies and skin irritation, while oxybenzone (the most common) is toxic to coral reefs and marine life.
In some physical sunscreens, the formulation uses nanoparticles to reduce powderiness. However, the skin can absorb these nanoparticles. There are more data gaps here, as scientists are still uncertain about the long-term effects of the nanoparticles.
Which SPF is the best?
SPF, aka Sun Protection Factor, measures how long a product will protect you from the sun. Based on SkinCancer.org: “The SPF tells you how long it takes for the sun’s ultraviolet radiation to make your skin red when using a product as directed compared with time without sunscreen. So ideally with SPF 30 it will take you 30 times longer than if you didn’t wear sunscreen.”
“I, along with the American Academy of Dermatology, recommend SPF 30 for daily use and SPF 50 if you’re going to be outside for more than an hour,” says Dr. Henry. “Don’t forget to reapply every two hours.”
Warning: The SPF only applies to UVB rays (the rays that cause burning), which only appear when out in the sun. However, UVA rays are the main cause of premature aging – and they are always present even when it is cold and cloudy. So don’t let the weather or choosing a higher coverage level put you into a false sense of security. Use sunscreen every day and reapply, reapply, reapply!
What are other ingredients to look for besides SPF?
When shopping for sunscreen, look for products with clean, natural ingredients. Moisturizing, antioxidant-rich oils are good choices to soothe and hydrate your skin while protecting it. You also need to be aware of where sunscreen fits into your daily routine. Do you put makeup on it? Is that the final step in your morning lineup? Choose natural, gentle ingredients that will carry zinc oxide without being too heavy or leaving a film on your skin.
What about tinted sunscreen or makeup with SPF?
Dr. Henry warns against just using makeup with SPF, and instead, you should wear sunscreen underneath your favorite makeup. “When an SPF rating is given to a sunscreen,” she says, “it is assigned after evaluating its UV-filtering properties during ideal use. The ideal application is a thick even layer on the face or body and we usually don’t wear makeup that way. “
To make sure your sunscreen is working, you need to apply about 0.04oz of sunscreen to your face. It’s worth about two fingers or the size of a nickel. You may not wear that much makeup. To be on the safe side, use a regular SPF, then makeup that contains SPF on top. That way, you can also reapply during the day for more coverage.
However, colored sunscreens are often just as effective as other sunscreens. “You can count on the SPF on tinted sunscreens. Tinted sunscreens often have iron oxide, and that can also help protect from blue light.”
Read on for some of the best clean sunscreens on the market, including some recommended by Dr.
Are you prioritizing using sunscreen in your skin care routine? Share the clean choices you’ll add to the cart.
