Sun protection is undoubtedly important but, the options can be overwhelming. If you already have a routine, great, if not, we’re going to make this really simple and lay the facts out straight. Your healthy, dark spot-free skin from the future will thank you.
Why Do You Need To Wear Sunscreen?
Is this even a question? What?! Not only is skin cancer the most common cancer in the U.S., but the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Aside from this scary stat, the benefits of using sunscreen and reapplying daily are well documented – from protecting the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing premature aging (fine lines and wrinkles), and protecting against skin damage in the form of hyperpigmentation. The AAD recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for everyday use. Make sure to limit your sun exposure during peak daylight hours (10 am to 4pm) – slather and throw on your favorite hat.
Physical (Mineral) vs. Chemical Sunscreen
There are an overwhelming amount of facial sunscreens to choose from but for the most part, they fall into two categories: physical (mineral) and chemical. Not to mention there’s also tinted and sheer options but those are more of personal coverage preference. Here’s a little more on the specifics of each type to help you choose the right one for you.
Physical Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens, which are also known as mineral sunscreens, sit on top of the skin and act as a shield against the sun’s harmful rays. This doesn’t mean that you don’t rub a physical sunscreen onto the skin until it is absorbed, rather, it just functions differently but still gets the job done. Physical sunscreens offer protection by reflecting UV radiation away from your skin.
Some common ingredients in this type of sunscreen include: zinc oxide and titanium oxide. The only downside to these types of sunscreens is that they may be difficult to blend and leave behind a chalky, white cast to the skin. To avoid this, opt for tinted versions. They’re also not as water resistant, so be sure to be diligent about reapplying.
Some of So.Gay’s favorite physical sunscreens:
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen ($42)
EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Sunscreen for Face, SPF 41 ($44)
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($17)
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens differ in that the active ingredients absorb UV rays rather than deflect them in the way physical sunscreens do. The active ingredients absorb harmful UV rays before the skin gets a chance to soak them in. Chemical sunscreens tend to blend into the skin much better and do not leave behind any residue, making them much more appealing to a wide range of skin tones. Some common ingredients in chemical sunscreens include: oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octisalate.
Some of So.Gay’s favorite chemical sunscreens:
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 40 PA +++ ($38)
The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 ($15)
Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 ($26)
Indoor vs. Outdoor
It’s pretty much a given at this point that you should be wearing sunscreen outside whether the sun is shining or not to protect yourself against harmful UV rays. Even during the wintertime, I might add. While the intensity of UV rays are not nearly as high as they are during the warmer months of the year, it’s still important to continue wearing sunscreen in the winter. Just because UV rays are not visible to the naked eye, it doesn’t mean they can’t continue to wreak havoc on your skin all year round.
Always prepare for the unexpected when it comes to sun exposure. Sunscreen should be applied daily whether you’re sitting by the window or staring at a computer screen (which most of us are) for an extended period of time. In other words – sunscreen all day every day.
