How To Choose The Best Sunscreen For Your Skin?
With so many different sunscreens filling the shelves, it's difficult to know where to start when choosing the right one. Reading the labels and comparing one to the next can be a confusing task.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires manufacturers to follow certain guidelines on their labels.
Sunscreens work by shielding the skin from the suns dangerous UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause sunburn and can contribute to skin cancers, while UVB rays can lead to premature aging as well as skin cancers.
The chemicals used in sunscreens have two main jobs. First, ingredients such as para-aminobenzoic acid and cinnamates help absorb the harmful UV rays. Secondly, ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide deflect the suns harmful rays before they get absorbed into the skin.
So, what should we be looking out for when choosing the best sunscreen?
Opt for a “broad-spectrum sunscreen”
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for UVB protection. The number relates to the level of protection the sunscreen gives you. Although a high number does give you a higher protection, there is little difference between an SPF 15, SPF 30 or SPF 50. An SPF 15 sunscreen filters out around 93% of the suns UVB rays, an SPF 30 would filter out around 97% and SPF 50 around 98%. For normal skin, an SPF 15 is ideal. For people with fair or sensitive skin or have a history of skin cancer, SPF 30 is recommended.
Waterproof or water-resistance?
A sunscreen that is completely waterproof just clearly doesn't exist. The Food and Drug Administration guidelines say that the SPF must still be effective after 40 minutes in the water. Manufacturers must clearly state on the labels how long the effectiveness would last, whether it be 40 minutes or 80 minutes whilst swimming or whilst sweating.
Sunscreen should be re-applied every 2 hours or more frequently if in the water or sweating.
Different types of skin
Babies and children:
Some sunscreens can be too harsh for babies and children. Sunscreens aimed at children contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which are less likely to irritate young skin. They still protect the skin, but without being absorbed. Avoid sunscreens with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and benzephenones like dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, or sulisobenzone. Children over 6 months should use an SPF 15 or higher. Babies under 6 months old should be kept out of the sun.
Sensitive skin or skin conditions:
People with sensitive skin or skin problems may benefit from using sunscreens aimed at babies and children, and avoid sunscreens which contain alcohol, fragrances or preservatives.
To summarize, you should always choose a sunscreen that protects your skin against both UVA and UVB rays, thus reducing the risk of sunburn, skin cancers, and premature aging.
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