Depending on your skin type and complexion, you’ll want to look for these ingredients in your sunscreen.
After suffering from one too many lobster-red sunburns, you may be on a mission to keep your skin safe and pain-free this summer. The first logical step: Load up on sunscreen.
But not all sunscreens are created equal — and that’s not just because SPF numbers vary.
There are two main types of sunscreens: mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. “Mineral sunscreens work by physically blocking the UV [ultraviolet] rays so that they reflect off of the skin surface, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and then convert them to heat,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Reminder: Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to sunburn, signs of premature skin aging, and skin cancer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Mineral sunscreens usually contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, says Dr. Garshick. Chemical sunscreen will boast ingredients such as avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone, adds Ashley Hudson, The Spa at Equinox’s director of operations.
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While both offer essential sun protection, certain varieties may be a better fit for your skin depending on your complexion and reactivity. “Mineral sunscreens tend to be preferred by those with sensitive skin as they are less likely to cause irritation or sensitivity,” explains Dr. Garshick. That said, this type of sunscreen can leave a white cast on the skin, says Hudson.
On the flip side, chemical sunscreens tend to wear well for most skin tones and provide longer water resistance with little or no residue, says Hudson. “At the end of the day, protecting your skin from the sun is a must, but it’s important to be informed when making a decision that’s right for your skin type,” she says.
Despite the myths circulating on TikTok, sunscreen is considered safe, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates these products to ensure they meet safety and effectiveness standards. Two randomized clinical trials, published in 2019 and 2020, found that some active ingredients in certain sunscreens were absorbed into the body’s bloodstream when used once and at the maximum recommended use. However, these studies were small, with fewer than 50 participants, and the clinical importance of this absorption isn’t yet known. In other words, the findings do not mean the ingredients are unsafe for use in sunscreens, according to the FDA.
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Regardless of the type of sunscreen you’re purchasing, you’ll want to look for a product that has an SPF rating of 30 or higher and provides broad spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays, says Dr. Garshick Look for a product from one of Hudson’s favorite brands, including Supergoop!, Sonrei, Ultraceuticals, and Coola.
Even if going in the sun isn’t on the agenda, you should wear sunscreen every day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association; about 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so don’t let a glum day be an excuse for not applying a coat.
It’s best to apply approximately 1 ounce of sunscreen per application, which is equivalent to the amount in a shot glass, says Dr. Garshick. “When it comes to the face and neck, it is recommended to use the two-finger rule and apply the lengths of the middle and index finger,” she says. “Sunscreen should be applied daily and reapplied every two hours or sooner if swimming or sweating.”
The bottom line: Don’t overthink your sun protection regimen. “Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one that you’ll use,” says Dr. Garshick.