I love the sun and all its brightness. That is one reason why I am in the sunny state of Texas. And although the rays of sunlight are a necessary source of Vitamin D, they can also be harmful if you don’t take precautions. That is why choosing a safe sunscreen is so essential.
The sun’s UV rays can cause damage to our skin by creating wrinkles, sun spots, and even skin cancer. It’s important to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun by applying an effective safe sunscreen every day (and I do mean every day). With different types of sunscreen, it can be challenging to find the perfect high-protection sunscreen for your needs and lifestyle. So let’s get into everything you need to know about sunscreen from its different forms, to different SPF levels, and to which are considered safe sunscreens.
The dangers of the sun on the skin
UVA and UVB rays are the main types of sunlight. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging, sunburns, wrinkles, and skin cancer. UVB rays are responsible for tanning and burning the skin. Both types of rays can damage skin cells, causing them to become more fragile, leading to premature aging and more wrinkles.
Both UVA and UVB rays are the main cause of photo aging, but they can also cause skin cancer. When you’re exposed to the sun, your skin produces a pigment called melanin in response to the harsh rays. This pigment protects your skin from damage, but it also makes your skin look older and tanner.
Sunscreen Types: Chemical vs Mineral
Now that we know a little about the harmful rays of the sun, what can we do about it? Apply sunscreen of course. There are two main types.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays. Chemical sunscreens can be absorbed into the skin, which is why some of them have been known to cause irritation and allergic reactions. I'm concerned that people are not aware of the chemicals they are slathering all over their skin, so I'd like to share some facts about two controversial chemicals in chemical sunscreens: oxybenzone and avobenzone.
Oxybenzone, an ingredient in chemical sunscreen, is in over 600 different products, including spray-on sunscreens, makeup, lip balm, and even toothpaste. The EWG says that oxybenzone “may disrupt hormones” and notes that “studies show this chemical penetrates the skin, gets into the bloodstream and acts like estrogen in the body”. They recommend avoiding products with oxybenzone because it can be toxic.
The other main ingredient in most chemical sunscreens is avobenzone, a chemical compound related to benzoic acid. While it is a powerful sunscreen, there are some serious side effects that may make one reconsider using this product at all.
First off, avobenzone can be absorbed through your skin and into the bloodstream, meaning it can end up in your liver if you use enough of it. This is of particular concern because avobenzone is known to be toxic to the liver when it has been absorbed into the body. There have been numerous studies done on rodents that show that this chemical actually causes liver tumors when used on a regular basis.
It's important to note that not everyone reacts negatively to avobenzone; there are a lot of people who feel perfectly fine using products with this ingredient in them. However, just because one person doesn't react badly doesn't mean everyone is safe. The FDA is continually doing testing to measure the effects this chemical has on our body as it gets absorbed through our skin and processes through the liver. It will be best to avoid using products/ingredients that contain them.
In contrast with chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens reflect sunlight away from your skin rather than absorbing it. Mineral sunscreens are made from zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, and they work by reflecting harmful rays. These minerals can be found in many forms, including lotions, creams, sprays, and sticks. Mineral sunscreens are considered safe for sensitive skin because they are not absorbed into your body or bloodstream like chemical-based products may be—a plus if you have sensitive skin that reacts poorly to other types of sunscreen.
SPF- What does it mean and how much do you need
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measurement of how well a sunscreen protects you against UVB rays. UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburns and may contribute to skin cancer. If a sunscreen says “broad spectrum” then it also protects you from UVA rays that penetrate deep into the skin, causing wrinkles, and may be associated with melanoma and other cancers.
If a sunscreen says "SPF 15", that means that you are getting 15 mins of protected exposure from the sun vs not wearing any sunscreen. Anything under SPF 15 is considered low protection and dermatologist mostly recommend anything between SPF 30-50 as great coverage and protection. To get the most out of your sunscreen, get one that is at least SPF 30 and has a broad spectrum label so you know you are covered from UVB and UVA rays.
Which do you choose?
As you may know now, mineral sunscreen is the best option in my opinion, and is my preferred and only real option for me. It’s safe, meaning it does not have toxic chemicals, and a great advantage is the minerals sit on top of the skin and protect it from UV exposure without causing any side effects or clogging pores.
A slight disadvantage over people choosing a mineral-based sunscreen is that if it is not properly formulated, it tends to leave a white cast on tanned to rich skin complextions.
I have been on a quest to find a non-white cast mineral-based sunscreen. I have personally tested over a dozen mineral sunscreens and below are my top approved no-ghost look favorites!
On a closing note, using sunscreen protects your skin, but it is not enough.
To ensure that you are protected from the sun's harmful rays, it is best to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside. It is also important to reapply every two hours for complete protection against UV rays.
The sun's harmful rays are present all year long, so protect yourself whenever possible by using a safe sunscreen. Cheers to the best form of anti-aging!
The sun's harmful rays are present all year long, so protect yourself whenever possible by using a safe sunscreen. Cheers to the best form of anti-aging!
Pro Tip: Remember that sunscreen is just one part of a larger strategy for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Try to incorporate hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing whenever possible, and avoid the sun during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM).