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A lifelong staple in beach bags and bathroom cabinets, sunscreen should be pretty easy to understand by now. Distributing, brushing, lounging, is it difficult? But sunscreen isn’t as easy as the days spent by the pool might have you think. There are now more options than ever before, and while they offer a variety of sun-protective ingredients and added benefits, such as antioxidants, sleek finishes, and deliciously light formulations, it can be more difficult. to choose what suits you best.
Not to mention the myths that have emerged in the collective consciousness. On the one hand, sunscreen won’t stop your body from synthesizing vitamin D, which is most easily produced from sunlight and is essential for healthy bones. Skipping sunscreen to reap the rewards of vitamin D is a mistaken thought, says dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, who practices at Schweiger Dermatology in New York. “Sunscreen is not steel,” she explains. “It still allows sunlight to enter and ultimately doesn’t completely block your body from UV rays. “
There’s also no substitute for stand-alone sunscreen. Your foundation or primer with built-in SPF may look good enough, but “unless the makeup is applied in a thick layer,” Nazarian points out, it probably isn’t doing a sufficient job. The truth is, unless you apply the right amount and then diligently recover throughout the day – a nearly impossible task – you probably won’t receive the full protection promised on the label.
One tip when measuring sunscreen for the face and neck is to follow the so called “two finger rule”. Popularized on social networks, it involves squeezing a strip of lotion inside each finger. “This is absolutely my recommendation: two finger lengths for the face,” says Onyeka Obioha, MD, dermatologist in Los Angeles. (When it comes to the rest of the body, the value of a glass of sunscreen is a good recommendation.)
Finally, there is the question of which category of sunscreen to use: mineral or chemical. (This is determined by the UV filters involved; one group isn’t necessarily better than the other.) “Mineral sunscreens work by sitting on the skin to deflect and scatter harmful UV rays,” says Obioha. “That’s why it’s often called physical sunscreen or sunscreen.”
Some physical sunscreens confer other benefits, Nazarian adds. Tinted formulas that use larger mineral particles are shown to protect against visible light in addition to UV; the subtle tint can also have a color correcting effect. Other new generation formulations use smaller particles, resulting in invisible mineral sunscreens that avoid a chalky effect on darker skin tones.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, penetrate the skin, where the active ingredients absorb UV rays and convert them into less harmful components. “Chemical sunscreens are often very light and apply evenly and gently to the skin,” says Nazarian. “They’re perfect for those prone to acne or those looking for sunscreen that can easily be applied over a large area.”
This can translate into better overall protection since, as Obioha notes, “chemical sunscreens are good for grip.” Although recent research has raised concerns about the effects of systemic absorption, the risks associated with sun exposure are much greater and more definitive than those associated with sunscreen. “Some people think chemical sunscreens are dangerous,” says Nazarian, but “they’re actually a wonderful and good option for a lot of people.”
Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference. This edition, with a mix of mineral favorites, followed by chemicals, has you covered.
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