Choosing the Right Sunscreen: Your Essential Summer Guide

Summer has arrived, and with it the time to put skin protection first. As we bask in the sun, it helps to know how to choose the right sunscreen. This guide, based on EWG standards, can help you pick one that suits you.

What to Look for in a Sunscreen

Broad-Spectrum Protection: The essential first check: choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Why is sunscreen essential for preventing wrinkles? UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays can burn your skin. Both types contribute to skin cancer risk.

SPF Value: SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, and going above SPF 50 offers only a slightly higher level of protection.

Mineral-Based Ingredients: Opt for sunscreens with mineral-based active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on top of the skin and help reflect UV rays. Many people choose to avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, since these filters can be absorbed into the skin.

Skip the harsh chemicals. A number of people choose not to use sunscreen products with parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances because they can irritate skin, and the long-term effects aren't yet known.

Water Resistance: If you're swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. This ensures continuous protection while you're in the water or active. Note that water-resistant sunscreens are labeled as effective for either 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

Consider your skin tone. A 2021 review on choosing sunscreen in communities of color points out that people with deeper skin tones still benefit from daily sun protection. If mineral formulas tend to leave a white cast, you could try a tinted mineral option. Tinted products contain iron oxides, which “may help support protection against visible light,” according to the authors of the review. Some people with melasma or dark spots may find this helpful for everyday protection.

How to Use Sunscreen Effectively

• Apply Generously and Evenly: Most people don’t use enough sunscreen. Apply a generous amount (around 1 ounce, or enough to fill a shot glass, is recommended for the entire body) and spread it evenly across all exposed skin. Don't forget often-missed spots like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet.

• Reapply Regularly: Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. Even water-resistant sunscreens lose their effectiveness over time.

• Check the Expiry Date: Sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time. Check the expiry date on your sunscreen bottle and replace it if it’s past its prime.

• Complement with Other Protective Measures: Sunscreen is essential for skincare, but it should be one part of a bigger sun protection plan. Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and seek shade during the peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

• Be Mindful of Application on Children: Children's skin is more sensitive, so choose a sunscreen specifically formulated for kids, which is often free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. For babies under six months, consult a pediatrician before using sunscreen.

Vitamin D concerns. Some folks forgo sunscreen use out of concern for their Vitamin D. However, according to a 2019 review titled Sunscreen Photoprotection and Vitamin D Status, regular use of sunscreen is unlikely to result in Vitamin D deficiency in most individuals.

If you’re worried, speak with your healthcare provider about whether you should test your Vitamin D level before beginning a supplement.

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