Unlocking the Secrets to Sun Cream.
In the realm of skincare, few steps are as vital as sun protection. It's like the knight in shining armour, defending your skin against the relentless dragon of harmful UV rays. We’ve all experienced the pain of being sunburnt over our forehead or nose. Or even if you’re gifted with skin that doesn’t tend to burn preventing damage to your skin is still of the upmost importance. But in the quest for the perfect sun cream, the choices can be completely overwhelming and there’s a few things you should definitely consider. We're about to demystify the art of choosing the right sun cream for you with a few simple tips.
The SPF Mystery
First things first, let's unravel the SPF mystery. In a surprising twist, a study conducted in 2022 found that many sunscreens had lower SPF numbers than they claimed on their labels. Some labeled as SPF 30 were as low as SPF 12-13.1 It's like ordering a large coffee and getting a small instead. But here's the kicker: it's not just about the SPF number. Protecting your skin isn't just about avoiding sunburn; it's about safeguarding against the more sinister UVA rays, which can cause skin cancers and premature aging. The term "broad-spectrum" sounds great, but in reality, some sunscreens offered less UVA protection than implied. So, it’s become even more essential to understand what’s in your sun cream and things to look out for when buying one to guarantee that necessary protection.
Mineral vs. Chemical
Now, there’s a few active ingredients you need to be aware of in your skin cream. Sun creans can be divided into two camps: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens use naturally-occurring minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to shield your skin. On the flip side, chemical sunscreens rely on synthetic compounds.
Here's where things get interesting. Some chemical UV filters are soluble, meaning they can penetrate your skin and have even been detected in human blood, urine, and breast milk. In specific cases, they’ve been linked to hormonal disruption, and no one needs that in their life. On the other hand, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the main players in mineral sunscreens, remain on your skin's surface, offering protection without the potential hormone havoc.
Cracking the SPF Code
SPF is a bit like a secret code that unlocks the level of sun protection you'll get. For every 1% of active ingredient, you get a specific number of SPF units. If you see 1% zinc oxide, that translates to 1.6 SPF units, while 1% titanium dioxide gives you 2.6 SPF units.
0-25% zinc oxide: You can rely solely on zinc oxide for extensive UVA and UVB protection. For SPF 30, aim for at least 20%, up to the maximum allowable 25%.
15-20% zinc oxide + >5% titanium dioxide: Alternatively, look for formulas with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. To hit SPF 30 with sufficient UVA protection, go for 15% zinc oxide with at least 5% titanium dioxide.
Not all ingredients are created equal. Butyloctyl salicylate and tridecyl salicylate, known as "SPF boosters," might make the numbers look good on the label, but they're best left off your skin. They can be unsafe in high concentrations, so be a little wary of these ingredients.
Mineral vs. Chemical: The Showdown
Mineral Sunscreen: Often called "physical" or "natural," mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect your skin. They stay on the skin's surface, are photostable (meaning they don't break down in UV light), and can be soothing for acne-prone skin.
Chemical Sunscreen: Sometimes dubbed "organic" (even though they're far from natural), chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays before they can harm your skin. They're lightweight and elegant but can have texture issues. Some, like oxybenzone, aren't "reef-safe," but more research is needed on their impact on oceans. When scouting sunscreens, steer clear of added fragrances, chemicals, and dyes. Keep an eye out for products with these ingredients, known to be problematic in high concentrations:
Avobenzone / Octinoxate / Homosalate / Octisalate / Oxybenzone
Now that we've armed you with sun-smart knowledge, here are a few recommendations to get you started:
Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30: A lotion with a blend of active ingredients and SPF 30 protection.
COOLA Organic Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 30: A lotion with a mix of active ingredients and SPF 46.
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35: A gel with SPF 35 and a unique ingredient list.
Remember, your skin deserves the utmost care and protection. By making sure you’re protecting your skin, you’re making sure any of the products you use, whether its three or eight, can work properly and you avoid any burn or sun damage. Sunscreen isn't just a beauty product; it's a self-care essential. So, pick wisely, wear it daily, and let your skin bask in the warm glow of self-love.
