The sun is out! It’s essential to protect your skin from the dangers of the sun! But with so many products on the shelves, picking the right sunscreen can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you find the one that suits you best!
SPF 30, 50: which sunscreen should you choose?
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a product protects your skin from UVB rays—the main culprits behind sunburn. The SPF you choose depends on the level of protection you’re after.
What level of protection do different SPFs offer?
No sunscreen blocks 100% of UVB rays. We’ll spare you the math, but here’s a rough idea:
- SPF 15: blocks about 93% of UVB rays
- SPF 30: blocks about 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 50: blocks about 98% of UVB rays
How long can I stay in the sun?
Looking at those numbers, you might wonder if SPF 50 is even worth it. But it is! In fact, the SPF you choose multiplies the amount of time you can spend in the sun before burning.
Here’s a concrete example: if you have fair skin, you might burn after just 10 minutes in the sun. With SPF 30, that time is multiplied by 30—so you can theoretically stay out for 300 minutes, or 5 hours, without burning.
With SPF 50, that goes up to 500 minutes. And if your skin is naturally darker, you can stay even longer.
By the way, despite what some people think, wearing SPF 50 doesn’t mean you won’t tan. And if you’re looking for tips on how to tan without getting sunburnt, we’ve got you covered. But if you have fair skin and the sun’s blazing, SPF 50 is your best bet.
Lastly, go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays!
When should I reapply sunscreen?
Staying out for 5 hours is great, but don’t forget to reapply! Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or right after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Even if your sunscreen is water-resistant, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Tip: most people don’t use enough. For proper protection, you need 2 mg of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin—that’s about a teaspoon for your face and neck, and roughly 3 tablespoons for your whole body.
Ingredients to avoid in sunscreens
Some sunscreen ingredients may pose health or environmental risks. If you spot one of these in the ingredients on the package, you might want to avoid that cream!
1. Octocrylene
- Label name: 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate
- Can degrade into benzophenone, a potential carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. It’s also bioaccumulative and has been found in marine organisms—bad news for aquatic ecosystems.
2. Homosalate
- Label name: 2-hydroxybenzoate of 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl
- Suspected of disrupting estrogen and androgen hormones. Studies have even found it in blood plasma and breast milk, suggesting it gets absorbed into the body.
3. Avobenzone
- Label name: Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
- Effective against UVA rays, but breaks down quickly in sunlight, which reduces its effectiveness and may produce skin irritants.
4. Octinoxate
- Label name: Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
- Another suspected endocrine disruptor. It’s also harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
5. Oxybenzone
- Label name: Benzophenone-3
- Linked to allergic reactions and hormone disruption. Also known to bleach and damage coral reefs.
6. PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
- Label name: PABA
- Can cause allergic reactions and photosensitivity.
7. Enzacamene (4-MBC)
- Label name: 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
- Suspected to affect the thyroid and sex hormones. It’s restricted or banned in several countries and harmful to marine life.
Safer alternatives
Look for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are safe and effective. They work by reflecting UV rays instead of absorbing them. And if reading labels isn’t your thing, apps like Yuka can help you spot safe sunscreens quickly.
Sunscreen vs. tanning oil: What’s the difference?
These days, creams and oils offer similar UV protection—if they have the same SPF. The main difference is how they feel and look on your skin:
Sunscreen creams: thicker, usually leave a matte finish.
Tanning oils: easier to apply, leave a shiny finish.
Quick recap: How to choose the right sunscreen
When the sun’s out, sunscreen is a must to protect your skin. With this guide, you’ve got everything you need to make the right choice. And if you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your dermatologist!
Sources:
