![]() ![]() ![]() Whether you choose a chemical or mineral sunscreen, make sure you check the label to see what the product offers and how it will perform, and as always, it’s a good idea to talk with a dermatologist or other trusted healthcare provider before making your selection. Chemical filters are more common culprits of irritation and allergy to sunscreen,” he says. “Mineral sunblocks are also less irritating. Rossi, who advises against using sunscreens with parabens, prefers mineral sunscreens, which have historically been known as sunblock. “These are more likely to cause allergic contact reactions.” Dr. “If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid chemical sunscreens which contain avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and octyl salicylate,” Dr. The ultimate goal is to find a sunscreen you’ll use everyday and that best protects your specific skin type. While they can be highly protective, the AAD notes that mineral sunscreens are more likely to leave a white residue, unless you grab one that’s tinted. Mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, sits on top of the skin and typically contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. However, some recent research and studies suggest that exposure to oxybenzone and avobenzone may not be good for children or those who are pregnant. Because they glide on easily and don’t tend to leave a white residue behind, they can be a popular choice among shoppers. According to the AAD, chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays “like a sponge” while mineral sunscreens deflect the sun’s rays like a shield.Ĭhemical versions are absorbed into the skin and typically contain one or more of these active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. There’s also more than one type out there: chemical or mineral (also known as physical) sunscreen. Chemical Sunscreens: What’s the Difference?īeyond SPF, it's important to also turn a critical eye toward what’s actually in your sunscreen, because some have better ingredients than others. “You should store sunscreen in a cool place so the formulation doesn’t overheat,” Dr. However, both experts note that how you store it can impact its effectiveness over time. This is in accordance with the FDA, which mandates that all sunscreens have a three-year shelf life. ![]() “On average, three years purchasing," he adds. Just make sure you’re paying attention to the expiration date on that bottle. Lal says that one shot glass worth of sunscreen should be enough to cover your whole body and get adequate protection. “This is also predicated on reapplying every two hours and applying a thick and even coat of sun protection on the skin.”īut when you’re putting it on, is there such thing as too little-or too much? Dr. Rossi backs this up: “The SPF should be at least 25 30,” he tells Mental Floss, although he stresses that SPF 30 or above is best. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes on their website that you should select a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum-meaning ultraviolet A (UVA) and UVB-protection, contains an SPF of 30 or higher, and is water-resistant. Dr. Rossi DERM MD, says that SPF is the “ratio of equivalent exposure by protected compared with unprotected skin.” Anthony Rossi, a board-certified dermatologist at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and founder of Dr. When it comes to sunscreen, most folks know it’s important to think about SPF, which stands for sun protection factor. ![]() With that in mind, we asked experts to shine a light on what you should (and should not) be looking for when you’re shopping for the best sunscreen. So what’s the average person to do? Slathering your skin with sunscreen is a good step, but given the plethora of products on the market today, it can be tough to narrow down what the best options are. He also notes that another reason to wear sunscreen daily is that UV radiation contributes to photoaging, which over time can degrade collagen and elastin in skin, and potentially lead to the development of brown spots and broken blood vessels. Karan Lal, a board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona, tells Mental Floss. “Every burn significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer,” Dr. You may even be surprised to learn that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. While we often associate sunscreen with summer days at the beach, most experts agree that you should be protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet ( UV) rays year-round.Įven on days dotted with cloudy skies, up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can penetrate your skin. ![]()
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