Sunscreen Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

Choosing the best sunscreen for your skin type, geographic location, and outdoor activities is important. But with so many brands and options, how do you choose the best sunscreen for you?

Protecting yourself against ultraviolet (UV) radiation is critical to maintaining your health and preventing skin cancer. The best way to do so is to stay out of the sun—but you can’t stay inside all the time.

When you do venture out, no matter the season or time of day, wearing sunscreen is important to stop premature aging and lower the risk of developing skin cancer.

Unfortunately, medically sound information about sunscreen can be hard to come by. With all the marketing and misinformation, it can be difficult to choose the best sunscreen for you. In choosing the right sunscreen, it helps to understand some basic principles about how sunscreen does its job.

There are two ways in which sunscreen work to protect your skin from UV rays:

• Reflection. Some sunscreens form a reflective layer on top of your skin that scatters UV rays away from your body.
• Absorption. Some sunscreens absorb UV rays, stopping them before they make contact with your skin.

All sunscreens, no matter which method of protection they employ or how effective they are at employing it, provide only partial protection from UV radiation—some radiation will always get through. For this reason, marketers are no longer allowed to refer to products as “sunblock.”

There are two types of UV radiation that can damage skin—ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB).

UVA radiation penetrates your skin to the deepest layer. UVA rays don’t cause sunburns, but are responsible for a suntan. For a while, it was believed that UVA rays did not play a role in causing skin cancer, although many doctors now believe this to be untrue. We do know, however, that UVA causes signs of aging, such as wrinkles.

UVB radiation only penetrates the top layer of skin, but is more dangerous. It causes sunburns and is most associated with skin cancer.

SPF is a scale designed to rate the level of protection a sunscreen provides against UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection the wearer has against sunburns. SPF does not protect against UVA rays.

SPF Benchmarks:

• Low protection – SPF 2 through 11
• Moderate protection – SPF 12 through 29
• High protection – SPF 30 or higher

Most doctors believe that there is little additional value to any SPF rating above 30.

Despite the fact that doctors are unsure about the role UVA plays in the development of skin cancer, most recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, safeguarding against sunburns, skin cancer, and premature aging.

Factors to consider when buying sunscreen:

The best sunscreen is the one you use consistently—period. Here are some sunscreen options to get protection outside:

• Lotions are a tried-and-true type of sunscreen that may offer deeper protection because you have to rub it in.
• Gels are similar to lotions and must be rubbed in, but they have a less creamy formula. They are great for those with oily skin or those exercising outdoors who want to avoid greasy lotions.
• Sprays are easy to apply, especially for your kids. However, you should make sure to apply enough, otherwise you will be exposed to the sun. Experts recommend up to six seconds of spraying to correctly apply it.
• Sticks are a mess-free sunscreen that looks like deodorant. Like spray, it may not offer as strong protection because its thick consistency makes it difficult to rub in. For this reason, sticks are ideal for covering sensitive areas such as your face, nose, ears, etc.

While you can’t go wrong with lotion sunscreen, you may consider any of these options depending on your skin needs and habits.

When buying sunscreen, you should also consider the formula. Most sunscreens on the market today are chemical-based, but there are also mineral or zinc-based options available.

Sunscreens made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide aren’t absorbed into the skin. Instead, these sunscreens sit on the skin and act as a protective shield. This may be less irritating to the skin, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin and/or young infants.

Remember that zinc-based sunscreens have a chalky or powdery texture. If you see an “invisible” zinc-based sunscreen on the shelf, it’s likely a hybrid option. Be sure to check the label to find out if it’s a purely zinc-based option.

Generally speaking, the skin on your face, nose, ears and scalp are more sensitive. You might consider getting a sunscreen to use specifically on your face, in addition to one for your body. Sunscreens designed for facial skin are typically lighter and less oily.

Of course, you can use regular sunscreen on your face to stay protected. The worst that can happen is that you may get breakouts or greasy skin. However, if you want to keep your skin hydrated, it can’t hurt to buy a facial sunscreen to accompany your regular bottle.

If you’re currently undergoing radiation therapy, you should be especially cautious about protecting your skin, as it may be quite sensitive. In fact, the area receiving radiation therapy may already be burned from treatment. That’s why it’s important to cover up this area and protect your skin overall.

It’s best to avoid direct sunlight, though you don’t have to sit inside all day. You can stay protected by sitting under a sun umbrella (UV-blocking is best) or using protective clothing such as a wrap or a sunhat.

No matter what, you should always wear sunscreen when you’re outdoors or exposed to sunlight. Zinc-based sunscreen is a good option, as it’s gentle on sensitive skin and easier to rub in than traditional sunscreens.

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. If you plan to be outside between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., or live near the equator, or have fair skin, your minimum SPF should be 30.
• Make sure to apply the sunscreen a half hour before sun exposure.
• Make sure to put on enough. For most people, this means applying a minimum of one ounce or around three tablespoons.
• Reapply your sunscreen! Once a day is not enough. Most doctors suggest putting on sunscreen every two hours. If you are swimming or being physically active, reapply more frequently.
• Check the expiration date. Sunscreen becomes less effective over time.
• Wear clothing with a UVP (ultraviolet protection) on the label. Some manufacturers create clothing that has been designed or chemically treated to offer higher
• Wear UV resistant sunglasses. The eyes are also susceptible to damage from the sun, including melanoma.
• Wear a visor or hat with a wide brim.