What to look for in a sunscreen and how to understand the label

As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, even though we recommend wearing SPF year round, protecting your skin from the sun becomes more important than ever. Sunscreen plays a crucial role in preventing sunburn, premature aging, and most importantly, skin cancer. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right sunscreen can be overwhelming. Here’s a guide on how to pick the best sunscreen and what to look for when making your choice.

The first thing to check when choosing sunscreen is whether it provides broad-spectrum protection. Broad-spectrum means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to aging and wrinkles, while UVB rays cause sunburn and play a significant role in developing skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures you’re protected from both types of harmful radiation. 

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the better the protection. For daily use, an SPF of at least 30 is recommended, as it blocks about 97% of UVB rays. If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors or in direct sunlight, you might want to choose an SPF 50 or higher for added protection. Keep in mind that no sunscreen provides 100% protection, so it's still important to practice other sun safety measures, such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.

Different skin types may require different kinds of sunscreen. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a sunscreen labeled as "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic." These formulas won’t clog your pores and will be less likely to contribute to breakouts. For dry skin, opt for sunscreens with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. These ingredients will help hydrate your skin while providing sun protection. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, you might want to look for a sunscreen that contains physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them, which can be gentler for sensitive skin. 

If you plan on swimming, sweating, or engaging in outdoor activities, it’s important to choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Water-resistant sunscreens will stay on longer in the water or while you sweat, offering continued protection. Keep in mind that no sunscreen is completely waterproof, so you’ll need to reapply after swimming or heavy sweating, even if the sunscreen is labeled water-resistant.

Sunscreens have an expiration date, and using sunscreen past its expiration can result in reduced effectiveness. Always check the packaging for an expiration date, and if the product has been sitting in your drawer for a while, it’s best to replace it.

Choosing the right sunscreen is essential to keeping your skin healthy and protected from harmful UV rays. By considering factors like broad-spectrum protection, SPF, skin type, and water resistance, you can find a sunscreen that suits your needs. Remember, sunscreen should be applied generously and reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Stay safe in the sun, and take care of your skin!