Summer is finally approaching, which means it’s time to fine-tune our sun care routines! We should all be wearing sunscreen every single day anyway (specifically mineral sunscreen), but since we usually get even more sun exposure in the summer months, it’s important to up the ante right about now! Is your desk located near a window? Do you go outside for an afternoon walk? Do you spend a lot of time driving around during the day? If so, you should be applying sunscreen in the morning every day (and possibly even reapplying more later in the day).
Here are the top three things I look for when choosing an SPF:
- INGREDIENTS: Opt for a mineral sunscreen
As with everything you put in or on your body, you should always take a look at the ingredient list. Mineral sunscreen is the gold standard because it sits on top of your skin and creates a physical barrier between you and the sun, and is less likely to be absorbed into your bloodstream through your pores, as opposed to chemical sunscreen. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Avoid ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone as these can be absorbed into the bloodstream and many of these are known hormone disrupters (source: ewg.org).
One of my favorite mineral sunscreen options for both face and body is CoTZ brand, which stands for “containing only titanium and zinc” because it has a super lightweight creamy consistency – almost whipped. It sits nicely under makeup, and the tinted option is great for no-makeup days!
2. THE SPF NUMBER: Choose SPF 30 or above
The American Cancer Society recommends a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. The higher your SPF the more protection from UVB rays you will receive. That being said, every increase from SPF 30 provides only a marginal increase in protection. On days I know I won’t have too much sun exposure, I often opt for Dermalogica’s Invisible Defense Physical Sunscreen. It has a nice creamy consistency and sits nicely on the skin. Pro tip: warm it up in your your hands a little bit before applying.
For days I know I will be in the sun a little bit more, I like to level up to SPF 50 at least on my face. One of the best face sunscreens is SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense. It comes in both tinted and untinted, and it’s super lightweight. It’s more of a fluid than a cream, and I think it sits on the skin very nicely, and particularly well underneath makeup.
3. UVA & UVB: Look for broad spectrum formulations
Most sunscreens protect against UVB rays which are the primary cause of sun damage and skin cancer, but not all sunscreens protect against UVA rays as well. Since UVA rays also contribute to cancer and premature aging, make sure you look for a sunscreen labeled as “broad spectrum” to cover all your bases (source: cancer.org).
Other tips:
- Make sure your sunscreen coverage extends to the hairline, around the eyes and lips, and to the neck/chest.
- Apply your sunscreen in two layers to make sure you cover any commonly missed spots.
- When driving long distances or on a sunny day, put sunscreen on the backs of your hands too!
- Sunglasses and hats make great additional layers of physical protection when spending a lot of time in the sun.
Shop my favorite mineral sunscreens here:
For more on skincare, check out 6 Product Picks: My Skincare Revival
Love this! Perfect timing!