After a long winter, the first 70-degree sunny day can make you feel like you’re waking up from hibernation—and it’s tough to resist being outside. But before you leave the house, take a moment to remember your need for sunscreen. Caring for your skin isn’t a practice you should limit to days on the beach or at the pool; it’s important any time you’re going to be out in the sun for a long period of time.
But not all sunscreen is the same, and all the lingo on the labels make it difficult to differentiate between all the options. More importantly, there’s been some talk lately that some of the chemicals in sunscreen aren’t so good for your skin after all.
Why sunscreen?
Sunscreen, sun lotion, sunblock…this topical product goes by many different names (there’s a slight difference between sunscreen and sunblock, but more on that later—for now, just assume we’re using them interchangeably). It protects from sunburn, skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, and other risks of overexposure, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Sunscreen varies in its effectiveness because some products are made for broad spectrum protection while others are not, and each product has its own sun protection factor, better known as an SPF, expressed as a numeral. Broad spectrum protection is important because it screens your skin against both types of ultraviolent light: ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB).
The Skin Cancer Foundation explains that both types of UV rays are harmful but in slightly different ways. UVB rays are the ones that cause skin burning whereas UVA rays tend to cause aging. Both can wreak damage on the DNA in skin cells, leading to skin cancer.
When you see the SPF number on a bottle of sunscreen, you’re seeing how much ultraviolent radiation exposure is needed to get a sunburn when you’re wearing that product. Basically, the higher the SPF, the more protected you are and the more sunshine it takes to damage your skin. Everyone should use a product with an SPF of at least 15, but people with fair skin who are prone to burning should go higher and choose between 30 and 50.
Remember that there’s no such thing as waterproof sunscreen, only water-resistant sunscreen. Read the label to see how long after swimming or excessive sweating the sunscreen will remain effective and reapply as necessary.
What are the types of sunscreen?
Now, what’s the difference between sunscreen and sunblock? If you’re going to get technical, sunscreen is often described as what’s known as chemical protection and is made with organic ingredients. On the other hand, sunblock is a mineral protection and is made with inorganic ingredients.
Organic ingredients used in sunscreen include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate, all of which rub into the skin and absorb the rays.
Inorganic ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which sit on the surface of your skin and deflect the rays. Inorganic ingredients are the ideal option for people with sensitive skin, but because they don’t rub into skin the way chemical sunscreens do, they leave a white residue.
Is sunscreen bad for me?
Ah, the scary question: Is something that’s supposed to be good for me actually bad for me? Last year, the Food and Drug Administration proposed a rule that manufacturers must provide more data about the safety of sunscreen ingredients.
This is because the FDA found evidence that some ingredients in sunscreen may be absorbed via the skin into the body, and that research is needed to determine what consequences this might have. So far, the FDA’s rule deems titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as generally recognized as safe, but information is still being sought on the ingredients ensulizole, octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, oxybenzone, and avobenzone. The FDA has ruled PABA and tolamine salicylate are not safe, but these ingredients are not used in any products legally sold in the United States.
This rule from the FDA makes some people a little wary, but experts agree that sunscreen does more good than it does harm. The American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes that scientific evidence supports the use of sunscreen and any claims that the ingredients are toxic are unproven. Those who still have concerns should opt for a mineral-based block with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discourages people from trying to DIY their own sunscreen, which has become a growing trend but does not offer the same protection as FDA-regulated products.
What are some other sun safety tips?
You might know sunscreen is good for you, but have you ever wondered whether you’re applying it correctly? Dermatologists recommend putting on sunscreen 15 minutes before you head out in the sun and using about 1 fluid ounce to cover your entire body from head to toe. Be diligent about getting those easy-to-miss places like the back of your neck, your hairline, your ears, and the tops of your feet. Re-apply every two hours.
Extra measures of precaution include limiting your time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is its most intense. Wear clothing and accessories that will cover your skin from the sun: long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sunglasses, and brimmed hats.
If you’re being responsible in your sun exposure, be sure to share what you’re doing and motivate others to do the same. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages posting photos to social media with the hashtag #SunSafeSelfie as a way of raising awareness.
And if you do suffer a sunburn? Take a cool bath to reduce the heat, moisturize to ease the dryness, and take an aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce the swelling, redness, and discomfort.
