Sunscreen Favorites:
The earliest memory of wearing sunscreen for myself would be around the age of six or seven. My mom was rubbing SPF 100 on my face, and all I could smell was coconuts.
Even though I did not like applying sunscreen as a child, I learned from a young age, that getting burned was way worse then having to reapply sunscreen.
Should everyone be wearing sunscreen?
YES! It does not matter what skin type, or skin tone. Everyone should protect their skin. Even on cloudy days or when you are indoors.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, recommends using at least SPF 30 for everyday activities, and SPF 50 for any outdoor activities.
What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreens?
A chemical sunscreen has ingredients that absorb the UV rays. While physical sunscreens use minerals that sit on the skin, and reflect away UV rays.
I would recommend both types of sunscreens, it just depends on what formula best suits your skin.
What is UVA and UVB protection?
These are the rays that come from the sun. The best way I describe them is the UVA- aging, and UVB- burn. UVA causes skin damage, along with aging and wrinkles. UVB causes sunburn and can irritate the skin.
What are the best sunscreen ingredients I should look for?
For a physical sunscreen, I would recommend Zinc Oxide. It protects your skin from UVB, UVA II, and UVA I. It is considered to have the broadest range sunscreen available. It is also non-irritating, and highly stable. Being a physical sunscreen, it does leave a white cast, so beware if you have a darker complexion, or are planning to take flash photos.
Another ingredient commonly used in sunscreens is Titanium Oxide. Being another physical sunscreen, it can help reflect UV rays from the skin. It has a a broad spectrum and is highly stable. It is non-irritating, and a safe profile. Though being a physical sunscreen ingredient, it can be difficult to get rid of the white cast it can give your face.
There are many other filters that help protect your skin from UV rays, but these are the two that have plenty of research, and I am still trying to learn more about filters and sun damage.
Sunscreen Recommendations:
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day (Broad Spectrum SPF50+)
This is a beautiful chemical sunscreen does not leave a white cast, and is lightweight so if you find you lean more on the oily skin side, I would recommend this sunscreen!
Sioris You Are My Shining Sunscreen (SPF 35/PA+++)
Containing Zinc Oxide, this physical sunscreen is simple, and is great for sensitive skin. I used this sunscreen daily when I was on my acne medication and it protected my skin while not irritating it.
Black Girl Sunscreen (Broad Spectrum SPF 30)
Oxybenzone and paraben free, and fragrance free, this sunscreen has been raved about for a while, and I am so glad I tried it. It is lightweight and easy for everyday wear. It is available at pretty much every store, making it really accessible and not too expensive. I like it does not leave my face with a slight white tint, and many of my friends who have darker complexions have found it is great to wear daily as it does not leave a white cast.
What is your favorite sunscreen at the moment?
Let me know what you learned on my social!
