SUNSCREEN: NEVER GO A DAY WITHOUT IT
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. Regardless of the SPF number it is important to apply one ounce (two tablespoons) 30 minutes before going outside and to reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Let's break it down:
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
What does SPF mean anyway? SPF measures how well a sunscreen protects you from UVB rays. The SPF number tells you how long the sun's UV rays would take to burn your skin even when using the product exactly as directed. Choose a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 (ideally SPF 50) and reapply every two hours. Those of you with extremely fair skin or who are prone to burning may need to reapply more often.
Sunscreens that are > SPF 50 can be misleading because they provide only slightly (~1%) more protection than SPF 50. These higher SPFs can give you a false sense of security that you can spend more time in the sun, which increases your risk of a sunburn and skin cancer. You may also be less likely to reapply or to seek shade. No, you don't need to throw away your SPF 70 or SPF 100 that you have at home. Just be aware that it does not offer significantly more protection than an SPF 50. It is absolutely NOT TRUE that SPF 100 will provide you with double the protection of an SPF 50. Did you already learn way more about sunscreen than you ever thought you would? Great!
Broad-Spectrum
Look for the words "broad-spectrum" on the front of sunscreen products. These sunscreens will protect you from both UVB (burning) and UVA (aging) rays. Not only are you protecting yourself from sunburns and skin cancer (UVB), you are also decreasing the chance of collagen breakdown and hyperpigmentation formation (UVA). Remember that UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and glass so you are not protected on a cloudy day or in your car!
Water-Resistant
If you are likely to sweat or be exposed to water, you should choose sunscreens that say "water-resistant." There is no such thing as a completely waterproof sunscreen. If you read the word "waterproof" on a sunscreen, it is a misleading claim. The FDA has approved 80 minutes as the longest amount of time that your sunscreen will still work when in water or sweating. Not all sunscreens are water-resistant so be sure to read the claims on the front of the product! Water-resistant (80 minutes) is the gold standard, especially during the summer months when the UVB rays are stronger.
Physical/Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen
At the end of the day, the best sunscreen is the one you will wear consistently! However, there are pros and cons to both types of sunscreen.
Physical/mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin, creating a protective barrier that blocks and reflects UV rays, which offers more protection and lasts longer when compared to a chemical sunscreen. The ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide indicate a physical sunscreen. Pros include guaranteed broad-spectrum protection, less irritation to sensitive skin, less likely to clog the pores of acne-prone skin, and is preferred for post-procedure sunscreen application, such as after a microneedling treatment or a chemical peel. The cons are that it is more likely to leave a white cast and is harder to blend evenly into the skin, especially on darker skin tones. You may prefer a hybrid sunscreen (includes physical and chemical ingredients) to get the pros of physical sunscreens, with the benefit of chemical sunscreens being more cosmetically elegant.
Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin, captures UV rays, converts them into heat, then the heat is released by the skin. Common ingredient names include octisalate, oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, etc. The pros are that it's lightweight, easier to blend, and is more resistant to water or sweat. The cons are that it is more irritating to sensitive skin and around the eye area, and can exacerbate acne by clogging the pores. It also requires more frequent application when in direct sunlight.
"Reef-Safe"
Last, but not least, there is the debate on "reef-safe" sunscreens. However, the current science surrounding the possible threat of certain sunscreen ingredients to the environment is unclear, evolving, and far from being solved. The scientific evidence is not there yet to give us a definitive conclusion of sunscreen's impact to our coral reefs. This leaves consumers confused and concerned about what to believe.
The biggest point of confusion originates from studies that compare toxicity levels in labs vs areas of ocean water where people are wearing sunscreen. The labs tested the impact on coral with levels of the deemed "toxic" sunscreen ingredients that were 1,000 times higher than what you would find in the ocean. Thus, these two situations cannot be adequately compared as the lab specimens' levels of impact on coral was heavily swayed by the higher concentration of toxic ingredients. This does not mean that lower concentrations have zero effect on the environment at all, but the amount of impact is still pending.
PRO-TIP: SELECTING YOUR PERFECT SUNSCREEN
If you are concerned with the impact sunscreen may have on the environment, the two main ingredients to avoid are oxybenzone and octinoxate. Be aware that you cannot rely on brands claiming their sunscreens are "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly" because there is no government regulation behind these terms. This means that brands are not required to test their product on their impact to coral reefs. If you want to be REALLY safe, opt for a purely physical sunscreen that only includes the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
By Lauren Miehl, RN, LE, SLP
ATA Preferred Provider