You know you need sunscreen to protect your skin from skin damage, cancer and premature aging. You know the importance of using an SPF of 30+, reapplying at least every two hours and using a full spectrum sunscreen for both UVA and UVB rays.
But how do you choose the best product and what else should you prioritize?
There are sunscreens with mineral ingredients or chemical ingredients (and some with both). Minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sit on the surface reflecting rays like a shield while chemicals like Avobenzone and Octisalate absorb rays.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a great resource. Their team of toxicologists, chemists, and epidemiologists conducts rigorous independent testing on sunscreen products. As a result, they recommend mineral based products due to their findings that chemical based sunscreens are linked to hormone disruption and ingredient instability in the sun.
It is also recommended to use lotions and sticks over sprays and to avoid fragrances. The EWS also cautions against the use of any skin products with Vitamin A due to its potential to increase the risk of cancer when combined with sun exposure.
In addition to the different ways sunscreen interacts with your skin, there is also environmental factors to consider. Certain chemical sunscreens have had a noticeable negative impact on coral reefs. This is caused when chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate are washed off in the ocean and results in coral reef bleaching, abnormal plant and animal growth, and sometimes death from increased exposure. Mineral sunscreen, in comparison, is certified reef safe because the ingredients are found in nature. Making the switch can be a small part of helping preserve the world’s natural beauty.
In 2023, the group introduced EWG Verified sunscreens. Any products on this list have met strict standards for safety, ingredient transparency and effectiveness. We personally carry the Badger brand mineral sunscreen in store, but you can access the list here.
Be an informed sunscreen consumer and read labels carefully. Once you find the right fit, apply liberally and frequently and take consistent shelter from the sun!