However, those seeking the safest products in the US market should look for physical, also known as “mineral,” sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. That's because “there are fewer concerns about absorption and safety”, says King.
Due to the health concerns associated with oxybenzone, EWG recommends consumers avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone. Octinoxate is a non-mineral UV filter.
Why You Shouldn't Wear Sunscreen Every Day. If you were to use sunscreen every day, your body would continuously absorb any chemicals it contains, potentially much faster than your body can filter and excrete them.
For day-to-day use, pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you spend time outdoors, choose a product with SPF 60 or greater. In reality, most people do not use as much sunscreen as they should, and this higher SPF helps compensate for the reduced application.
Blue Lizard is regarded as one of the best skincare brands when it comes to sun care — at one point, its products were only really available at dermatologists' offices.
Mineral sunscreens are generally well-tolerated by people with sensitive skin or those prone to skin allergies. They are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions compared to chemical sunscreens. “Since mineral sunscreens do not contain chemicals, they're preferred for use in children,” notes Dr.
Oxybenzone (BP-3) and octinoxate (OMC), two common sunscreen ingredients, were recently banned in Key West and Hawaii due to their toxic effects on marine ecosystems.
The popular sunscreen brands made by Neutrogena, Coppertone, and Banana Boat are all not recommended, according to dermatologists.
Both types of sun protection have their pros and cons. Sunscreens don't leave a white residue, but some of the ingredients may irritate skin. Sunblock doesn't have any chemical ingredients that can cause irritation. People with sensitive skin may tolerate sunblock better than sunscreen.
A: The Eucerin Sun Advanced Hydration SPF 50 contains chemical UV filters: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octosalate and Octocrylene.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen
Derms love this lotion for its broad-spectrum protection and fast-absorbing finish.
Use broad spectrum sunscreens with SPF values of 15 or higher regularly and as directed. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often if you're sweating or swimming.
First of all, you should choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If you want the highest protection, choose SPF 50+. If you're happy with a lower protection, use SPF30+. Don't forget to choose a sunscreen that's water resistant if you'll be swimming.
Mineral sunscreens (i.e., physical sunscreens) are safer than chemical sunscreens for your health and the planet. They contain the minerals titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which physically sit on the skin's surface (rather than penetrating the skin) and reflect or refract UV radiation from the skin.
What type of sunscreen is best? It doesn't really matter which brand of sunscreen you use as long as it contains the right ingredients. Sunscreen has two main types of ingredients: physical blockers (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and chemical blockers (avobenzone, oxybenzone and others).
Many cultures developed their own methods to keep their skin from burning, from pastes and lotions derived from ingredients found in nature, to special clothing that warded off the sun. It's fascinating to know how far we've come with sun protection, especially since nowadays, sunscreen is nearly invisible on the skin.