The Best Sunscreen
Blue Lizard has reformulated its Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, our top pick. It now contains an aloe extract and the SPF booster butyloctyl salicylate, among other inactive ingredients. The active ingredients, zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (8%), remain the same.
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.
Due to the health concerns associated with oxybenzone, EWG recommends consumers avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone. Octinoxate is a non-mineral UV filter.
You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher. Reapplication. Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
When choosing a sunscreen, Dr. Silva advises looking for broad-spectrum protection, a minimum SPF of 30, mineral-based ingredients, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulations, water resistance, and a suitable texture.
Pharmaceutical grade sun care is typically found at a Doctor's office, skin care practice or medical spa. Over-the-counter sunscreens usually do not contain as many active ingredients as medical grade, with only the 70% pure ingredients required by the FDA.
Dermatologists recommend physical sunscreens, also called mineral sunscreens, for people with sensitive skin.
The highest SPF is 100 and blocks out 99% of UVB rays. But experts don't necessarily think SPF 100 sunscreen is the best choice. This is only slightly better than SPF 30 and 50 (which is blocks 98% of UVB rays).
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.
Choose the Right Sunscreen
Choosing an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30+ or 50+ is important. Make sure you read the label and check the ingredients and use-by date. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect against UVA/UVB rays. Opt for a water resistant sunscreen and reapply after swimming.
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.
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).
The popular sunscreen brands made by Neutrogena, Coppertone, and Banana Boat are all not recommended, according to dermatologists.
The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Limit exposure to the sun during these hours, even in winter and especially at higher altitudes. Do not burn. Sunburns significantly increase the lifetime risk of developing skin cancer, especially for children.
So it's prudent to choose sunscreens with lower concentrations of active ingredients, for example SPF 30 instead of SPF 70. The FDA has long contended that SPF higher than 50 is “inherently misleading.” SPF values are limited to 50+ in most countries. In 2011, the FDA proposed prohibiting labels higher than SPF 50+.
You should see a star rating of up to 5 stars on UK sunscreens. The higher the star rating, the better. The letters "UVA" inside a circle is a European marking. This means the UVA protection is at least a third of the SPF value and meets EU recommendations.
Earth Rhythm Ultra Defence Sunscreen SPF 50 for Daily Usage | PA++++,Non Sticky/Non Greasy, Leaves No White Cast | For Oily, Sensitive, Acne Prone or Dry Skin| Men & Women - 20 ml.