Sunscreen Overview
What sunscreen should I use?
Sunscreens can be complicated, so let’s simplify it. There are two main ways to group sunscreens: 1) SPF and 2) type of blocker.
SPF:
First, the SPF tells you how well the sunscreen protects you from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. A higher SPF does provide more protection, but a high SPF doesn’t mean you are protected all day. Reapplying sunscreen every 1.5 to 2 hours is very important. I find that the spray sunscreens are easier (especially for kids) to reapply. Spray sunscreens may not provide as thorough of coverage as lotions, but if you don’t reapply the lotion, then it isn’t helping at all. An SPF of 30 or more is usually fine; however, in sunny or high-altitude areas, like Utah, an SPF of 50 or more is needed.
Type of blocker:
Second, there are two main types of blockers in sunscreens: 1) physical blockers and 2) chemical blockers. Physical blockers (also called mineral blockers) are either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (just remember zinc or titanium when looking for these as active ingredients). Physical blockers tend to be harder to rub into the skin (think of the white sunscreen on a lifeguard’s nose); however, these block the sun’s rays immediately. These minerals do not really cause allergic reactions, so they are commonly the active ingredients in “sensitive skin” and “baby” sunscreens. Physical blocker sunscreens are usually the recommended sunscreens for kids.
NOTE: You shouldn’t get a sunscreen labeled specifically for kids or babies. I don’t think the difference between these and a regular skin product justifies the higher price.
Great physical blockers:
All other active sunscreen ingredients are chemical blockers. They work by being absorbed into the skin and this process takes 20-30 minutes before they start working. No one I know puts sunscreen on indoors and then waits 20-30 minutes before going outside – most people are already outside by the pool, beach, or trail when they start applying sunscreen, so the sun is damaging their skin for 20-30 minutes before the chemical sunscreen starts working. Some chemical blockers can cause allergic reactions, and some are banned in Hawaii for destroying the coral reefs. However, they are often less expensive.
Great CHEMICAL blockers:
European Sunscreens:
Sadly, Europe is far ahead of the US in developing new sunscreens. Europe classifies sunscreen ingredients as cosmetics, and the US classifies them as medications. So, the newest sunscreen ingredient was approved in the US nearly 20 years ago.
Two key sunscreen ingredients (TRIAZINE and TRIAZONE) are in nearly all European sunscreens because they 1) rub into the skin much easier, 2) do not leave a film, and 3) last longer without needing to reapply. I recently bought several sunscreens in Amsterdam – all of them (even the $2 store brand) are nicer and work better than any sunscreen I have tried in the US. I have not found an affordable way to get European sunscreens to the US (high shipping costs). If you have any friends, family, or neighbors going to Europe, give them $30 or so and ask them to pick you up a couple of sunscreen bottles from a local drugstore or the airport. My favorite has been La Roche-Posay Anthelios Milk SPF 50+ Eco Tube, but make sure it has TRIAZINE and TRIAZONE in the ingredient list.
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