Sunscreen is an essential step of any skincare routine. Whether you receive direct sun exposure from stepping outdoors during the day, or even if you work indoors, you should apply sunscreen daily to avoid blisters from sunburn. That said, this simple step can get a little complicated. With so many sunscreen options available, how do you know which one is the best sunscreen for your skin?
Like many skincare products, sunscreen comes in a range of types, formulas, and purposes. To help you find the sunscreen you need, you’ll need to explore this spectrum world of SPF. Keep reading to learn about the top types of sunscreen, from mineral formulas to body sprays.
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Sunscreen 101: What is SPF?
Before diving into all types of sunscreen, it's essential to understand just what sunscreen even does—and that comes down to UV light and SPF.
Consider UV rays (or ultraviolet rays) from the sun as your skin’s rival in its superhero movie. Unprotected UV exposure is responsible for 90% of visible changes to the skin, as well as the top cause of skin cancer [1]. And when lying under the hot sun, it can take as little as five minutes for your unprotected skin to feel the damage [2].
While invisible to the naked eye, UV rays are broken down into two types [3]:
- UVB rays, which create visible sunburn and burn the top epidermis layer
- UVA rays, which damage your deep epidermis layers and potentially cause skin cancer
Luckily, you can shield skin from the brunt of harm caused by both types of UV rays, all through the power of SPF.
Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, measures a sunscreen’s ability to block UV rays [4]. Essentially, each SPF number signals the difference in UV radiation exposure it would take to produce a burn on protected vs. unprotected skin. The higher the SPF value, the more UV exposure it would take to damage our sensitive skin.
A common misconception, SPF does not relate to the amount of time your skin is protected from UV rays. A sunscreen with SPF 15 will protect skin for different lengths of time under different circumstances, all depending on the following factors [5]:
- Skin pigmentation
- Amount of sunscreen applied
- Reapplication frequency
- Time of day
- Seasonal changes
- Ozone layer protection
For example, a fair-skinned person swimming under the sun at 2:00 pm will require a higher SPF than a darker-skinned person walking outdoors at 5:30 pm. Why so? The former person is more susceptible to UV rays and exposed to stronger UV rays.
So what SPF should you use? Always stick with a higher SPF. Experts recommend using SPF 30 or higher when enjoying time outdoors [6].
Sunscreen Formulas: Physical vs. Chemical
When it comes to sunscreen, the formula you choose can make or break the level of UVA protection you get—and that comes down to physical or chemical formulas.
Understanding the differences between these two formulas will help you stay damage-free under the sun. We have an in-depth guide on the differences between a mineral vs. chemical sunscreen, but check out the high-level breakdown for key takeaways.
#1 Physical Sunscreens
Also known as mineral or inorganic sunscreens, physical sunscreens work like a shield on your skin's surface. Every physical sunscreen uses natural minerals, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, that physically repel UV rays from your skin [7].
The result? Immediate protection when applied. Physical sunscreens get to work the second they sit on the skin, making them perfect for instant use. Additionally, physical sunscreens offer these benefits:
- Broad-spectrum protection – Physical sunscreens offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This is beneficial because it is safeguarding your skin from sunburn, premature aging, and cancer risk.
- Sensitive-skin approved – Since physical sunscreens sit on top of your skin barrier, they are less likely to cause irritation and acne, making them suitable for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- Proactivity – Typically, physical sunscreens endure water and sweat better than other formulas, thanks to their thicker texture.
The primary drawback noted about physical sunscreens is their “whitecast,” or white sheen they leave on the skin, which may not gel with the ideal vacation or makeup appearance.
#2 Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens work differently from physical sunscreens by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released from your skin. These sunscreens contain organic compounds like avobenzone and oxybenzone, which actively interact with your skin to provide this protection [8].
A newer option on the market, chemical sunscreens offer a range of advantages such as:
- Easy application – Chemical sunscreens are typically lighter and spread more easily on the skin, making them a preferred choice for everyday use or reapplication.
- Light texture – Due to their lighter formula, chemical sunscreens can easily spread under makeup and are less likely to clog pores.
- No whitecast – Chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin, which means they are less likely to leave a visible white cast on the surface.
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Sunscreen Products: Stick, Lotion, and Spray
Walk down the drugstore aisle, and you’ll be barraged with a million different sunscreen products. How to choose between a stick, a lotion, or a spray?
In short, there’s no “wrong” sunscreen product. Every sunscreen type offers unique advantages to those wanting to minimize sun damage while venturing outdoors. Let's explore what each texture brings to the UV-blocking table:
#3 Sunscreen Lotions
As the “classic” sunscreen form, lotions are a popular choice for their variety and spreadability. Varying from lightweight to ultra-rich, lotion sunscreens can suit all skin types while providing moisture.
#4 Sunscreen Spray
A newer product, sunscreen sprays are quick, non-greasy, and convenient. These aerosol sprays finely mist your skin with SPF, making them perfect for instant reapplication across the entire body. If you’re curious to learn about the efficacy of a sunscreen spray vs lotion, it essentially boils down to the sunscreen ingredients and application.
#5 Sunscreen Sticks
When liquid formulas aren’t an option, a sunscreen stick is your best friend. These compact and solid sunscreen products are incredibly convenient and mess-free, making them useful for travel, on-the-go application, and protecting small areas.
Sunscreen Application: Body vs. Face
Sunscreen application isn’t a one-size-fits-all activity. The skin on your body and face has different needs, quantities, and sensitivities—and so should your sunscreen for each area.
To ensure maximum and holistic sun protection, it’s important to know what your body and face individually need from their sunscreen.
#6 Sunscreen for the Body
Compared to your face, your body's skin is generally thicker and less sensitive [9]. Not to mention, there’s way more skin to protect against harmful UV rays. This means you'll need sunscreen that provides broad coverage without feeling heavy or greasy (so you don’t get that slick or sticky feeling).
When picking a body sunscreen, consider looking for these qualities [10]:
- Broad-spectrum (blocks both UVA and UVB rays)
- Water-resistance
- Easy spreadability (either a lotion or spray product(
- SPF 30 minimum
- Large quantity
#7 Sunscreen for the Face
For many people, facial skin is more delicate and sensitive than body skin. That makes your facial sunscreen selection a little more of a delicate dance. Sunscreen for the face should offer effective UVA protection while also being gentle and non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog your pores).
When choosing a day moisturizer with SPF, try to seek these qualities [11]:
- Facial-specific products (as marked on the package)
- Non-comedogenic formulas
- SPF 30 minimum
- Precise and easy application (either a small lotion bottle, a spray, or a stick)
- Makeup-friendly (if desired)
- Lips, ears, and eye area coverage
Protect Your Skin With PROVEN
Sun protection is not just a skincare buzzword; it's an absolute essential. From head to toe, every part of your body deserves the best sunblock. By understanding just what your skin needs for total sun protection, you can confidently face UVA and UVB rays.
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At PROVEN Skincare, we take pride in crafting personalized regimens that target your unique skin concerns through the power of natural ingredients: zero harsh chemicals, preservatives, or filler ingredients. With just a gentle facial cleanser, a day moisturizer with SPF, and a rejuvenating night cream, you can put your best face forward.
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