Sun Safety WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SUNSCREEN

Before you head out to soak up some rays this summer, it’s important to make sure that you have a good sunscreen to protect your skin. Many people don’t realize, however, that there are many qualities to look at when it comes to choosing a sunscreen. Here are a few things to consider.

Is Your Sunscreen Broad Spectrum?

It’s important that you choose a sunscreen that is broad spectrum! What does that mean?

Broad spectrum sunscreens protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Both types of rays are harmful in their own ways. UVA rays can cause premature aging and potentially contribute to some skin cancer types while UVB rays can cause sunburns and a majority of skin cancer types. Given the negative effects of each type of ray, it’s good to pick a sunscreen that protects against both.

Is Your Sunscreen Water Resistant?

Sunscreens become less effective when they are exposed to water. That’s why if you’re planning to go swimming or hit the waves, it’s key to have a sunscreen that is water resistant, meaning it is formulated to make it more resistant to water for longer periods of time. Even with a water-resistant sunscreen, it’s important that you continue to reapply the sunscreen frequently, especially if in the water. The American Academy of Dermatology has recommendations for how frequently to reapply sunscreen in different scenarios.

Is Your Sunscreen Reef-friendly?

If you’re planning a trip to the beach, another factor to consider is whether your sunscreen is reef friendly! While the term “reef friendly” is not regulated, you can determine if a sunscreen is in fact reef friendly by checking out the ingredients. Savethereef.org has a guide that lists all the ingredients to avoid to protect our oceans!

Does Your Sunscreen Contain Harmful Ingredients?

While people have a range of opinions as to whether certain ingredients found in chemical sunscreens are okay to be put on the skin and thereby be absorbed by the body, it’s important to be aware. A quick online search can provide a lot of information on which ingredients to avoid and which to be concerned about. In general, however, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are “generally regarded as safe and effective” by the FDA even though they are not as effective at blocking out the sun’s rays compared to chemical sunscreens. Everyone should do their own research to determine which ingredients they are comfortable with so they can choose the proper sunscreen.