SUNSCREEN 101 / all YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS!

SUNSCREEN

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If you don’t know by now, I’m a sunscreen pyscho. I’ve even purchased THIS HAT for when I run outside…. but I’ve been too embarrassed to wear it more than a couple times. I wear sunscreen day AND night. Even the UV rays given off by computer screens and overhead lights have me spooked!

I’ve had people ask me, “What about vitamin D, Jenna?” I know it’s important. Vitamin D helps with mood regulation, melatonin production, and probably a ton of other key body functions. But when I look at the inside of my wrist vs. the skin on my arm, it’s hard not to be scared of the damage the UV rays can do. I’ve comforted myself with the thought that no sunscreen is 100% effective, so hopefully enough is slipping through for my vitamin D levels. Plus, doesn’t skin cancer freak you out!?

Here’s the deal: prevention works WAY better than any skin cream, peel, or treatment you can do including retinol, antioxidants, anything! So, I think of sunscreen as my first line of defense in my quest to fight aging and skin damage. Not to mention avoiding melanoma which my own family members have had.

CHEMICAL VS. MINERAL SUNSCREEN

I asked all of you last week for your favorite sunscreens and will post the results here. A few words on chemical vs. mineral sunscreens. Mineral-based sunblock uses physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. Both of  these form an actual barrier on your skin and reflect both UVA and UVB rays. If possible I always look for sunscreens that contain one of these two ingredients.

Chemical sunscreens can contain the most irritating ingredients in all skincare. They also degrade in sunlight so you have to continuously reapply those ingredients to protect you skin. And irritating ingredients can lead to inflammation which will cause skin damage and aging just as much as the sun! Here are the ingredients to AVOID in chemical sunscreens: oxybenzone, avobenzone, and retinyl palmitate. Studies on these chemicals are alarming, especially for a product we’re supposed to use daily. For example, oxybenzone has been linked to endometriosis, poor sperm quality, skin allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage. A study published in Chemosphere found that though avobenzone is generally safe on its own, when the molecules interact with chlorine and UV radiation it breaks down into compounds called phenols and acetyl benzens which are incredibly toxic. Yikes

SPRAY SUNSCREEN

It might be more of a hassle to put on, but overall you’re better off sticking to lotion. The nanoparticles in spray sunscreen could cause lung damage if inhaled. Plus even after spraying it on, most brands still need to be rubbed in to work effectively. If you spray and skip the rubbing, you’re at high risk for burning

A FEW MORE PRO TIPS

Apply mineral sunscreen on 15 to 20 minutes before going outside to ensure you have an even film across your skin once you hit the sun.

Apply chemical sunscreens 20-30 minutes before going outside to allow your skin to fully absorb them.

If you have sensitive skin, look for bottles labeled for kids or babies. They often contain less potentially irritating ingredients.

Anything over SPF 30 is an exaggeration.

Once a day sunscreen is NOT ENOUGH! For best protection, reapply every 2-3 hours.

Car windows DO NOT block UVA rays! Invest in something like THIS to protect yourself and your babies.

Even if a sunscreen says it’s “water-proof” it only lasts about 40 minutes in the water. You MUST reapply.

Please don’t use spray on your face. Use a cream you can rub in and apply with your hands. Spray never seems to do the job right on faces. Kids move around and it’s so irritating on eyes.

Look into SPF clothing… especially if you or your children have exceptionally fair skin. SPF clothing protects from 100% of all UV rays. I love the hats.

Here are a few recommended mineral-based sunblocks

Ursa Major Force Field Daily Defense Lotion with SPF 18

CoTZ SPF 40 UVB/UVA Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+, 5 Oz. (this one is great on kids… lasts hours at the pool! Kind of hard to rub in though.)

CeraVe Baby Sunscreen SPF 45

I know this was super long! But as you can tell I’m pretty passionate about sun protection. And once I got started on this topic I just couldn’t stop. If you want to read more this is a great article on UVA, UVB, SPF, and all the other acronyms related to sunscreen. You probably already know most of it though. In general people tend to apply far less than the recommended amount. They think putting on SPF 50 will be all they need since they would never stay in the sun for 50 hours. Anyway, this article breaks down what all that really means if you’re looking for more detailed information on how to choose a sunscreen. More good info is available here from the American Academy of Dermatology.

the SUNSCREEN LIST FROM ALL OF YOU! I linked up the ones I could find.

(in order of most recommended) (top 20)

ELTA MD for face (had over 50 votes!) I’m definitely ordering this one!

OBAGI SUNSHIELD MATTE SPF 50 – great for melasma a lot of you mentioned! This caught my attention & I want to try.

SKIN CEUTICALS PHYSICAL MATTE SPF 50 – I love this stuff and have used it for years.

NEUTROGENA SHEER ZINC FACE

SUPER GOOP UNSEEN SUNSCREEN – I was happy to see this on here. I carry this tub around with me all summer and chase my kids around to re-apply!

MyChelle – found at Whole Foods, really clean sunscreen. I have plans to grab this next time I’m at Whole Foods.

Color Science Powder – I love this too!

Murad Oil control Matte for face

Beauty Counter for body – 20 votes for this. I’ve never used this. Have you?

PCA SKIN 

Origins

Vanicream Sunscreen – sold at drugstores

Coola

Ursa Major Force Field Daily Defense Lotion with SPF 18

SkinMedica UV defense

CeraVe Baby Sunscreen SPF 45

Rodan & Fields for body and face

Young Living

Alastin Hydratint

More summer posts here-

Summer Vibes with Macy’s

Summer Staples + My Basket Bag

Happy SPF-ing!