Sun Protection
protecting your skin from harmful sunrays
While we need the vitamin D we get naturally from the sun, too much exposure can not only lead to premature wrinkles and early signs of aging, it can also cause serious medical conditions. For this reason we are all advised to make a habit of using a form of sun protection, and here we have a selection of some of the best products you can buy.
Understanding SPF: Deciphering Sun Protection Ratings
Fist and foremost, we must understand that no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun's rays. However, it's extremely important when exposing yourself to the sun's rays to use an appropriate sunscreen and not stay in the sun for too long. Avoid where possible being in the sun between 11am and 2pm as during these hours the sun will be at its strongest and most dangerous. And make a habit of taking additional protective measures like seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, especially during peak sun hours, to further reduce the risks of damage when exposed to the sun.
The term SPF followed by a number is an indicator of a product's ability to shield your skin from the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays. It stands for "Sun Protection Factor", and is a key metric in assessing the level of protection offered to its users.
The numbers linked with SPF signify the extent of UVB protection provided by any particular sunscreen product. For example, SPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 50, and higher denote the multiplier of time your skin can be exposed to the sun without burning compared to being unprotected. Here's a breakdown of what these numbers signify:
SPF 15 offers protection against approximately 93% of UVB rays. It means you can stay in the sun 15 times longer than your skin's natural protection time without burning.
SPF 30 provides protection against roughly 97% of UVB rays. You can stay in the sun 30 times longer without burning compared to being without sunscreen.
SPF 50 guards against about 98% of UVB rays and lets you to stay in the sun 50 times longer without burning compared to unprotected exposure.
SPF 50+ indicates an even higher level of protection. But the increase above SPF 50 is minimal.
It's important to note that while SPF primarily measures UVB protection, broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVB and UVA (ultraviolet A) rays. UVA rays contribute to skin aging and can also cause skin cancer. Hence, opting for one of the broad-spectrum sunscreens shown below offers more comprehensive protection.
Being aware of the meaning of SPF isn't enough; proper application and reapplication are crucial for adequate protection. You must apply sunscreen generously at least 15 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
15 of the best sunscreen protections
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen, SPF 46
Dermatologist recommended oil free sunscreen with zinc oxide and high-purity niacinamide provides protection from UVA-UVB rays and calms sensitive skin and acne-prone skin.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Broad spectrum tinted face oil-free sunscreen recommended by dermatologists to calm sensitive and acne-prone skin with zinc oxide and high-purity niacinamide.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)EltaMD UV Lotion Full Body Sunscreen SPF 30+
Suitable for all skin types, this full body sunscreen moisturizes, hydrates, and protects skin and provides you with a broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF70
From the #1 dermatologist-recommended sun care brand, this Helioplex sunscreen provides superior broad spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA and skin-burning UVB rays to reduce the risks to skin caused by the sun
See on Amazon (Paid Link)Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+
Specially formulated for vigorous outdoor sport activity this oil-free lotion sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 70+ provides superior sun protection against sunrays that cause sunburn and damage to your skin.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Dermatologist-tested stabilized with Helioplex technology and featuring an oxybenzone-free formula Sunscreen which is gentle on acne prone skin and provides superior UVA/UVB protection.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
Advanced 100% mineral protection in a tinted light-fluid fragrance-free matte-finish texture, this highly recommended sunscreen is designed for all skin types and is fast-absorbing and water-resistant up to 40 minutes.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)La Roche-Posay Body & Face Sunscreen SPF 100
For all ages, this lightweight and fast-absorbing sunscreen is oxybenzone free and formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology to give you broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)SDIN Zinc Oxide100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
A daily use broad spectrum UVA/UVB, SPF 50+ 100% mineral sunscreen with eryfotona actinica is designed to help repair damage from the sun and is water resistant for 40 minutes.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen SPF 70
A water resistant sunscreen lotion with SPF 70 and with Helioplex technology to help prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by skin-burning UVB rays.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)Hawaiian Tropic Hydration Sunscreen SPF 30
Hawaiian Tropic tropical-scented face sunscreen is dermatological tested and hypoallergenic and oil free to provide 12-hour moisturization and leave your face felling soft and silky.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
A sunscreen that's oil-free, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and won't clog pores.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)Aveeno Protect Face Sunscreen SPF60
Made with nourishing prebiotic oat daily facial sunscreen is water and sweat-resistant (up to 80 minutes), is non-greasy and invisible and helps leave skin feeling soft and moisturized all day as it combats harmful UVA and UVB rays.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
Universal tint for all skin tones that leaves skin with a healthy glow and offsets the white-cast typically associated with mineral sunscreens. It's formulated with three essential ceramides and niacinamide (1, 3, 6-II) to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)Solimo Sheer Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Amazon-brand broad spectrum facial sunscreen dermatologist tested and formulated with octinoxate and oxybenzone for a light, clean feel. This sunscreen is water resistant up to 80 minutes making it ideal for sports and other outdoor activities.
See on Amazon (Paid Link)