Best
Sunscreen Ingredients: How to Read a Sunscreen Label
Best Sunscreen Ingredients: How to Read the Label
Unless you've been living under a rock (and in that case
you probably don't need to worry about sun damage), you
know that too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer and
premature aging. You know that it's important to wear sunscreen
every day.
Beyond knowing you need to use sunscreen, you need to know
which sunscreen ingredients offer the best protection,
how much to use, and how often to apply it.
Protect Yourself from UVA and UVB Rays
UVB rays cause damage to the epidermis, the top layer
of the skin, resulting in burning, and are a factor in premature
aging and skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate deep into the
skin and can cause everything from premature aging to skin
cancer and immune-system damage. UVAs account for as much
as 80% of skin damage from the sun. Therefore it is critical
that you use a sunscreen that protects you from both UVA
and UVB rays.
What is SPF in Sunscreen
The SPF (sun protection factor) of a sunscreen is
a number that indicates how long you can stay in the sun
without burning. For example, a sunscreen with an SPF of
15 means that if you normally start to burn in 20 minutes
without sunscreen, if you wear SPF 15 you should be able
to stay in the sun 15 x 20 minutes or 300 minutes. HOWEVER,
many sunscreens wear off after swimming or excessive perspiration
or they are unstable, like avobenzone, and wear off after
exposure to sunlight. Therefore most sunscreens need to
be reapplied frequently.
Best Sunscreen Ingredients for both UVA and UVB Protection
Unfortunately, the SPF measurement is only for UVB rays;
there currently is no rating system for protection from
UVA rays. The best way to make sure you are getting protection
from both UVA and UVB rays is to use a sunscreen that provides
"broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection." Typically
these products will contain avobenzone (also known
as Parsol 1789), which blocks and absorbs UVA rays,
and titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or Octocrylene,
which block and absorb UVA and UVB rays.
Other common sunscreens
are oxybenzone (UVA/UVB), and homosalate, octinoxate (methylhexyl
methoxycinnamate), and octisalate which provide UVB protection. Products that contain Parsol 1789 include Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion - SPF 30 1.7 ozand my favorite, Supergoop! SPF 30+ All-Over Everyday UV Refillable Spray 5 oz because it contains NO - Parabens - Sulfates - Synthetic Fragrances - Synthetic Dyes - Petro-Chemicals - Phthalates - GMOs - Triclosan. Plus it's not sticky or heavy, yet it provides all-day protection. It also comes as a lotion.
Mexoryl
SX - Strong UVA Protection Approved by FDA
There is a new broad spectrum sunscreen that has received
FDA approval called Mexoryl SX, also called ecamsule.
It provides powerful protection against UVA and UVB rays and is photo-stable.
Dr. Stephen Stone, president of the Academy of Dermatology,
told ABC News, "... It is an effective UVA blocker...
it offers longer protection than other suncreen ingredients."Sunscreen products with Mexoryl SX include La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 1.7oz
How to Apply Sunscreen
You need to apply about a shotglass full of suncreen to
your face and body in order to get enough protection. Since
many sunscreens wear off due to sun exposure, swimming or
perspiration, you should reapply it every hour or so. It
is also important to apply the sunscreen 1/2 hour before
you go out to give it enough time to absorb. Click
here for our article on how to protect yourself from sun
damage.
Our Favorite Sunscreens
Supergoop! SPF 30+ All-Over Everyday UV Refillable Spray 5 ozis formulated with Parsol 1789 providing 100% protection from UVA rays. It has a PA++ international rating for sun protection and offers 8 hours of water-proof protection. It is non-greasy and low-irritant and contains NO Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals, Phthalates, GMOs or Triclosan. Supergpp is recommended for everyday use.
Active Ingredients: Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Avobenzone (3%), Octocrylene (2.8%):
This lightweight sunscreen provides SPF 30 protection, while leaving the skin with a smooth, shine-free finish. It's excellent oily or acne-prone skin and helps control oil all day and dries within seconds to a soft, matte finish. Enriched with Vitamins A, C and E to help fight against free radical damage. The water-resistant formula offers UVA/UVB protection against premature aging caused by everyday exposure to the sun and environmental pollutants. PABA-free, non-comodogenic and fragrance-free.
This lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreen provides SPF 60 and broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and leaves your skin with a nice matte finish. It's loaded with antioxidants and won't make you break out. Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid is formulated with patented high efficacy sun filters and powerful anti-oxidants to further protect your skin. According to LaRoche, the advanced UV filtering system of Anthelios 60 is a unique association of photostablized sunscreens for broad-spectrum and longer-lasting protection, with advanced efficiency against UVA rays. Anthelios 60 also uses a powerful anti-oxidant complex called Senna Alata, a tropical leaf extract known to defend skin cells. Fragrance and PABA-free, Non-comedogenic and suitable for most people with sensitive skin.
Neutrogena
Ultra Sheer, Body Mist Sunblock, SPF 30
Stabilized with Helioplex™ it provides superior balanced
broad-spectrum protection against skin- aging UVA and burning
UVB rays in an ultra-light, non-greasy finish. Waterproof,
sweatproof,
non- comedogenic, one touch continuous spray works at any
angle, oil free, PABA free.
A unique formulation of active ingredients and organic extracts that contains vitamin rich antioxidants, anti-aging nutrients and restorative anti-inflammatory properties, while ensuring maximum sun protection during the most extreme conditions. Paraben and Petroleum Free.
Active ingredients: octocrylene, octinoxate, oxybenzone, octisalate, homosalate, avobenzone
Mexoryl
SX - Strong UVA Protection Approved by FDA
