4 Things to Look for When Selecting your Sunscreen

What we know today is exposure to UVA and UVB rays leads to skin cancer and early aging. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Choosing the right sunscreen can help reduce your risk for skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun’s rays. There are so many sunscreens on the market today. How do we choose the right one? Here are 4 things to look for in sunscreen:

Broad Spectrum – Your sunscreen needs to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays
SPF 30 or Higher – The AAD recommends all sunscreens be a minimum of 30 but 50 is optimal for daily protection.
Water Resistant– No sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof, but you’ll want to look for water resistant (40 minutes) and very water resistant (80 minutes) when selecting your sunscreen
Physical vs Chemical – Physical sunscreens create a barrier on the skin that filter out UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb and scatter the sun’s harsh UV rays.

Should I get a chemical or physical sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens contain chemical compounds that absorb UV rays. These chemical compounds include formulas like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and avobenzone. These chemicals change UV rays into heat, which is then released from the skin and scattered. When to avoid: if you suffer from heat rash, melasma, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, eczema, or are allergic to the chemical compounds. Because the chemicals turn the UV rays into heat, they may cause heat rash, breakouts, flushing, and redness.

Physical sunscreens use mineral-based ingredients, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, to block UV rays. Physical sunscreens work by staying on top of the skin to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin. When to avoid: If you are allergic to minerals.

For anti-aging and UVA/UVB protection Lifted recommends Epionce Ultra Shield Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen and/or Daily Shield Lotion Tinted SPF 50. Both products are broad spectrum, SPF 50, water resistant (80 minutes), and physical sunscreens. They are safe to use on sensitive skin and contain botanical ingredients for antioxidant benefits.

Because sunscreen needs to be reapplied throughout the day, we also recommend the ColoreScience Sunforgettable^{^®} Total Protection^™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50.

Now that you know the 4 things to look for in sunscreen, happy shopping!