Key Elements in Picking a Sunscreen

One of the easiest ways to protect your skin from UV is through sunscreen, SPF 30 is the minimum if you want it to be effective. It’s the most important step of any skin care routine, and if you aren’t using it already, you should start.

Here’s what to look for when picking a sunscreen:

SPF

Experts generally agree that your sunscreen should be SPF level 30 or higher if you want it to actually dispel UV. However, you might want to use a higher level depending on your sensitivity to sunlight.

Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen scatters light using physical blockers like zinc and titanium oxide.

• They are less likely to trigger skin irritation

• They are considered to be more environmentally friendly

• Many mineral sunscreens are pastier than chemical ones

Chemical sunscreen uses organic compounds to absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat.

• They take longer to be absorbed by the skin than mineral sunscreens

• They are usually easier to apply

• Some chemical sunscreens contain chemicals, particularly oxybenzone and octinoxate, that are linked to coral reef damage

Consistency

Sunscreen comes in all kinds of consistencies, so you can pick whatever type you’d want depending on your skincare needs.