May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and therefore the perfect opportunity to figure out which sunscreen works best for you and pick up this daily habit to help lower your risk for developing skin cancer.
In all of my years of being an esthetician I’ve heard from so many clients that they “can’t wear sunscreen”. While it CAN be a lot of trial and error to figure out a formula that works for you, I’m confident that everyone can find one. You WILL need to pay attention to the formulas of the one’s that don’t work in order to find one that does. After reading this, you’ll be better prepared when it’s time to make that purchase.
When it comes to sunscreen there are two main types: Physical and Chemical. There are pros and cons to each and I will help break those down for you.
Physical Sunscreen:
Physical sunscreens are active ingredients in your SPF product that provide a physical barrier between the sun and your skin. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the two most popular forms.
Pros:
- Better tolerated by clients with sensitive skin
- Environmentally friendly
- Offers broader coverage of UVA and UVB rays
Cons:
- Can leave a white cast to the skin
- Not as sweat or water-resistant
- Requires a generous application (1oz for your entire body) to be effective
Chemical Sunscreen:
Chemical sunscreens are active ingredients that work by absorbing the UV rays, converting them to heat and then releasing it from your skin. Popular chemical sunscreen actives include avobenzone, ocinoxate and oxybenzone, octisalate and homosalate and octicrylene.
Pros:
- Absorb into the skin without leaving a white residue
- Available in higher SPF’s
- Available in more sweat and water-resistant formulas
Cons:
- Can be irritating for sensitive skin types
- Studies show these chemicals are absorbed into our bloodstream
- Not environmentally friendly- some ingredients are being banned in certain states and countries
Side Note: If you’re someone that’s prone to heat rash (like me!), these can excaerbate that issue especially in hot, humid climates
Which sunscreen should I buy?
If you’re someone that has struggled to find a daily spf that works for them due to sensitivity issues, I’d recommend trying a physical sunscreen first. I’d also make sure to steer clear of artificial fragrances or dyes in the formulation as those are common irritants as well. If you want to avoid that white-ish hue from the zinc oxide or titanium dioxide- try a tinted formula! In fact, it’s my belief that some brands make their products tinted to help get around this issue.
If you’re an active person who sweats or engages in water sports- it might be worth using a chemical sunscreen or one that uses a combination of both to help you get the sun protection you need.
If you’re environmentally conscious- choose the mineral and if that doesn’t work- consider UPF clothing!
The most important thing is that you find something that works for your skin and that you commit to using it. Make sure you’re using enough product to get the full protection and that you’re reapplying regularly!
Mint and Thyme has all of our sun care products on special this month! Use Promo Code: SUNSAFE for 20% off all of your favorite SPF products. I’ve highlighted some of our most popular ones below!
Mint and Thyme’s Top Selling SPF Products:
#1: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 1.7oz
- Perfect for people that hate the way sunscreens feel
- Good for acne-prone skin
- Combination of zinc oxide and octinoxate
#2: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Tinted 1.7oz
- Same as above but in a universal tint
#3: Image Skincare PREVENTION+ daily hydrating moisturizer SPF 30 3.2oz
- Physical sunscreen with zinc oxide
- Perfect for clients with sensitive skin
#4: EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 1.7oz
- Combination of zinc oxide and octinoxate
- Good for drier skin types
#5: Image Skincare MD restoring daily defense moisturizer SPF50 2oz
- Includes “Digital Defense” to protect your skin from damaging rays from phone and computer screens
- Combination of zinc oxide, octinoxate and octisalate
Honorable Mention:
Coola Tinted Mineral LipLux SPF30 – Bonfire
- Hydrating, tinted lip care with SPF
- Great bronzed color- perfect for summer
Coola Sunsilk Drops Sunscreen SPF 30 1oz
- Lightweight, serum can be used under moisturizer or blended in with other products
- Can be used as an extra layer of sunscreen when exposed to a lot of sun
Side Note: I took these with me to Mexico last summer and layered this under my sunscreen every day. The more SPF, the better!
Resources:
“Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun”
“A Closer Look at Sunscreens: Insights, Innovations, and Inaccuracies”, Paul Winnington
“Confused About Sunscreen Ingredients? Here’s What We’ve Learned”, Patti Neighmond & Susie Nielson
