10 Best Clean Sunscreens to Make a Part of Your Routine, Stat – Wired PR Lifestyle Story

Here’s my confession: for too long, I didn’t wear sunscreen. For such a devout skincare, this is sacrilegious, I know. As a kid, I had sensitive skin and worried a layer of goop would break me out. Besides, I thought, my melanin would protect me, right? Wrong. When I started getting serious about my skin, my research alerted me to the fact that not wearing sunscreen was rendering much of the rest of my routine ineffective — especially since I was struggling with it. hyperpigmentation. I look back and wonder what I was thinking. Now, I can’t start my day without it. And you shouldn’t either. Whether you’re switching to clean sunscreens or looking for a new favorite, this roundup of all the best clean sunscreens will point you in the right direction.

I learned my lesson about sunscreen, fast. Now I’m one of the biggest advocates about using sunscreen, making sure to apply enough (the answer is always more than you think!), And reapplying throughout the day. But so many people are resistant to this crucial part of their routine, just like I was. From concerns about breakouts to bad experiences with formulas that leave a white cast, we neglect SPF too often. Yet it really is one of the most important parts of any skincare routine, no matter the season.

Feature image by Riley Reed.

Wearing sunscreen is your best defense against skin cancer and premature aging. It also helps keep away wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage by shielding you from UV rays and carcinogens, either physically or chemically.

So. how do you find a good one? Most sunscreens contain additives that turn even more people off that all-important layer. However, now there are more “clean” options than ever, so I spoke to Dr. Michelle Henrya dermatologist in New York City, to get clarity on what to look for in your sunscreens and the best clean sunscreen she recommends.

So what is clean sunscreen?

“Clean is not a term that is regulated by the FDA,” Dr. Henry told me. “Typically, if a company calls itself a clean sunscreen, it is a sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. As we research them further, their use has been limited out of the abundance of caution. ”

Instead, clean sunscreens use zinc oxide, a broad-spectrum filter that shields the skin from UVA rays, creating a physical blocker that literally provides a barrier between your skin and the sun without any nanoparticles or toxins.

What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreens?

According to Dr. Henry, “Chemical sunscreens are made of synthetic ingredients, whereas physical sunscreens are made of natural ingredients such as zinc and titanium dioxide. The terms physical and mineral sunscreens can be used interchangeably. ” The minerals in physical sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin to reflect rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb the rays.

When it comes to choosing one, both are effective but might react differently with your skin. The minerals in physical sunscreens can sometimes create a white cast, while the chemicals in chemical sunscreens can cause irritation. Physical sunscreen also works immediately while chemical sunscreen requires about twenty minutes before becoming effective. However, physical sunscreen is easier to sweat or rub off, a problem you don’t have with chemical sunscreen. “The decision is one to be made individually and with one’s dermatologist,” Dr. Henry says. “However, physical sunscreens tend to be somewhat better for those with sensitive skin.”

What ingredients should you avoid?

The main concern with non-clean sunscreens is that we’re still not sure exactly what some of the ingredients do, or if they have harmful long-term side effects. According to recent studies, some ingredients often found in chemical sunscreens can be hormonal disruptors, like oxybenzon, enzacamene, padimate O, octinoxate, and homosalate. Some can also cause skin allergies and irritation, while oxybenzone (the most common one) is toxic to coral reefs and marine life.

In some physical sunscreens, formulas use nanoparticles to reduce chalkiness. However, the skin can absorb these nanoparticles. There are more data gaps here, as scientists are not yet sure about the long-term effects of nanoparticles.

Which SPF is the best?

SPF, aka Sun Protection Factor, measures how long a product will protect you from the sun. According to SkinCancer.org: “The SPF number tells you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden your skin when using the product exactly as directed versus the amount of time without any sunscreen. So ideally, with SPF 30 it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. ”

“I, along with the American Academy of Dermatology, recommend SPF 30 for daily use and SPF 50 If you’re outside for more than an hour,” says Dr. Henry. “Don’t forget to reapply every two hours.”

Be warned: SPF ratings only apply to UVB rays (the ones that cause burning), which only appear when the sun is out. However, UVA rays are the ones that cause premature aging — and those are out all the time, even if it’s cold and cloudy. So don’t let the weather or opting for higher coverage lull you into a false sense of security. Use sunscreen every day and reapply, reapply, reapply!

What are other ingredients to look for, besides SPF rating?

When shopping for sunscreens, look for natural, clean ingredients. Moisturizing, antioxidant-rich oils are good picks to soothe and hydrate your skin while protecting it. You also want to keep in mind where sunscreen fits into your daily routine. Do you wear makeup over it? Is it the last step in your morning lineup? Opt for light, natural ingredients that will carry the zinc oxide without being too heavy or leaving a film over your skin.

What about tinted sunscreen or makeup with SPF?

Dr. Henry warns against just using makeup with SPF, and instead recommends wearing sunscreen underneath your preferred makeup. “When SPF ratings are given to a sunscreen,” she says, “it is assigned after evaluation of its UV filtering properties during ideal application. Ideal application is a thick even layer to the face or body and we typically do not apply our makeup in that manner. ”

To make sure your sunscreen is working, you need to apply about 0.04oz of sunscreen to your face. That’s about two fingers worth or the size of a nickel. You probably aren’t applying this much makeup. To be safe, use a regular SPF, then make-up that contains SPF on top. That way, you can also re-apply during the day for extra coverage.

Tinted sunscreens, however, are often just as effective as their counterparts. “You can trust the SPF rating on tinted sunscreen. Tinted sunscreens often have iron oxide and that may also help protect against blue light. ”

Read on for some of the best clean sunscreens creams on the market, including some recommended by Dr. Henry.

Are you prioritizing sunscreen in your skincare routine? Share which clean options you’ll be adding to cart.