Everything You Need to Know About Sunscreens

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- What is SPF?

Sun Protection Factor: measures how long one can be protected from UVB rays 

- What is PA+, PA++, PA+++, PA++++? (see chart)

PA+ rating system measures how effective a sunscreen may be at protecting against UVA rays

- What does Broad Spectrum mean?

Your sunscreen protects you from both UVA & UVB rays

- What is nano Zinc Oxide & nano Titanium Dioxide?

Nanoparticles in sunscreen mainly serve an aesthetic purpose in reducing the appearance of a "white cast"

- How do I find a sunscreen that does not leave a white cast on my skin?
Nowadays, many sunscreens have been formulated to have a more aesthetically pleasing look & feel. Mineral sunscreens tend to always have somewhat of a cast when applied (especially on deeper skin), while many chemical sunscreens often do not have this problem. But if possible, always try to swatch a sunscreen on your skin before purchasing to see how it blends compared to your skin tone!

- Why does sunscreen break me out?
There could be a multitude of reasons: Are you using a well-formulated sunscreen? Are you allergic to any filters, whether mineral of chemical? Does your sunscreen contain fragrance or other known irritants? Are you using a formulation that is suitable for your skin type?

MINERAL SUNSCREEN

- a.k.a "Physical Sunscreen" form a barrier that protect the skin by reflecting UV rays

- Filters: Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide

~ PROS:

- both filters (zinc + titanium) offer high UVA/UVB protection

- less likely to cause irritation for most skin types

- 

~ CONS:

- "Tin Man" effect to the skin (most of the time)

- can be chalky & bunch up (especially under makeup)

- sweats off easily

- usually a thicker, sometimes stickier consistency

- can be difficult to spread evenly

- necessary to apply adequate amount to avoid "gaps"

CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN

- Absorbed into top layer to skin & protect skin by absorbing UV rays

- Made up of carbon-based compounds (organic compounds)

- Some filters (varies based on region): 

Avobenzone

Oxybenzone

Octinoxate

Octisalate

Amiloxate

Bemotrizinol

Octyl Triazone

Bisoctrizole

Iscotrizinol

Diethylamino Hydroxy-Benzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

Enzacamene

Ecamsule

Homosalate

Octocrylene

Terephthalylidene 

Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol

Butyl Methoxy Dibenzoyl Methane

Drometrizole Trisiloxane

etc...

~ PROS:

- usually no "white cast"

- can be much thinner and more fast absorbing than mineral sunscreens

- less risk of having "gaps" during application

- spreads easily

- vast number of filters (in case of an allergy to mineral sunscreen filters)

- usually sweat-resistant/waterproof

~ CONS:

- chemical reaction when absorbing UV rays = heat, which can potentially exacerbate hyperpigmentation & flushing of the skin

- Oxybenzone & Octinoxate banned in Hawaii for posing risk to coral reefs

- higher chance of causing irritation in sensitive skin types

PA+ = Some UVA protection

PA++ = Moderate UVA protection

PA+++ = High UVA protection

PA++++ = Extremely High UVA protection

MINERAL SUNSCREEN RECOMMENDATIONS

- any Elta MD sunscreen
$25 - $50
- Avène Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+
$28
- Avène Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+
$28
- SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
$34
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
$33.50
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
$33.50
- Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield SPF 50 (PA+++)
$39
- SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50
$66
- SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield™ Broad-Spectrum SPF 35
$38
- CoTZ FACE Prime & Protect Tinted SPF 40
$23.99
- Supergoop!® Smooth and Poreless 100% Mineral Matte Screen SPF 40
$38
- MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme SPF 30 Broad Spectrum UVA-UVB Sunscreen
$32
- MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50 Broad Spectrum UVA-UVB
$30
- Etude House SoonJung Mild Defense Sun Cream SPF 49 PA++
$16.20
- CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50
$15.99
- CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Body Lotion BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30
$17.99
- CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Body Lotion BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50
$17.99
- CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30
$15.99
- VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Baby SPF 50+
$55
- Paula's ChoiceCALM Redness Relief SPF 30 - Normal to Oily
$29

CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN RECOMMENDATIONS

- Supergoop!® Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
$32
- Pharmaceutical Specialties Vanicream Sunscreen Sport SPF 35 (combo)
$16.02
- Epionce Ultra Shield Lotion SPF 50 (combo)
$25
- Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50
$12.99
- PCA Skin Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45 (combo)
$44
- PCA Skin Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (combo)
$36
- PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45 (combo)
$36
- PCA Skin Protecting Hydrator Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (combo)
$36
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 60 (if you care to have an SPF higher than 50)
$29.99
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Sport Activewear Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 (if you care to have an SPF higher than 50)
$29.99
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 (if you care to have an SPF higher than 50)
$35.99
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen (if you care to have an SPF higher than 50)
$35.99
- SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 (combo)
$40
- SkinCeuticals Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50
$39
- SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear™ Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 (combo)
$38
- CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 (combo)
$17.99

- Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50
$17

xoxo

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