Guest Post by Cadie
Whether you find yourself on a beach vacation in Bermuda, or just hanging out at your community pool, summer means lots of time outside in the hot sun. While soaking up a few rays provides a healthy dose of vitamin D, if you’re planning on being in the sun for 30 minutes or more, sunscreen is a must. Not only does sunscreen help protect you from deadly skin cancer, it helps keep you wrinkle-free, spot-free, and looking younger.
Sunscreen has a shelf life, so instead of digging through last year’s beach bag to hunt for that sand-covered tube, how ‘bout heading out to the store to pick up a new one? With so many choices, it can be tricky picking out a sunscreen, so I’ve put together a handy list of things to look for. It’s easy to get sucked into the pretty bottles and false promises, but if you follow these tips, you can go out and enjoy a worry-free day in the sunshine.
The numbers game
Look for a sunscreen with SPF between 30 and 50. SPF refers to the ability of the sunscreen to block UVB rays (the kind that make you burn). There is very little difference between 30 and 50, and anything higher is misleading (so much so that the FDA is in the process of banning the labeling of anything higher than SPF 50).
Cover your bases
Make sure your sunscreen says the words “broad spectrum” on the label. This means that it will protect you against the skin-burning UVB rays and the UVA rays that are responsible for deeper skin damage and cancer. If you don’t get both, you’re not protected.
Don’t go there, girlfriend!
Whatever you do, make sure your sunscreen does not contain retinyl palmitate. This form of vitamin A has been proven to accelerate the development of skin tumors when applied in direct sunlight. If fact, make sure any product you use on your skin during the day does not contain this ingredient!
Get your minerals
Most chemical active ingredients (i.e., oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate) have been shown to be hormone disruptors and potential skin allergens. Mineral active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are recommended by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The EWG has a wonderful updated site with recommendations for the best sunscreens in several categories.
Cadie is a beauty vlogger and natural skin care expert with a degree in biology. Check out Cadie’s Youtube channel.
Great article! Nice work, Cadie!
Thanks i really did not know about which sun screen to get!
Thank you so much Cadie! Until now, the only thing I was looking for when I would buy sun screen lotion was the SPF. I guess I was wrong! Thank you again for sharing this valuable information!
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad this was helpful. Thank you, Jen, from My Beauty Bunny for the guest posting opportunity! 🙂
what kind of sunscreen would you recommand then that are from drugstore saving wise
Jenny, look for mineral sunscreens like Banana Boat Natural Reflect. That’s my favorite drugstore brand that meets the criteria outlined above.