How To Wear Sunscreen Efficiently

By Stephanie Vargas

Before the commercialization of sunscreen, humans knew they needed to protect themselves from the harsh rays of the sun. In numerous cultures around the world, each had their own methods of blocking the sun from direct contact with their skin. Some used scarves or parasols while others applied thick layers of special creams to their skin.

Nowadays, we are fortunate enough to have formulated sunscreens that protect from the sun’s radiation, all while being almost undetectable upon the skin. Although darker skin tones don’t exhibit sun damage as easily as lighter skin tones, skin damage can occur with any skin type.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation that causes cellular damage to skin cells when presented with intense exposure. Sun damage can be seen in the form of sunburns, sun spots, or other areas of hyperpigmentation that come from sunburn. If exposure is severe and consistent enough, skin cancer can emerge in spite of the color of your skin. It is important to wear some form of sun protection.

 In order to effectively protect yourself from the sun, use a product (cream, gel, spray, etc.) that contains SPF 30 or higher because a factor of 30 will shield you from 97% of ultraviolet radiation. Unfortunately, no sunscreen on the market today can protect you 100% against ultraviolet radiation; however, a higher factor such as SPF 50 will get you as close to full blockage as possible. Be sure the product is also labeled “Broad Spectrum” or something along the lines of “UVA/UVB Protection.” This is your assurance that you are receiving protection from each harmful ray present in sunlight.

The type of filter, or ingredient in the product that protects from sun damage, is valuable to be aware of as well. Yale Medicine reports, “Products made with octocrylene can naturally degrade into the chemical benzophenone, a suspected carcinogen that can interfere with key hormones and reproductive organs.” A carcinogen is a cancer-causing ingredient and any amount of it is harmful to the human body, especially if used consistently. Consumers should be mindful and stay away from products that contain the active ingredient “Octocrylene.”

Unfortunately, many sunscreens on the market today rely on octocrylene and are known as chemical sunscreens; fortunately, many companies have produced sun protectants known as physical or mineral sunscreens. These products use “Zinc Oxide” and/or “Titanium Dioxide” as their active ingredients, which are non-toxic to humans, sea creatures, and water environments. Mineral sunscreens from the brand Black Girl Sunscreen have a sheer finish and are widely available at Target. Interestingly enough, their Kids Broad Spectrum sunscreen is one of the only chemical sunscreens to not use octocrylene as an active ingredient. It doesn’t include oxybenzone either, another common ingredient and suspected carcinogen.

Another reputable brand–also available at Target–is Blue Lizard. Based in sunny Australia, their  mineral sunscreens are manufactured no lower than SPF 50. Blue Lizard also sells a mineral sunscreen stick that makes facial reapplication much easier. As most labels say, you want to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours of sun exposure in order to ensure constant sun protection. Both brands have sunscreen for the face and body. Other skincare brands at Target have formulations specifically for the face such as La Roche Posay, Cocokind, and Bliss, to name a few of the best.

If all else fails and you end up with a sunburn or minor burn from 4th of July festivities, don’t fret. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using cold water on affected areas to relieve pain and soothe inflammation. Apply products made with high aloe vera or soy content to sunburns and protect minor burns with petroleum jelly. Products containing colloidal oatmeal can also relieve discomfort. Do not pop any blisters that form, they are there to help the skin heal and protect from infection. Do not apply products to affected areas that contain common skincare actives such as retinol, chemical exfoliants, or vitamin C. Finally, drink plenty of water and keep the burned area out of the sun until fully healed.

 If you’re going to be out having fun in the sun this summer (or any time the sun is out) don’t forget your sunscreen. Pale or dark, young or mature, if you have skin, protection from the sun’s radiation can only help.