6 Mistakes People Make When Choosing Sunscreen
Finding a great sunscreen that isn’t full of crap should be simple, but most of us are getting it wrong. Once you stop making these common mistakes and learn how to decode a suncreen label, you’ll be set. Here are the top 6 mistakes I see people make in label reading:
Trusting a higher SPF to keep you safe. High SPF’s are dangerously misleading, and people inadvertently fry themselves. No sunscreen can block all UV rays, but what we do know is you don’t gain much benefit from protection over SPF 30. SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays. So, the difference between 30 and 50 is about 1 percent. SPF 50+ is NOT recommended
Thinking waterproof sunscreens last longer. The FDA doesn’t allow brands to say sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” so brands think of creative ways to indicate it. If they use the permitted term of “water-resistant, companies must indicate whether it’s for 40 or 80 minutes. Regardless, dermatologists recommend re-applying sunscreen as soon as you get out of the water, towel off, or at least every two hours
Opting for the less expensive chemical sunscreens, which contain significant hormone disruptors such as Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Octinoxate
Assuming the word “mineral” means it’s safe. It is safe when when mineral sunscreens list zinc and/or titanium dioxide as their ONLY ingredients. Be wary of the term “mineral-based”, which can mean zinc and/or titanium dioxide have been mixed with less safe chemical sunscreens.
Ignoring the inactive ingredients. Even if the active ingredients are non-toxic (i.e. mineral), make sure that it’s not otherwise loaded with toxins. Red flags include anything ending in -paraben, pthalates, sodium laureth sulfate, and fragrance.
Assuming mineral sunscreens are difficult to apply, leave a white residue, and don’t work.
While I agree that most are not enjoyable to use, I have used the same brand - Beautycounter - for the past 7 years and LOVE it!
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Words to Look For:
Mineral sunscreen (non-nano zinc and/or titanium dioxide)
Broad Spectrum (UVA & UVB Defense)
Reef friendly
Water-resistant is a bonus
Words to Avoid:
Higher SPF (50+)
Oxybenzone and other chemical filters:
Avobenzone
Octisalate
Octocrylene
Homosalate
Octinoxate
Vitamin A also known as as retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, or retinyl linoleate
parabens
phthalates
sodium laureth sulfate
fragrance
Note: sunscreen is just one tool in the toolbox for sun protection. There is no proof that sunscreen alone will prevent most skin cancers. I share the best ways to protect yourself and get that critical Vitamin D over in my Facebook Group Come Clean.
Share this important info with your friends and loved ones.
Recommended Article: Top Chemicals Scientists Say Women Should Avoid