Tips on how to select a sunscreen

by Stepy — June 22, 2020

Take a healthy step and select a sunscreen that is right for you:

It is important to use a sunscreen all year round, therefore you need to select one that works and protects you.

UVA and UVB radiation is the primary cause for skin cancer. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer.

Please watch out for oxybenzone: It is a hormone disruptor which penetrates the skin and enters the blood stream. It is unfortunately allowed in many sunscreens, yet is linked to cancer and health problems.

We did some research and with the help of our skincare expert Mira Aguirre we selected some great options.

Tips:

A good sunscreen should have a good list of ingredients that are nourishing, protecting and anti aging. The fragrance list should be at the bottom of the list of ingredients which means in a lesser concentration or preferably fragrance-free. It also should be broad spectrum to protect against UVA and UVB.

Try to get a sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium oxide instead of oxybenzone if you can.
Apply before your make up and if in the sun reapply frequently.

We like the following sunscreens:

1.Keys Solar Rx is a moisturizer with SPF 30 ($26.95). It is broad spectrum, vegan, gluten-free and chemical-free. You can apply it on your face, chest and all over your body. A little goes a long way.

2. COOLA full spectrum 360 Sun Silk Drops SPF30 ($46) and their full spectrum refreshing water mist SPF 18 that you can use and reapply throughout the day.

Formulated with plant-derived Full Spectrum 360° technology, these lightweight drops do it all and provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and help mitigate the effects of HEV light (aka blue light), IR, and pollution. This reef-friendly, nourishing formula can be used solo or blended with your favorite moisturizer or foundation.

The spray is an amazing refresher during the day.

3. Canmake Mermaid UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ ($18.99)

Combination sunscreen with both chemical and physical filters and max UVA/UVB protection. Good for all skin types but especially dry and doubles as a beautiful makeup primer. Very light but moisturizing. Use it on your body, as well as your face. It is a
skincare gel with 85% beautifying ingredients among them zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It can be use on the body too.

4. Purito Comfy Water Block Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA ++++($15.90)

Mineral sunscreen with titanium oxide. Non-nano and applies really nicely for a physical sunscreen with minimal cast and isn’t too drying.

Tip: stop rubbing it in while it’s still tacky, it can pill if you’re trying massaging it after it’s dry. Unscented, max UVA/UVB protection, and it’s 70% water to help minimize the cons associated with applying mineral sunscreens.

5. Skin Aqua Moisture Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

Chemical sunscreen with a larger pump container that makes it a good option if you’re looking for a face and body sunscreen. Hydrating, milky texture with hyaluronic acid, collagen, and amino acids for hydration. This is a little more watery in texture and less moisturizing but is similar as the Canmake and a better price per oz.

6. Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ ($17.90)

7. Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 PA++++($18.90)

We are combining these because texture wise they’re incredibly similar.

Chemical filters and a milky gel texture that applies like water and absorbs instantly and invisibly. It will fell like you never applied anything at all. They are good for oily skin types and hot summer weather but are not drying either and could work over moisturizer for dry skin.

The Nivea has a slightly lower PA (measure of UVA protection rating) but comes in a larger pump bottle, making it ideal for someone who wants to use it on their body too. The Biore comes in a smaller bottle with a higher PA rating, making it good for the face.

Nivea Japan:

Biore Japan:

Note that the Purito Centella Unscented sunscreen is sometimes out of stock on Amazon but can found elsewhere.

8. Isdin Eryfotona Actinica:($55)
More on the rich side: With 11% zinc oxide, Eryfotona Actinica is a fast-absorbing, ultralight emulsion providing all-mineral broad spectrum sun protection. Its innovative formula contains DNA Repairsomes®, naturally occurring enzymes which are clinically proven to repair existing sun damage. Eryfotona Actinica is a lightweight sunscreen for all day use. It also comes tinted .

Please use your sunscreen daily on the face, neck and ears. If you are at the beach reapply frequently and use everywhere. Your skin is your largest organ, please protect it.

Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.