hen the temperature rises, most of us have two choices: risk getting skin cancer by being burnt to a crisp or cover ourselves head-to-toe in thick, messy sunscreen that takes ages to wash off. That’s all about to change.
We’ve compiled the latest research and answers to the most common questions about sunscreen and sunblock (there is a difference) and included an easy-to-print shopping list of the reportedly safest and most effective products available today. In a matter of minutes, you will be a sunscreen pro, ready to share your knowledge with friends and family. Bring on the beach!
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Like many daily cosmetics, sunscreens often contain questionable ingredients |  |
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Sunscreen Vs. Sunblock
Many people think that the words “sunscreen” and “sunblock” are interchangeable. Not so! There is a basic and fundamental difference between the two that is important to know when you are shopping for your summer slathers:
- Sunscreen is any product with an SPF rating of 2 or higher.
- Sunblock is any product that contains a physical “block” ingredient and has an SPF rating of 12 or higher
Today, many companies don’t emphasis the difference between the two formulas; expect to see “sunscreen” on just about everything. Read the labels closely to find out how much protection you are really getting.
Chemical and Physical Ingredients
Sunscreens have two types of active ingredients which protect skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays (both can cause premature aging and cancer). Unfortunately, an SPF rating currently only refers to protection from UVB rays. Congress is debating mandatory UVA ratings, so for now we can only speculate.
- Chemical ingredients are absorbed by the skin, canceling out sunlight upon contact with your skin.
- Physical ingredients sit on the skin’s surface and absorb the sun’s rays or reflect them back out into the environment like a mirror.
The majority of products feature both chemical and physical ingredients and are often labeled as “broad spectrum” protection because to the combination keeps out the highest concentration of UVA and UVB rays.
The list of chemical ingredients is long and growing. Unfortunately, as with over 90% of ingredients in modern cosmetic products, most sunscreen ingredients haven’t been widely tested. To the chagrin of both manufacturers and consumers, a 2008 study1 from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that “4 out of 5 sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns”. Not surprisingly, the major brands were the worst offenders. Like many daily cosmetics, sunscreens often contain questionable ingredients, such as parabens (a preservative), so reading the labels is as important as ever.
There are only two physical sunscreen ingredients on the market, both of which are known to be non-irritating and non-allergenic: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical ingredients are often touted as being much more effective than chemical versions since they actually prevent the absorption of sunlight into the skin.
Our Sunscreen and Sunblock Shopping List
While sprays are convenient, it is always best to choose a cream sunscreen—even if you need a friend (or handsome stranger) to assist in application. Many sunscreen sprays also include powdered ingredients that upon spraying are absorbed into the lungs through inhalation. Creams provide better protection because they have a denser combination of ingredients.
Thanks to EWG’s 2008 study and our testing, we recommend shopping for the following sunscreen brands either online or at your local store:
Soleo - www.soleousa.com
California Baby - www.californiababy.com
Badger - www.badgerbalm.com
Lavera - www.lavera.com
Dr. Hauschka - www.drhauschka.com
UV Natural - www.uvnatural.com
Jason Natural - www.jason-natural.com
Colorescience - www.colorescience.com
Solar Sense - www.solar-sense.com
Elemental Herbs - www.elementalherbs.com
Marie Veronique - www.marieveronique.net
Devita International - www.devita.net
Tropical Sands - www.mexitan.com
Mexitan - www.mexitan.com
KINeSYS - www.kinesys.com
Kiss My Face - www.kissmyface.com
Burt’s Bees - www.burtsbees.com
Coola - www.coolasuncare.com
Bonus: Simple Sun Safety Tips
No matter which sunscreen you choose, always remember to follow the basics of sun safety:
- Limit direct sun exposure during peak hours from 10am to 4pm.
- Limit children’s exposure to the sun (sunscreen isn’t approved for babies under 6 months).
- Limit exposure to reflective surfaces such as sand, water, snow, and tile, even in the shade.
- Use an umbrella and wear a wide-brimmed hat with your sunglasses (yet another excuse to be stylish).
By Deidre, May 22, 2009
I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't know there was a difference between sunscreen and sunblock. I try to buy moisturizers and cosmetics with SPF in them to be sure I'm covered every day.
I also didn't realize sprays could have powder in them - thanks for the heads up. I don't want that in my lungs!
By Victoria Klein, May 22, 2009
I didn't know the difference between sunscreen and sunblock either! That's one of the reasons I wanted to investigate :) Glad my tips could help :D
By Carolyn Schlicher, May 22, 2009
Victoria--super job! Important stuff to know, and I liked the "bonus" as well! I forget that the water is a reflective surface--even if I'm under an umbrella.
By Victoria Klein, May 23, 2009
Thanks for the support Dan and Carolyn :)
Dan - you bring up a few good question! I have 4 tattoos and going into the sun is always a touchy subject. There aren't too many sunscreens that will affect the ink itself, but hands down, the sun will fade your ink (obviously).
You're going to need at least an SPF 30, but that is low-balling it; most folks use 45-80 on their tattoos. There are companies that make sunscreens especially for use on tattoos, but I don't know how "natural" they aretattoojoy.com/tattoo... (this is my favorite because I KNOW it is natural, but only has SPF 18 :( tattoojoy.com/tattoo...tattoojoy.com/tattoo...tattoojoy.com/tattoo...
Of course DO NOT put any sunscreen on your tattoo or expose it to the sun until it is completely healed.
By Shoshanna L, May 23, 2009
The best I found is by Badger. It uses zinc, but beyond that it's very moisturizing. It has shea butter, jojoba, olive oil, and essential oils. It rubs into the skin very easilywww.badgerbalm.com/p...
I would watch out for the kiss my face products, as they are not entirely chemical-freewww.cosmeticsdatabas...
By Kristen, May 26, 2009
So I got burnt this past weekend. I was burned in the most ABSURD places. Would you mind sharing your advice for lips (my face was saved due to SPF moisturizer) and scalp (my part is bright red!!)? I'm positive I'm not the only one to forget about these hot spots (get it? hehe).
Kristen
By Karyn Polewaczyk, May 28, 2009
Thanks so much for including the list of eco-friendly sunscreens. As a former sun worshipper turned sun safe advocate - and a granola girl in Gucci clothing - I have an ethical issue with the additives in many drugstore sunscreens, but wasn't aware of other options. This is great!
By Janee P, May 29, 2009
Do black girls REALLY need sunblock?
By Janet G, Jun 03, 2009
Thanks for the list! I am so happy to see all the natural choices and will def. pick up one of these when my current stash runs out! I have Kiss My Face right now, but I always like trying new kinds.
By Victoria Klein, Jun 03, 2009
Grist.org just posted a great test of a few eco-friendly sunscreens (beware, Burt's Bees!www.grist.org/articl...
By Kristin B, Jun 03, 2009
I just read a makeup tip that since sunscreen usually makes your face appear a bit lighter, you might want to go a shade darker with your foundation. What do you guys think? Yes, my face appears lighter w/ sunscreen on it but my regular tinted moisturizer works just fine still!
By heather b, Jun 14, 2009
Thank you for your tips! I had no idea there was a difference between sunscreen and sunblock.
Great help!
By Tynna B, Jun 16, 2009
The only problem I have is that I can't get tanned with a sunscreen on. And I really need to get sun tanned because my pores are quite visible on my legs and forearms and I hate the reddish look of my skin. I found that sun tan helps, it also makes my skin smoother and it helps getting rid of the ingrown hairs. How much better can it get? The only problem is I can only get a tan between the peak hours 10 am-4 pm, otherwise my skin won't darken at all.
I'm not from the US and most products you recommend are unavailable in my country but I find Inner Rewards articles very interesting.
Anyway, I would appreciate it if someone knew a way I can protect my skin and get a wonderful tan. (Which for me lasts even a year, I can still see the lines of my swim suit from the last summer)
By RunningBetty, Jul 16, 2009
I've been using Devita's Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer 30 for a month now. Before that I was using Oil of Olay SPF 15 but decided to switch to something natural. I love the way my skin looks and feels!
By Vero R, Aug 18, 2009
Thank you for this article...I had to share it on my blog too...www.thirstybeauty.com and spread the word!! Excellent job!