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Sunscreen has been the hot topic of the beauty community for the last 3 years and rightfully so. With so much innovation to the formulation of sunscreens, helping them to be more inclusive and the serious health risks one takes when not wearing sun protection, it’s something we should all be encouraging those around us to invest in.

Wearing sunscreen actively protects the skin from harmful UVB sun rays but it also helps with skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation and of course helps the skin lean into a more graceful aging process. Lets start by breaking down a few of the most asked questions about sunscreen.

What exactly is Sunscreen and how does it work?

Sunscreen is defined by National Cancer Institute as “a substance that helps protect the skin from the suns harmful rays. Sunscreens reflect, absorb, and scatter both ultraviolet A and B radiation to provide protection against both types of radiation. Using lotions, creams, or gels that contain sunscreens can help protect the skin from premature aging and damage that may lead to skin cancer.”

You can find more detailed info on the 2 types of ultraviolet rays from the sun and how they each effect the skin HERE.

Whats better, physical sunscreen or chemical sunscreen?

The best sunscreen is the one that you will use consistently! Physical sunscreen filters work by sitting on top of the skins surface and reflecting away the suns rays. The minerals Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are the main filters used in these sunscreen formulations, these filters can also be the reason sunscreens leave a white or violet cast on the skin. Not all sunscreens are created equal so know that there are physical sunscreen options that do not leave you looking like casper. Physical sunscreens also tend to be good for sensitive skin types!

Chemical sunscreen filters absorb into the skin and in turn absorbs UV rays, converts them into heat and then releases them from the body. In chemical sunscreens you often see filters such as Avobenzone, Octisalate or Homosalate. Chemical sunscreens are great for swimming as they tend to be water and sweat resistant, please remember the word chemical does not mean something harmful or “toxic” for the skin and shouldn’t ever be marketed as such.

How do you apply sunscreen?

When you wear sunscreen one of the most important things to remember is applying the correct amount. Under application of sunscreen can be just as harmful for the skin as not applying at all. For most people, experts suggest putting one ounce of sunscreen on your entire body, or enough to fill one shot glass. One cool way to ensure you are applying the correct amount of sunscreen to the face is using the 2 finger rule. Use 2 fingers to measure out a generous amount of SPF and apply that to the face, neck and ears. The FDA suggests reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours for maximum protection, this is important even when you are not in direct sun contact.

Sunscreens That Dont Leave a White Cast

Because I want the best for us all, I have complied a list of some of the best sunscreens that work great for all skin types and don’t leave that dreaded white cast. Dont get caught out here without your sun protection, checkout this list and add to cart!

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• All product prices reflected are current as of 5/19/23