Chemical or mineral? SPF 30 or 50? Spray or cream? What about the fact that sunscreen makes can cause breakouts? With so many options it’s no wonder we often just opt for the most affordable choice. I mean they all do the same thing, right? Well, in theory, but sunscreens are not all created equal. Don’t get burned with a poor-quality SPF, or one that makes you break out. There are a few key factors you want to look for when choosing an SPF this summer. But first, let’s go back to the basics.

 What Does SPF Stand For?

Sun Protection Factor. This number indicates how long the sun’s UV rays would take to burn your skin when using sunscreen as directed. For example, SPF 30 means it will take 30x longer for your skin to burn than without sunscreen.

Higher is Not Always Better

Often we go for a higher SPF feeling like it offers better protection. While that is technically correct, a higher SPF creates a false sense of sun safety. Often, we feel we don’t have to reapply a higher SPF like a 50 or 60 but this is not the case. Multiple studies have shown that unless you suffer from a skin condition that makes you extra sensitive to the sun, an SPF 30 suffices for sun protection when used as directed and reapplied every 2 hours that you are exposed to the sun. So, keep using the higher SPF if that feels right for you, but remember to treat it as you would a lower SPF and reapply!

Spray, Cream, Powder, Gel… Which is Best?

There are so many different types now! We at Natology are a fan of the cream consistency. This allows for precise application, especially for the face. Sprays are our least favourite type. It isn’t easy to get an even application with a spray. We’ve all attempted to spray ourselves or our little ones down outside and the wind takes most of it. That being said, it can be equally difficult to get our little ones to stand still for a cream application, so something is better than nothing!

Sunscreen Doesn’t Expire, Right?

Wrong! The active protective ingredients absolutely expire making the sunscreen useless against sun protection. Plus, chemical sunscreen is packed with additives that also expire in addition to the active ingredients. Best to check on that expiry date now!

Sunscreen and Acne – Are They Friends?

Being a top Calgary clinic for specializing in acne, we hear concerns every day from clients struggling with acne about using moisturizers and sunscreen. Thick and oily sunscreens should be passed on, but high-quality, oil-free sunscreen should NOT be skipped! There is a sunscreen for every skin type. Here’s what you want to look for in a SPF for acne-prone skin:

Oil-Free: Non-comedogenic means it will not clog your pores or cause breakouts. This is key when choosing an SPF.

Mineral (physical): Mineral SPFs are better for all skin types. They protect the skin better and sit on top of the skin rather than absorb into the skin making them the better choice for acne-prone skin.

Zinc Oxide: Zinc is a soothing ingredient for acne. Zinc reduces redness and irritation making it the ideal active ingredient for acne-prone skin. Even better is a Zinc and Niacinamide combination SPF for extra calming power.

Mineral (physical), or Chemical?

Natology always recommends mineral, no matter the SPF or skin type for 3 key reasons:

1. Mineral does not absorb into the skin: Mineral sunscreen works by creating a barrier on the skin using the active ingredients Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. These tiny particles physically block the UV rays from the skin. Chemical sunscreens work by allowing UV rays to absorb into the skin and then changing their composition to reduce the sun damage.

1. Chemical Often Contains Additives: Fragrance is a popular additive in chemical sunscreens. If you have experienced irritation from sunscreen, it was likely chemical and it was likely one or more additives that caused it, not the active ingredients. 

1. Mineral protects against common skin conditions better: Mineral is highly recommended for acne-prone skin, conditions that cause extra sensitivity like rosacea, and the common skin condition melasma which is triggered by the sun and heat.

Don’t Choose Between The Rays

Check your sunscreen for the words “Broad Spectrum”. This means you are protected against both UVA and UVB rays. What’s the difference? UVA are longer waves that cause premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots (think “A” for Aging). UVB waves are what cause your skin to burn (think “B” for Burning). If your sunscreen doesn’t indicate broad-spectrum protection, your skin is left unprotected from UVA rays. Goodbye youthful skin! Unprotected sun exposure is the quickest way to age your skin, so don’t choose between antiaging or sunburn protection, protect yourself from both.

Lastly… Sunscreen Does Not Block The Sunshine Vitamin

We couldn’t end the article without addressing this commonly searched question. Your body produces Vitamin D on its own through exposure to the sun. That’s why it is recommended to go outside and soak in some sun daily without clothing coverage. In theory, sunscreen would prohibit your body from absorbing the sun’s rays and therefore prohibit the production of Vitamin D. However, realistically, your entire body is not covered by SPF, even the best SPF does not protect against 100% of the sun’s UV rays, and SPF does wear off. You will still produce Vitamin D even when wearing sunscreen. So please, do not use this as an excuse to skip out on sunscreen!