How to pick out the best sunscreen for you — Including ingredients to look out for - Mayo Clinic Press (2024)

By now, most people know that sunscreen should be part of their daily routines — after all, an estimated 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. But despite these numbers, surveys indicate that only 14% of people use sunscreen every day.

To put it simply, regular sunscreen use is one of the most important — and easiest — ways to protect the health and look of your skin.

“Sunscreen decreases the risk of skin cancer and helps prevent premature aging caused by ultraviolet, also known as UV, exposure,” says Mayo Clinic expert and dermatologist Dawn Marie R. Davis, M.D.

Sunscreen works by protecting the skin from ultraviolet light rays A and B, usually referred to as UVA and UVB rays. According to Dr. Davis, exposure to UVA rays can cause long-term damage to the skin and contribute to wrinkles, age spots or other forms of hyperpigmentation. UVB rays, on the other hand, can cause immediate damage to the skin. If you’ve ever had a sunburn after a day at the beach, you’ve experienced some of the effects of UVB rays.

Learning more about sunscreen — including how it works, the pros and cons of different sunscreens, and beneficial ingredients to look out for — can help you bridge the gap between wantingto protect your skin and actually doing it. Just remember, the best sunscreen is the kind you’ll use every day!

Chemical and physical sunscreens — here’s what to know

All sunscreens have the same goal — blocking UV light and protecting skin from damage. But the two main types of sunscreen, chemical and physical, do their jobs differently.

Chemical sunscreens are like sponges, absorbing UV light and preventing damage through a chemical reaction. Physical sunscreens act more like mirrors — physically blocking light by either reflecting or absorbing UV rays. Most physical sunscreens are marketed as mineral sunscreens and contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

When applied properly, either type can protect your skin. However, there are a few things to consider when deciding which sunscreen works for you.

Chemical sunscreens tend to be more expensive than physical sunscreens, and some people may find that the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens irritate their skin or eyes. Also, research is still exploring how the common active ingredients used in chemical sunscreens — including oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate and ethylhexyl salicylate — may impact the environment. Oxybenzone, in particular, has been linked to coral reef bleaching in laboratory tests.

Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, can be harder to apply due to a thicker consistency, and some may leave a white hue on the skin. Likewise, these sunscreens can be hard to wash off.

The best sunscreen ingredients — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide

When it comes to choosing a sunscreen, Dr. Davis recommends two mineral ingredients — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are the main ingredients in many physical sunscreens and provide effective, long-lasting protection from both UVA and UVB light. But it’s possible to get a chemical sunscreen with these ingredients as well.

“Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are natural and nonsynthetic,” says Dr. Davis. “Thus, people with sensitive, allergy-prone skin do well with these ingredients. Young children are also suggested to use these physical blockers, though sunscreen is not recommended until 6 months of age.”

Although some sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can still give your skin a white hue, many brands now offer tinted options. If you’re still having issues with the look or feel of a sunscreen, Dr. Davis recommends a simple hack.

“Mix the sunscreen with a bit of petroleum jelly to decrease the white effect, though this is often unnecessary,” Dr. Davis says.

For more information, listen to our Health Matters podcast How much sun is too much sun?

Sunscreen only works if you use it — here’s how

No matter the sunscreen you choose, there are a few golden rules when it comes to making sure you get the protection you need:

• Most importantly — apply enough sunscreen. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen to protect them throughout the day. You need about 2 tablespoons of sunscreen just for your face, neck and hands — the amount that would fill a shot glass — plus extra for other areas of your body. Though using this much may seem like overdoing it, less isn’tmore when it comes to sunscreen. Finally, Dr. Davis recommends reapplying every two hours or once your skin is exposed to water or sweat, whichever comes first.
• Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen. Dr. Davis suggests only using broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB light. Most available sunscreens are broad-spectrum — just be sure to look at the front label to confirm.
• Opt for SPF 30 or higher. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends products that have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. It’s also a good idea to use water- or sweat-resistant sunscreen.
• Pay attention to expiration dates. Always check the expiration date on your sunscreen. “These dates are purposeful — afterwards the active ingredient, preservative or both are expired and no longer working,” says Dr. Davis. Extreme temperatures — hot or cold — also can make your sunscreen less effective. If you have sunscreen that’s past its expiration date, just toss it.
• Remember, cosmetics may not be enough. Some cosmetics, such as foundation or moisturizer, have SPFs ranging from 15 to 30 — and that’s a good thing! But in many cases, cosmetic products simply do not provide broad-spectrum protection. It’s important to apply sunscreen under your makeup regardless.