As unappealing as putting on sunscreen can be, all skincare gurus in 2020 emphasize the importance of wearing sunscreen. In truth, none of your other skincare products will be effective if you don’t wear sunscreen. If you haven’t already invested in a good sunscreen and haven’t been applying it everyday, start now! Sun damage is the main cause of early aging, and it plays a significant role in numerous other skin problems. Exposure to the sun also increases the risk of skin cancer, so don’t wait any longer to find the right sunscreen for you!
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens contain carbon-based compound ingredients, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone. These compounds work to change UV rays into heat and then release that heat from your skin. You can think of chemical sunscreen as a sponge that absorbs the sun’s rays. The time it takes for chemical sunscreens to work depends on the brand, but most take 15-20 minutes. Most people opt for a chemical sunscreen because they are more lightweight and usually don’t leave a white cast.
Recommendations:
Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun SPF 50 (best for people with normal to dry skin)
First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen (best for people with normal to oily skin)
Dear, Klairs- Soft Airy UV Essence SPF50 (best for people with normal to oily skin)
Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 (best for all skin types)
Physical Sunscreen
Physical sunscreen, also known as mineral sunscreen, contains mineral ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These ingredients sit on the top of your skin as a mirror to deflect and scatter UVA and UVB rays. These sunscreens also begin protecting your skin as soon as you apply it. While physical sunscreens are great, almost all of them leave a white cast, which is a problem for people with skin of color.
Recommendations:
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 (best for people with normal to dry skin)
CeraVe Sheer Tinted SPF 30 (best for people with normal to oily skin)
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 (best for people with normal to dry skin)
While quality sunscreens can be pricey, they are worth making an effort to purchase. As said before, none of your other skincare products will work, so if you are going to invest in your skin, sunscreen must be a priority.