Sunscreen Season!
I love summer most of all. I love the longer days. I love outdoor adventures. And, I especially love happy hour at the best patio spots in town. But as I get older, the stronger my sun spots shine! I also learned that everyday roughly 9,500 people receive word that they have some form of skin cancer. That’s one in five Americans. Everyday. So, let’s do something about those statistics and protect our skin this summer. It's sunscreen season, y’all, and I have some information about chemical and mineral sunscreen options!
The most common sunscreen we are familiar with are chemical based products. They can be organic in nature and are absorbed through the skin to convert UV rays into heat. Chemical sunscreen products are good for daily use which typically include lotions, face sticks, and sprays that are safe for most skin types. A lot of companies are working on formulas that are comfortable and more appealing to wear with more frequency.
Mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, forms a protective barrier on top of the skin to completely block UV rays from affecting the exposed skin. This means it works immediately and can last longer depending on the activity. It is a thicker consistency and leaves a white cast on the skin when applied. Some companies add color to their mineral sunscreen sticks which is more fun for the kids. Either way, there is no avoiding the chalky appearance on the skin.
Both types of sunscreen come with their pros and cons. Chemical based sunscreens tend to be more cosmetically appealing with their light lotion formulas and are a better fit to wear under make-up. However, you must apply it at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to get the best results and will need to be reapplied every 2-3 hours. Additionally, research is still being done on how safe these chemicals are for our bodies especially through absorption. Mineral sunscreen formulas are great for long days out in the sun, but daily use is not wise for skin prone to breakouts. Nano-mineral sunscreen is also known to be harmful compounds for marine and aquatic life.
Your best bet is to plan ahead. A weekend at the ballpark or the amusement park would be a great place to use mineral sunscreen on your shoulders, back of the neck, ears, and face if you aren’t wearing a hat or sitting in the shade. A trip to the beach may require more applications of chemical sunscreen, but it's more water resistant and friendlier for the fish.
Regardless, have all the fun this summer. Go on all the adventures, and consider packing multiple types of sunscreen to stay safe in the sun this sunscreen season.
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Written By: Tiffany Montgomery Walker
Top Picks for Sunscreens:
ZO BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN SPF 50
ZO SUNSCREEN + PRIMER BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 30
Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen
Elta MD UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
Obagi MINERAL BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50