How To Choose The Right Sunscreen For You

The best sunscreen is the one you can easily reach for every single morning, regardless of the weather. 

About 80% of all signs of aging, including hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and skin laxity are linked to sun exposure (photoaging) as opposed to chronological aging. Daily use of SPF will not only protect the skin against visible signs of photoaging but will also minimize the likelihood of skin cancer.

Picking the right sunblock for you can be quite overwhelming with all the different products in the market right now, but don’t panic- we’re here to help.

The Three Types of Sunscreens

Mineral: Also known as physical Sunscreen - this filter features ingredients such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide that physically blocks UV radiation from reaching your skin. It acts as a mirrored shield that reflects the damaging UV away from the skin. This sunscreen is known to be the most hypoallergenic and less likely to cause irritation on the skin, making it ideal for sensitive and reactive skin types. However, some formulas have a heavier consistency that leave a white cast when applied on the skin.  

Chemical Sunscreen: This filter incorporates ingredients such as Octinoxate and Oxibenzone that absorb the UV rays as soon as they reach your skin and then release them back to the environment. Chemical filters, due to their active ingredients, may cause irritation to sensitive and reactive skin types, or skins with a compromised barrier and excessive inflammation. 

Hybrid Sunscreen: A combination of both chemical and mineral filters that provides a more robust protection against UV rays without any of the irritation associated with chemical sunblocks or the heaviness of mineral blocks. These sunscreens combine the best of both worlds!

How To Choose The Right One For You

Sensitive/ Inflamed Acneic Skin Types

If you find that your skin easily reacts to active ingredients and there’s general inflammation that appears on the skin in forms of rosacea, broken capillaries, and papules or pustules, or generally your skin feels hot to the touch, then UV Clear by EltaMD would be ideal for you. This sunscreen combines both chemical and mineral filters as well as 5% high-purity niacinamide that helps regulate oil production and reduce the appearance of blemishes, discolouration, and photo-damage. 

Combination Skin Types / Outdoor Activities

If your skin is more combination to normal and you’re looking for a light, broad spectrum SPF that mattifies and is water resistant, then Marini Physical Protectant Tinted SPF 45 is the perfect sunscreen for you. This purely physical filter is enhanced with antioxidants and a unique oil capture system to provide incredible protection with a radiant finish. It’s water resistant for 80 minutes, to protect you while you’re swimming or enjoying your favorite sports. 

Extremely Sensitive / Post - Procedure

Many people struggle finding the right sunscreen for them mainly because of a persistent unwanted stinging sensation upon sunscreen application, called Irritant Contact Dermatitis. This type of reaction is generally common in people suffering from eczema or highly sensitized skin. EltaMD UV Physical Broad Spectrum SPF 41, is a chemical and oil-free mineral sunscreen that is formulated to safely protect even the most sensitive and reactive skin types. It’s lightly tinted formula elegantly evens out redness and erythema, leaving the skin naturally glowy and protected.