Important: Dermatologists Explain How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly
Before there were fancy serums, oils, and elixirs that claim to turn back the clock and make your skin afresh, there was sunscreen. It’s the one product that’s been forged into our brains since childhood to never go without. (I say this as a fair-skin, freckle-faced person whose mom still yells at me on vacation for going stingy on the ‘screen.)
And yet, as adults, it seems like many of us still haven’t grasped how to properly protect our skin from the sun (including me, a beauty writer)—and what that could mean for our skin longterm.
That’s why we've tapped three dermatologists to explain the steps in choosing and applying sunscreen correctly—and what could happen if you don’t. Read on to find out how to properly block out those pesky UV rays.
Always go for SPF 30 or higher.
Contrary to some theories, the practice of applying sunscreen is important no matter your skin tone. “Melanin, or the pigment of the skin, is like Mother Nature’s sunscreen,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. “That said, darker skin is thought to only give protection at about a level of SPF 3.” Choose at least an SPF 15, though it's even safer to stick to 30 and above.
Of course, if you have fair skin—which tends to be more sensitive in general—the higher the SPF you use, the better. The fairest skin should aim for SPF 50 or higher, according to Dr. Will Kirby, board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer for LaserAway. Generally speaking, most skin tones should stick to a product that’s at least SPF 30 and has the words “broad-spectrum” on the bottle (which means it’s effective in blocking both UVA and UVB rays).
Find the right formula for your needs.
There’s not necessarily one type of formula that’s better than the other—it’s strictly up to your preferences. (For example, I love spray sunscreen because of how convenient it is to apply—but am I even applying it correctly? More on that later.)
Dr. Kirby recommends a sunblock over a sunscreen. If you’re not clear on the difference, it’s essentially this: A block will, as the name suggests, block UV rays, whereas a screen will absorb them. They both will be called “sunscreen” on the label (and will be used interchangeably throughout this article), but the trick is to check the back panel for the ingredients list. “The two types of blocks are titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide,” he says. Technically speaking, sun-blocking formulas are called physical sunscreens, whereas formulas with ingredients that absorb are called chemical sunscreens. You can read more about the differences here.
“Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one that you’re actually putting on,” says Dr. Zeichner. “But with so many textures and consistencies on the market nowadays, there’s something for everyone.”
Also, consider your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to stick to a mineral-based sunscreen that’s less likely to cause irritation. If you’re acne-prone, try finding a non-comedogenic formula for the parts of your body that tend to break out. And if you have a darker complexion, thankfully the choices for non-chalky formulas are much wider than ever. We recommend Elta MD's UV Clear SPF and Drunk Elephant Umbra™ Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum.
Also of note: tinted sunscreens and sunblocks are specifically formulated to accommodate all skin tones—so you should be able to seek out a product that complements your complexion perfectly.
0 comments