Skin Care

What Sunscreen Should You Invest In?

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect SPF

Are you the type of person who never steps out without sunscreen? If so, what kind do you rely on? Does your sun protection vary depending on whether you’re headed to the beach or working out?

Sunscreen use is something I hold dear, especially clean sunscreen. After all, my stepfather passed away from skin cancer, and it wasn’t a pleasant experience. To truly understand the importance of sun protection, just take a peek at your own body: compare the skin on your hands with that on your butt! Therefore, even if it’s not an overly sunny day outside, I always carry around some sunscreen for extra precautionary measures.

Chemical sunscreens may feel soft and luxurious, but they are not worth the price of skin irritation. Even those with non-sensitive skin should steer clear of these products to avoid premature aging; additionally, chemical sunscreen formulas contain some of the most hazardous ingredients in the beauty world. Avoiding them would be an intelligent choice for everyone!

Hawaii’s legislators took a bold stance last year against two of the most ubiquitous sunscreen chemicals, oxybenzone and octinoxate, due to their destructive effects on coral. In truth, if these components are potent enough to decimate coral despite being diluted by millions of gallons of seawater, do we want them permeating our skin? To make matters worse, many lotions that advertise an instant rub-in texture often contain some of the worst ingredients for both us and Earth’s ecosystems.

An extra few moments of application to ensure the use of mineral-only sunscreen is extremely beneficial for your skin and environment. Unlike chemical sunscreens, physical ones deflect UV rays away from your skin rather than absorbing them, causing irritation or discomfort.

Also unlike its counterpart – which needs reapplying every two hours because it degrades in sunlight – mineral-based sunscreen remains stable even when exposed to the sun’s glare. And if that weren’t enough incentive, this protective measure also helps prevent coral bleaching!

Although there is a multitude of research studies that can lead to confusion regarding the efficacy of sunscreen, Vitamin D absorption, and melanoma survival rates; I err on the side of caution and typically apply some form of sun protection most days. After all, while no scientist knows exactly how much sunlight we should be exposed to daily – it is better to strive for balance than risk overexposure.

I take vitamin D3, and I’m not overly concerned if I am exposed to some sun. However, most days I always make sure to apply a layer of vitamin C on both my face and hands; research has revealed that it can provide protection from the sun’s rays even though there are no SPF or sunscreen claims associated with it. To be extra safe, I also use additional layers.

Vitamin C Boost

I never leave home without SPF in my beauty pouch to protect me from the sun’s harmful rays, especially when I’m unexpectedly exposed. Even after handwashing, I continuously reapply sunscreen on the back of my hands, as they tend to be more vulnerable to UV exposure. My go-to product is jane iredale Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15—not only does it offer extra protection for your face, but people constantly compliment me on how great my skin looks every time I use it!

Although I love basking in the sun, I must be careful since my skin is prone to burning. To ensure this doesn’t happen, I lather up with sunscreen and reapply it regularly. Whenever possible, you can find me at the beach (or going on a hike or run) during sunrise or sunset hours when UV rays are not as intense.

The light is radiant today! And in order to attain a glorious sun-kissed glow without the worry of harmful UV rays, I apply my must-have Bronzing Water Mousse the day before (or if I forget, don’t worry, it won’t transfer onto clothes!). It’s an ideal shade that blends seamlessly into my skin and keeps me from staying in direct sunlight.

Gillian Wang

A mother, a wife, a world traveler, animal lover and clean beauty maven. Gillian has touched and explored thousands of products and ingredients. She is here to share her knowledge with the world, spread love and good vibes.