By Erin Davis
That summer sun is finally here and sunscreen can’t be an after thought.
The important thing to keep in mind is that – while sunscreen products most effectively prevent the sun’s rays from scorching your skin – there’s more to consider than simply blocking the sun. Not all sunscreens are created equal, and that’s why a quality sunscreen is completely worth the splurge.
The team at La Roche-Posay – a dermatologist-recommended skincare line – offers the following tips when it comes to choosing the right sunscreen.
(See also: 10 Easy Steps to Defend Against Skin Cancer from dermatologist Dr. John Goldhar).
Look for the UVA Logo
First and foremost, one of the most important things to look for in sunscreen is the UVA logo to ensure the product is effective against UVA (ultra violet A rays). Science tells us that it’s those UVA rays that are 95 percent responsible for skin cancer.
Seek Stable Sun Filters
When you buy a sunscreen, you need to ensure you’re buying one with “stable sun filters.” Basically, a stable sun filter is a filter that won’t deteriorate when you put it on your face or body. If your sunscreen doesn’t have this, then protection won’t be effective for very long; as soon as you put the sunscreen on you, the filters will start to deteriorate and won’t protect you properly. This is why it’s important to look for the “40-minute” or “80-minute” indication on the bottles. Choosing a dermatologist-recommended brand is also preferable.
Consider Buying a Mineral-Infused Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens that use active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide have hit the market in a major way in recent years. The benefit of mineral-infused sunscreen is that the ingredients don’t break down as readily in the sun, resulting in better and longer protection. Some skin savvy people in the know, however, don’t particularly like mineral sunscreen because it’s so thick, but you can definitely find brands that are not. For example, La Roche-Posay’s mineral sunscreen has a light consistency and is non-greasy.
Multi-Tasking Sunscreen is Worth it
Sunscreen that doubles as a makeup base, liquid foundation, or anti-aging preventative is definitely worth it, in my opinion. For instance, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Fluid Lotion (also available as a not tinted option) offers a bronzed glow and the trusted protection of SPF 50. I have become so addicted to it that I no longer use my (much pricier) liquid foundation as it does the trick. The regular (non tinted) SPF also makes a great makeup base that won’t flake under foundation, and you can even mix your foundation with the Anthelios Dry Touch. Furthermore, those sunscreens may be linked to anti-aging thanks to their anti-oxidants.
Sunscreen doesn’t have to take up too much precious real estate in your suitcase either as La Roche-Posay sunscreens are available in travel-friendly sizes.