Sunscreens You Need in Your Life
Let there be light.
Sun protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing long-term damage. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and other skin-related issues. In my efforts to avoid looking like a leather bag later in life I have tried just about every sunscreen on the market. And spoiler alert, while I have favorites, the most important things are consistency and awareness. Did you know protection is necessary not just when lounging on a beach but also during ‘covered’ activities like driving and flying?
But First, Some Science.
UV radiation from the sun is divided into three main types: UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVC rays are mostly absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and do not reach us on the planet’s surface, so we won’t focus on them today. However, UVA and UVB rays do reach us and have distinct characteristics and effects:
UVA Rays:
UVA rays have a longer wavelength, ranging from 320 to 400 nanometers, and can penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the dermis, the skin's second layer. UVA rays account for approximately 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. UVA rays are primarily responsible for skin aging (wrinkles, sagging, and leathering) and contribute to skin cancer. They can cause immediate tanning and also play a role in photoaging. UVA rays are relatively constant throughout the day and year, and they can penetrate clouds and glass.
UVB Rays:
UVB rays have a shorter wavelength, ranging from 290 to 320 nanometers, and affect the outermost layers of the skin, the epidermis. UVB rays make up about 5% of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, and are the primary cause of sunburn and are strongly linked to the development of skin cancer. They also stimulate the production of vitamin D in the skin. UVB rays vary in intensity based on the time of day, season, and location. They are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and during the summer months. They do not penetrate glass.
TLDR:
UVA rays: Longer wavelength, deeper skin penetration, responsible for aging and contributing to skin cancer, constant intensity throughout the day/year, and can penetrate glass.
UVB rays: Shorter wavelength, affects outer skin layers, causes sunburn and strongly linked to skin cancer, intensity varies with time, season, and location, and does not penetrate glass.
Good to know: UV levels are higher closer to the equator. This is because the sun's rays have a shorter distance to travel through the atmosphere and therefore less of the harmful UV radiation can be absorbed by the ozone layer. So, when you're on a tropical cruise your body really is absorbing more UV rays than normal!
Flying in an Airplane is Like Being Indoors, Right?
Wrong. while flying, you are closer to the ozone layer, which means you are exposed to higher levels of UV radiation. Pilots and flight attendants are at a particularly high risk, but even passengers should be mindful. Windows in planes block some UVB rays but not UVA rays, which can penetrate deeper into the skin and cause more significant damage over time.
I Keep My Sunroof Shade Closed on Roadtrips, So I’m Good.
No you’re not. Car windows offer limited protection against UV rays. While windshields are treated to block most UV rays, side and rear windows typically block UVB rays but allow UVA rays to pass through. This exposure can lead to significant skin damage, especially on the driver's side, which is why it's common to see more sun damage on the left side of the face and body in countries where driving is on the right side of the road.
Top 5 Best Face and Body Sunscreens
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin
Contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for added skin benefits
Reef-Safe? Yes, EltaMD UV Clear does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, which are harmful to coral reefs. It uses zinc oxide, which is considered reef-safe.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
Non-greasy formula suitable for both face and body
Provides broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant
Reef-Safe? No, this sunscreen contains octocrylene and homosalate, which can be harmful to coral reefs.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50
Lightweight and hydrating with a water-gel consistency
Absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast
Reef-Safe? No, this sunscreen contains avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene, which are not considered reef-safe.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Invisible, weightless formula perfect for everyday use
Acts as a makeup primer and provides broad-spectrum protection
Reef-Safe? Yes, Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate and is formulated to be reef-safe.
Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
High-performance, sweat- and water-resistant
Suitable for outdoor activities and sports
Reef-Safe? No, this sunscreen contains oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to coral reefs.
Conclusion
Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, and just because it’s cloudy or a winter day doesn’t mean you are safe from sun damage. Whether you're flying, road tripping, or just enjoying the outdoors, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from potential damage. Your future self will thank you for it! Happy Travels!