When I pick a sunscreen I look for two things: the ingredients I want and the ingredients I do not want. This used to be simple. Now, with more data and more ingredients, I am more confused than ever. I tried my best to answer common questions, but I will start with some shortcuts if your time to read is limited:
Shortcuts for Busy Parents
- Buy sunscreens marketed for babies, not those labeled “kids,” “children,” “sports,” or “active”). When studied, these were most likely to meet standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Look for these claims on labels: “Broad Spectrum,” or “UVA/UVB coverage,” and “Reef Safe.”
- Another easy choice is a product labeled “EWG verified.” The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a reliable source.
If you would like to know more, allow me to share common questions and my science-backed answers.
What are mineral sunscreens? Zinc and titanium are mineral sunscreens historically thought to physically block or scatter UV rays from penetrating the skin. It turns out that they actually absorb the UV rays. Importantly, these mineral (or inorganic) sunscreens are not absorbed into your body and block across the ultraviolet ray spectrum, UVA1, UVA2, and UVB. This is why I like it for kids. Also, kids don’t mind the white sheen. When started at an early age, this is what they come to expect.
What about nanoparticles? Nano zinc and nano titanium have come under scrutiny for two reasons:
- They may reduce the efficacy of chemical sunscreens with which they are combined and
- They may form toxic reactive oxygen species (aka free radicals), which can damage DNA and RNA. What is interesting to me is that even in their non-nano forms, zinc and titanium may form ROS. This is a potential problem, but in their nano forms, it seems they can penetrate skin cells. I tend to avoid anything with nano particles.
Which ingredients should I avoid for my kids? While safety data on chemical (or organic) sunscreens is somewhat reassuring, there are plenty of studies showing measurable quantities of these chemicals in humans after application. When it comes to children, I recommend avoiding this class of UV filter, including, avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate). Most of these chemical filters react with UV rays and block UVB rays but not UVA rays. There are numerous others in the US and even more approved in the European Union (EU). The EU chemical sunscreens tend to filter out more UV rays than those approved in the US. I expect continued safety data on these to be forthcoming and likely more positive than expected. Nevertheless, for children– who tend to have more allergic contact reactions and a higher body surface area to absorb chemicals– I stick to mineral sunscreens.
Is my sunscreen damaging the ocean? Some chemical sunscreens are known to damage marine life and bleach coral. Look for “reef safe” options.
Should I wear sunscreen daily? Yes. A long-term study in Australia suggests that daily sunscreen use is the only way to prevent serious skin cancer. To clarify, putting on sunblock only on beach days is not good enough. Incidental sun exposure, like walking from your car to the store, adds up over time. Also, don’t we all want to reduce photo-aging (also known as wrinkles)? While some may not apply this data to the US because our UV exposure is less than that of Australia, I recommend daily sunscreen on hands and faces. And a hat. Every day.
When is peak sun? Peak sun is between 10 am and 4 pm, when the UV index is highest. If you must be in the sun during these hours, try sticking to shaded areas, and wear long-sleeved rash guards and broad-brimmed hats. No product can beat a physical barrier. Another pro tip is to watch the UV index. I love the EPA app which breaks down hourly UV risk, but any weather app will give you decent information.
What SPF should I use? For daily use, I recommend SPF 15 or more. For high exposure days, I go with 30-50. Though there is minimal incremental benefit from 30 to 50, if you burn easily or skimp on application, go with the higher SPF.
What about spray on sunscreen? No. Just no. It sprays everywhere, so the actual amount applied is unreliable. Plus, all the ingredients—even zinc and titanium—are not safe if inhaled. The people downwind of you have to smell it and breathe it. That’s not nice, either!
For More Information
If you found this information helpful, please share it with friends, follow me on your preferred platform, or subscribe below.
For private consultations, submit a request here or on www.DrAngel.com.
References:
Druml, Lauren et al. “Sunscreen Label Marketing Towards Pediatric Populations: Guidance for Navigating Sunscreen Choice.” Cureus vol. 15,10 e46785. 10 Oct. 2023, doi:10.7759/cureus.46785
Ginzburg, A.L., Blackburn, R.S., Santillan, C. et al. Zinc oxide-induced changes to sunscreen ingredient efficacy and toxicity under UV irradiation. Photochem Photobiol Sci 20, 1273–1285 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43630-021-00101-
Sharma, Vyom et al. “DNA damaging potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles in human epidermal cells.” Toxicology letters vol. 185,3 (2009): 211-8. doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2009.01.008
Green, Adèle C et al. “Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up.” Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology vol. 29,3 (2011): 257-63. doi:10.1200/JCO.2010.28.7078
