With so many suncare products available on the market today, it can be overwhelming to choose the most effective formula for you and your clients. Our skincare experts weigh in on what to look for:
“Physical 'inorganic' mineral sunscreens are considered the most effective at mitigating the effects of UVA/UVB as well as some visible light. Look for a titanium dioxide or a combination of very fine zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with controlled particle size and the right ratio to provide high and balanced UV broad-spectrum sun protection.”—Melanie Timms, director of marketing innovation and education, CBI Laboratories
“UVB rays are the ultraviolet rays that cause burning. However, the UVA rays are the ultraviolet rays that cause aging. It is important to ensure that the product is broad-spectrum, meaning that it provides both UVA and UVB protection. The higher SPF number means more sun-exposure time. It also indicates the level of UVB absorption, but this number doesn't increase exponentially, which can be confusing. For example, an SPF of 15 absorbs 93.3 percent of UVB rays. However, an SPF of 30 absorbs 96.7 percent. The SPF number has doubled, but the absorption rate has increased by only 3.4 percent.”—Karen Asquith, national director of education, G.M. Collin Skincare
“Choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, as recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Look for ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, as they remain on the surface of your skin and work by reflecting away sunlight.”—Patricia Boland, vice president of research and development, Colorescience
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