How to pick the right sunscreen
One in every five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, making it the most common cancer in the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain that the majority of skin cancers -- including the deadliest type, melanoma -- are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, making this disease largely preventable. Avoiding UV rays from the sun and also artificial sources (like tanning beds and sunlamps) and wearing sunscreen when exposed to the sun can help reduce your chances of developing skin cancer.
Choosing the right sunscreen, with so many options on the market, can be confusing. Here's a list of ADA-recommended criteria to look out for: Your sunscreen needs to be broad spectrum (meaning it offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays), SPF 30 or higher, and "water resistant," meaning it won't wash off wet or sweaty skin. "Water resistance lasts either 40 or 80 minutes. Not all sunscreens offer water resistance," the ADA notes.
Another choice you need to make? Whether you want a chemical sunscreen, which absorbs the sun's rays, or a physical or mineral sunscreen, which instead sits on the surface of skin and acts like a shield, deflecting the sun's rays. Chemical sunscreens, made with ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate or octinoxate, easily dissolve into skin without any residue. Physical sunscreens, containing ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or both, may leave behind a residue. However, if you have sensitive skin or suffer from skin conditions, namely eczema, you should only opt for this type of sunscreen.
There are also many delivery types, including sprays, powders, oils and more. Some are all natural, vegan and reef-safe. But beware: Sunscreen may also contain potentially dangerous ingredients. In 2021, Johnson & Johnson recalled five sunscreens -- including Aveeno's Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen; Neutrogena's Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen; CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen; Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen; and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen -- for containing low levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer with repeated exposure. Keep in mind that the FDA regulates all sunscreens sold in the United States to ensure they meet safety and effectiveness standards.
Just in time for your spring break vacation, CBS Essentials rounded up some great sunscreen options for everyone, ranging from outdoor athletes and swimmers to children and those with sensitive skin.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer/Tinted Daily Defense (SPF 30)
Cult-favorite beauty brand Drunk Elephant offers sheer and tinted versions of this physical, broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. Both are formulated for the face with ingredients such as marula oil and fruit enzymes along with zinc oxide.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Daily Defense (3 oz.), SPF 30, $34
Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinté Daily Defense (3 oz.), SPF 30, $36
Elta MD UV Clear broad spectrum (SPF 46)
Dermatologists regularly recommend Elta MD UV Clear sunscreen, one of the most highly rated mineral-based sunscreens on Amazon, and the best-selling facial sunscreen overall. The zinc oxide, broad-spectrum sunscreen offers extra gentle protection, and dermatologists recommend it for sensitive, oily or acne prone skin. It sells in doctor's offices around the country, but you can also get it online.
Elta MD UV Clear broad spectrum (1.7 oz.), SPF 46, $37
Tinted Elta MD UV Clear broad spectrum (1.7 oz.), SPF 46, $39
Tinted CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 30)
Looking for a tinted facial sunscreen on a budget? CeraVe, another dermatologist-recommended skincare brand, offers lightweight, greaseless protection. It boasts thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon, and it happens to be the online retailer's best-selling sunscreen overall.
Tinted CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen (1.7 oz.), SPF 30, $14
Banana Boat Sport Cool Zone (SF 30)
A water-resistant, reef-friendly chemical sunscreen, Banana Boat Sport Cool Zone boasts SPF 40 protection and water resistance for up to 80 minutes. The lightweight and greaseless spray also takes up a spot on Amazon's best-seller list and boasts an average 4.7-star rating with over 23,000 reviews.
Banana Boat Sport Cool Zone (2 pack, 12 oz. total), SPF 30, $16
SunBum Mineral spray sunscreen (SPF 30)
If you don't mind the white tint associated with most physical sunscreens, SunBum Mineral should be in your beach bag. A mineral sunscreen that smells like summer, it sprays on with a matte finish, offering SPF 30 protection with the active ingredient zinc oxide.
SunBum Mineral Sunscreen (6 oz.), SPF 30, $16
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch (SPF 30)
Budget-friendly, moisturizing and with a fragrance that transports you to the tropics, Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch provides broad-spectrum, chemical, SPF 30 protection that effortlessly absorbs into the skin. If you prefer a mist, order the Silk Hydration spray.
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch (8 oz.), SPF 30, $8
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration spray (8 oz.), SPF 30, $9
Supergoop Play Everyday (SPF 50)
Formulated for all skin types, Supergoop Play Everyday offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 coverage and water resistance. This is a chemical sunscreen, but made without oxybenzone or octinoxate, which deteriorates coral reefs. Users love that the greaseless formula absorbs into skin with added hydration, thanks to glycerin. Order it in various sizes, including a 5.5-fluid ounce bottle, 18-fluid ounce pump and a 6-fluid ounce spray.
Supergoop Play Everyday (5.5 oz.), SPF 50, $32
Supergoop Play Everyday (18 oz.), SPF 50, $58
Supergoop Play Everyday body mist (6 oz.), SPF 50, $21
Undefined R&R Sun Serum (SPF 50)
Clean and conscious Black-owned beauty brand Undefined recently launched its first sunscreen. Lightweight, broad spectrum and formulated for all skin types, the mineral sunscreen doubles as skincare with added ingredients niacinamide, tremella mushroom and raspberry seed for hydration and nourishment.
Undefined R&R Sun Serum (1.7 oz.), SPF 50, $28
Coola Organic Classic Sunscreen Spray (SPF 70)
Some people don't like sunscreen because of how it smells. This water-resistant spray from Coola smells like peaches and boasts an SPF of 70. An added bonus? It's reef friendly and made with more than 70% organic ingredients.
Coola Organic Classic Sunscreen Spray (6 oz.), SPF 70, $25
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