Finding the Right Sunscreen for You

BY DELARA BAKHTYARI

Coco Chanel sunbathing. Messy Nessy Chic

Thinking of not wearing sunscreen on a hot summer day for tanning? Think again! Coco Chanel started the tanning trend over a century ago in 1923. Today, people have developed numerous ways to achieve a tan — tanning lotion, tanning salons, tanning beds, and the original: tanning in the hot summer sun. Tanning doesn’t become an issue until people start getting sunburns and damaging their skin cells from not wearing the proper amount of sunscreen or any sunscreen at all.

What is the importance of wearing sunscreen? Dermatologist Shabnam Shahabadi strongly advises everyone to wear sunscreen because “it prevents your skin from burning or from getting skin cancer.” You should wear sunscreen when you are playing sports, doing activities outdoors, and even standing outside. You have a lot of freedom when choosing the sunscreen for you.

First, there is a variety of application methods. The two most popular are lotion sunscreen and stick sunscreen. It depends on your preference, but each has pros and cons; for kids’ faces, for example, Dr. Shahabadi recommends “sunscreen sticks because kids like to play around outside, so the sticks are easy to re-apply, and it helps make sure the kids are wearing the right amount of sunscreen while playing.” 

Facial sunscreens. CNET

Then, you want to think about your skin type. If you have dry skin, you may want to stick with a moisturizing sunscreen. Dr. Shahabadi recommends a “less heavy sunscreen for people with acne or sensitive skin.” Stay away from sunscreens with too many chemicals. They are not only bad for your face, but the sunscreen that washes off can damage environments such as coral reefs. Dr. Shahabadi suggests products with little to no chemicals and environmentally friendly sunscreens.

Aside from that, you still have a few more choices. Which brand will you be using? According to Dr. Shahabadi, Neutrogena is popular and good for most skin types. Their sunscreen goes on runny and dries nearly instantly once applied. People look for this in sunscreens because the sunscreen doesn’t give their face the “oily look” or feel. It is important to be comfortable with protecting your skin.

After you have narrowed your options, “make sure your sunscreen has at least 30 SPF in it, but what matters more than the SPF is that you reapply your sunscreen,” says Dr. Shahabadi. With sunscreen, you can protect your skin while continuing to enjoy the outdoors this summer!