HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO APPLY IT?
It is important to reapply at least every 2 hours regardless of the SPF#. In fact,
studies have shown that people who use higher SPFs tend to reapply less often and
are thus more at risk for harm from the sun. Mineral sunscreens usually need to be
reapplied more frequently, and if you are being active, going in the water, or toweling
off you will need to reapply more frequently regardless of sunscreen type.
DO THEY REALLY EXPIRE? YES! Sunscreens lose their efficacy over time, especially
when exposed to sun and heat (which they usually are). Once opened, the shelf life is
around 1-2 years, but follow the expiration date printed on the bottle.
SO HOW TO CHOOSE?
The ingredients in mineral sunscreens, Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide, are the only
two ingredients the FDA considers “Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective
(GRASE)”. So with an abundance of choices and advancements in formulations, I
recommend choosing mineral options whenever possible. They are less likely to
cause irritations or breakouts, and are safe for all skin types including sensitive. Here
are some of my favorites, both mineral and chemical (because we don't always have
access to a mineral option and any sunscreen is better than none!).
Face:
Mineral: La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 50
Gentle Lotion Mineral Sunscreen,
Chemical: Black Girl Sunscreen creates
several great formulas, I especially love
the Make it Matte SPF 45 gel.
Tinted Face:
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 has a
wide range of shades and blends
seamlessly.
Waterproof Face:
Freaks of Nature Peak Performance
Sunscreen Stick SPF 50.
Lip:
Supergoop Play! Lip balm SPF30 or Elta
MD UV Lip SPF 36 for a waterproof option.
For Tinted protection try Ultra Violette
Sheen Screen SPF 50 Hydrating Lip Balm.
Body:
Mineral: One Skin Triple Power OS-O1
Body SPF 30+
Chemical: Coola Clear Sunscreen Spray
SPF50
Waterproof Body:
Mineral: Blue Lizard Sport Mineral
Sunscreen SPF 50
Chemical: KINeSYS Clear Spray Sunscreen
SPF 50
On-the-Go/Touch-up:
Mineral: Color Science Sunforgettable
SPF50
Chemical: ShiSeido UV Clear Stick
Protector SPF50.
I love both because they don’t interfere
with makeup and can be layered on
anytime.