With our sunscreen guide, SPF whitecast is a thing of the past…
By FP contributor, Jules Boyd.
There’s nothing quite like a warm summer glow…under the protection of SPF, that is. Long gone are the days of goopy sunscreen and pasty, white streaks. Sun protection has come a long way since its conception, and now it’s a staple part of our skincare routine. Let’s face it — we want to catch rays, not wrinkles.
Before we share this year’s list of our favorite protective sunscreens, here’s a quick SPF sunscreen guide refresher.
There are two types of sun protection: physical and chemical. Physical, or mineral, sunscreen creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s UV rays. Chemical sunscreen sinks into your skin and actually absorbs UV rays, then converts them to energy which is less damaging to the skin.
The sun emits different types of ultraviolet radiation: Ultraviolet A (UVA), which can penetrate skin and lead to wrinkles and premature aging; and Ultraviolet B (UVB), which targets the top layer of skin and creates burns. (Physical sunscreens tend to be much better barriers against both UVA and UVB – chemical sunscreens can help with both, but require more ingredients to do so.)
“Sun Protection Factor,” which measures how much protection a sunscreen offers. The number – 15, 30, 50 – indicates the amount of sun exposure it would take to get a sunburn while using a particular product. For example: if you’re wearing SPF50, it would take your skin 50 times longer to burn than if you were wearing no sunscreen at all. But remember – SPF only indicates protection from burning UVB rays.
In theory, SPF 75 will offer you more protection than SPF15. But the need to reapply – regularly – holds true regardless of SPF. Two-hour reapplications tend to do the trick, especially after swimming/sweating. The same goes for all skin tones and types.
Now that you’ve completed SPF 101, here’s your official sunscreen roundup!
There’s nothing quite like a warm summer glow…under the protection of SPF, that is. Long gone are the days of goopy sunscreen and pasty, white streaks. Sun protection has come a long way since its conception, and now it’s a staple part of our skincare routine. Let’s face it — we want to catch rays, not wrinkles.
Before we share this year’s list of our favorite protective sunscreens, here’s a quick SPF sunscreen guide refresher.
How does sunscreen work?
There are two types of sun protection: physical and chemical. Physical, or mineral, sunscreen creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s UV rays. Chemical sunscreen sinks into your skin and actually absorbs UV rays, then converts them to energy which is less damaging to the skin.
The sun emits different types of ultraviolet radiation: Ultraviolet A (UVA), which can penetrate skin and lead to wrinkles and premature aging; and Ultraviolet B (UVB), which targets the top layer of skin and creates burns. (Physical sunscreens tend to be much better barriers against both UVA and UVB – chemical sunscreens can help with both, but require more ingredients to do so.)
What Does SPF Stand For?
“Sun Protection Factor,” which measures how much protection a sunscreen offers. The number – 15, 30, 50 – indicates the amount of sun exposure it would take to get a sunburn while using a particular product. For example: if you’re wearing SPF50, it would take your skin 50 times longer to burn than if you were wearing no sunscreen at all. But remember – SPF only indicates protection from burning UVB rays.
Does a higher SPF always equal better protection?
In theory, SPF 75 will offer you more protection than SPF15. But the need to reapply – regularly – holds true regardless of SPF. Two-hour reapplications tend to do the trick, especially after swimming/sweating. The same goes for all skin tones and types.
Now that you’ve completed SPF 101, here’s your official sunscreen roundup!
Best SPF For Your Face:
With niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ginseng root extract, this formula leaves skin soft and matte.
Perfect pre-makeup protection for all skin types. Leaves an invisible, velvet-y finish.
A conveniently packaged SPF in a translucent, non-greasy finish.
Lightly tinted so you’re ready to glow. Best for medium to dark skin tones.
An all-in-one chemical-free tinted sunscreen that provides SPF 30 protection while creating an evenly toned complexion.
Best SPF For Your Body:
Water-resistant without leaving a residue. This formula glides on smoothly for easy application.
A lightweight, transparent formula with Vacation®’s iconic scent.
Perfect for all over daily use and all skin types.
Best SPF For Your Scalp
Protect your scalp and hair while keeping it looking fresh (and smelling like the perfect beach day).
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