How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin

Walk down any sunscreen aisle, and the choices can feel endless: mineral, chemical, tinted, sport, spray, stick, hypoallergenic, face, body, water-resistant, reef-friendly.

For many people, the question becomes less about whether sunscreen is important and more about which one to choose.

The good news: You do not need the “perfect” sunscreen to protect your skin. You need one that offers reliable protection and fits your daily life well enough that you will use actually use.

“Sunscreen is about much more than avoiding a painful sunburn,” says Dr. Jekwon Yeh, medical director of Radiation Oncology and Cancer Services at Adventist Health Glendale. “Consistent sun protection is one of the easiest steps people can take to help lower their risk of developing skin cancer.”

That matters because skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.

The CDC notes that millions of adults are treated each year for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common forms of skin cancer.

Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen: does it really matter?

Sunscreens generally fall into two main categories based on their active ingredients: mineral and chemical. Both can be effective when used correctly.

Mineral sunscreens, sometimes called physical sunscreens, usually contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These ingredients help shield it from ultraviolet, or UV, radiation.

Chemical sunscreens use ingredients such as avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or oxybenzone. These formulas absorb UV rays and convert them into heat that is released from the skin.

The difference matters mostly because of comfort, skin type, appearance, and how likely you are to use enough sunscreen — and reapply it when needed.

Mineral sunscreen may be a good choice for people with sensitive skin, rosacea-prone skin, acne-prone skin, or skin that tends to sting or react to certain products. Mineral formulas are also commonly recommended for young children, although sunscreen generally is not recommended for babies younger than 6 months unless a clinician advises otherwise.

The trade-off is that mineral formulas can feel thicker, be harder to rub in, and leave a white or gray cast, especially on deeper skin tones. Newer mineral sunscreens, including tinted options, have improved significantly.

Chemical sunscreens are often lighter, easier to blend, and less visible on the skin. For some people, that makes them easier to wear every day, especially on the face or under makeup. However, some chemical sunscreens can sting the eyes or irritate sensitive skin. People with allergies, eczema, rosacea, or a history of product reactions may need to try different formulas or seek guidance from a clinician.

Chemical sunscreens are generally considered safe and effective when used as directed. Still, some people may prefer products with fewer unfamiliar ingredients or may have concerns about certain chemical filters. For those individuals, mineral sunscreens that rely on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can be a good alternative.

“The most important message is that people should not skip sunscreen because they feel overwhelmed by the choices,” Dr. Yeh says. “If you have concerns about certain ingredients, choose a mineral-based option. What matters most is finding a broad-spectrum sunscreen you feel comfortable using consistently.”

Look for broad-spectrum protection

Sunlight contains different types of ultraviolet rays:

• UVA rays are associated with long-term skin damage, including premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots.
• UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. Both UVA and UVB exposure can contribute to skin cancer.

That is why dermatologists and major health organizations generally recommend choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

SPF mainly reflects protection against UVB rays, the rays most associated with sunburn. In addition to SPF, some sunscreens also list a PA rating, which measures protection against UVA rays. The PA system, originally developed in Japan, stands for Protection Grade of UVA. The more plus signs a product has, the higher its UVA protection, with PA++++ representing the highest level.

Neither SPF nor PA should be viewed as more important than the other. For well-rounded protection, look for sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum coverage. For added UVA protection, especially during prolonged outdoor exposure, you may want to consider a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and a PA+++ or PA++++ rating when available.

That is why dermatologists and major health organizations generally recommend choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.