How to choose right spf sunscreen for this summer

SPF 15: Blocks about 93% of UVB rays – suitable for minimal sun exposure. 

SPF 30: Blocks about 97% of UVB rays – recommended for daily use. 

SPF 50: Blocks about 98% of UVB rays – great for extended outdoor activities. 

SPF 50+: Provides slightly better protection but must still be reapplied frequently. 

SPF 60: Offers slightly more protection than SPF 50 but must still be reapplied regularly. 

Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Choose a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic sunscreen in gel or fluid form. 

Sensitive Skin: Opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to irritate. 

Combination Skin: A balanced formula that hydrates dry areas while keeping oil in check is ideal. 

Mineral Sunscreens (Physical): Contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and act as a shield by reflecting UV rays. Best for sensitive skin. 

Chemical Sunscreens: Contain filters like avobenzone and oxybenzone, which absorb UV rays. They’re lightweight and ideal for everyday wear. 

Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. 

Use about a teaspoon for the face and a shot-glass amount for the body. 

Reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming/sweating. 

For Hyperpigmentation: Use a tinted mineral sunscreen with iron oxides to block visible light. 

For Anti-Aging: Look for sunscreens with antioxidants and peptides. 

For Sports & Outdoor Activities: Choose sweat-resistant or water-resistant formulas. 

Oxybenzone and Octinoxate: These are common chemical UV filters that you might choose to avoid for a couple of reasons.  

Environmentally : Oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to coral reef damage, and they’ve been banned in places like Hawaii and Key West to protect marine . 

 For your skin:  Oxybenzone is also a known cause of allergic reactions in some people – it was even named “Allergen of the Year” in 2014 for its tendency to cause contact dermatitis . If you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin, it’s wise to skip sunscreens listing oxybenzone (or its relative, benzophenone-3) and octinoxate. The good news is many brands now offer “oxybenzone-free” or “reef-friendly” formulas using alternative filters. Check the active ingredients list and opt for different filters (like zinc oxide, avobenzone, or others) if you’re concerned about these two. 

Fragrances and Essential Oils (if Sensitive): Fragrance isn’t necessary in sunscreen, yet many products include perfumes or botanical essential oils to make them smell nice. If you have sensitive skin or fragrance allergies, these can be irritants, especially under intense sun. Some essential oils (like citrus oils) can even make skin more sun-sensitive. If your skin is at all reactive, it’s best to choose fragrance-free sunscreens to minimize potential irritation. The sunscreen might not smell like a tropical coconut breeze, but your skin will be happier. Check the ingredient list for terms like “parfum,” “fragrance,” or essential oil names if you’re aiming to avoid these. 

High Alcohol Content: This is more about formulation preference. Some spray sunscreens or ultra-light fluids use a lot of denatured alcohol to make them dry quickly and feel weightless. While this can be okay for very oily skin (it gives a matte, clean finish), alcohol can be drying and irritating, especially for dry or sensitive skin. If you notice your sunscreen’s ingredients list has alcohol (often listed as Alcohol Denat.) near the top, be mindful. If your skin feels dry or stings when you apply it, consider switching to an alcohol-free formulation. This isn’t to say you must avoid alcohol in all cases (many people use and love these feather-light sunscreens), but it’s a potential negative if you have dryness or stinging. 

Anything You Know You’re Allergic To: This may sound obvious, but always check sunscreen ingredients if you have known skincare allergies. For example, some people are allergic to chemical sunscreens like avobenzone or preservatives like methylisothiazolinone. Others might get a rash from certain plant extracts. If a sunscreen contains something that’s given you trouble in the past, skip it. There are plenty of options out there. When trying a new sunscreen and you’re not sure, do a patch test on a small area first. It’s better to discover a reaction on a small patch than after you’ve covered yourself head to toe.