The No List to look for in Sunscreens - Sunscreen Ingredients To Avoid
By now, we all know why applying sunscreen is the best skincare step of 'em all! It not only protects the skin from the harmful UV rays that damage the skin with repeated exposure but also reduces the chance of skin cancer. So yes, wear sunscreen daily, even indoors!
Sunscreen Ingredients To Avoid
Choosing the right sunscreen is more important than applying the product. Why? Because what if the ingredients present in your daily essential are not completely safe and are doing more harm than good?
So without further ado, let's check out the *harmful* ingredients that shouldn't make it to any sunscreen product in the first place!
The *No No* ingredients you should say NO to!
Not every ingredient mentioned here is a villain- some of them are just plain useless and others may not be safe for the environment. Don't you worry as these are the *not approved by SunScoop* ingredients you need to ignore like it's that annoying ex!
Oxybenzone/Benzophenone-3
Found in: Physical sunscreens
Oxybenzone is a popular ingredient choice as it's often found in broad-spectrum sunscreens, helps filter both UVB & UVA rays. As exciting or safe this ingredient may sound- it is NOT.
A study, created by the Haereticus Environmental lab, found that the ingredient contributed to bleaching and poisoning coral reefs. If you are an environmentally conscious person, then you know why we all should refrain from using it!
1. Formaldehyde
Found in: sunscreens
Formaldehyde is yet another ingredient that you may find in the ingredient list of many sunscreens. Constant exposure to it can cause skin irritation and even severe skin allergies. Even if you do not see this ingredient, do watch out for Diazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin and Hydroxymethylglycinate as they are all formaldehyde releasers.
2. Parabens
Found in: sunscreens
You may have seen 'paraben-free' in many of your beloved skin/body care products. Most of its prototypes include propylparaben, benzylparaben, butylparaben, methyl paraben are usually added to prevent the growth of yeast, bacteria in personal care products.
But little did you know that they can mimic estrogen (the female hormone) which has been known to contribute to breast cancer. Make sure you are reading the labels, friends!
3. Homosalate
Found in: Physical sunscreens
Homosalate is one of those ingredients that you may find in sunscreen. But did you know that along with this 'skin protecting' ingredient comes many skin allergies and allergic reactions. This is also categorised as Endocrine disruptor.
Since some of the chemicals can be easily absorbed through the skin and can be detected in the blood, it is highly advisable to refrain from using such ingredients.
4. Drying alcohol - Alcohols specifically ethyl alcohol is used as a solvent in some of the products but it has a drying effect & instead moisturising alcohols are recommended.
5. Methylisothiazolinone - This is also widely used in products to control bacterial/fungal growth. Studies suggest that if this is used at a higher concentration may result in skin irritation as this is categorised as skin sensitizer.
FAQs
The 5 steps to sun safety are:
1. Apply sunscreen.
2. Wear protective clothing.
3. Stay under shade during peak hours (10:00a.m. to 04:00p.m.)
4. Stay hydrated.
5. Don't forget to reapply the sunscreen.
Follow these tips for being in the sun:
1. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
2. Choose long sleeves, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
3. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
4. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
5. Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
To apply sunscreen correctly, use a generous amount and cover all exposed skin, including often-missed areas like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet. Apply it at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
The 5 W's of sunscreen are:
1. Who: Everyone, regardless of age or skin type, should use sunscreen.
2. What: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
3. When: Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
4. Where: Apply to all exposed skin, including face, neck, ears, and the tops of feet.
5. Why: To protect against harmful UV rays, prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and prevent premature aging.
The 3 finger rule in sunscreen means you need to squeeze sunscreen on your three fingers and then apply it thoroughly on your face. This ensure that you are applying the right quantity.
Look for these criterias while choosing the perfect sunscreen:
1: SPF Level: Select SPF 30 or higher for adequate protection.
2. Broad Spectrum: Ensure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
3. Skin Type: Choose a formulation suited to your skin type (e.g., sensitive, oily).
4. Water Resistance: Opt for water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
5. Non-Comedogenic: Especially for acne-prone skin to avoid clogging pores.
Yes, it is an excellent choice to wear sunscreen on face everyday to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and other signs of ageing.
Yes, sunscreen helps protect your face from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn, premature ageing, and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Here are the benefits of sunscreen:
1. Protection from UV rays.
2. Prevents sunburn.
3. Anti-ageing.
4. Skin cancer prevention.
5. Maintains skin tone.
Yes, babies need sunscreen, but it's important to use specially formulated sunscreen designed for infants over 6 months old. Always consult with a pediatrician before applying sunscreen to babies, and keep them protected with hats, clothing, and shade whenever possible.
Here are the best sunscreen ingredients to look for:
1. Mineral Sunscreens: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide broad-spectrum protection and are gentle on sensitive skin.
2. Chemical Filters: Avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and octocrylene offer effective UV protection in chemical sunscreen formulations.
3. Broad-Spectrum Coverage: Ensure the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays for comprehensive sun protection.
More Related Terms
Sun Care Tips | Sunscreen Secrets | Spf60 sunscreen | Body Suncare | Sunscreen Spray
