Why You Don’t Like to Wear Sunscreen, and How to Find the One For You

January 29th, 2023 by Peter Bialkowski

A study by the Skin Cancer Foundation revealed that only 30 percent of Americans apply sunscreen to sun-exposed areas daily. The study also states that 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, and more than 2 people die of skin cancer in the US every 2 hours. As alarming as these numbers are, there is a lot that can be done to prevent dangerous skin diseases, one of the most important being to wear sunscreen with an SPF (Skin Protectant Factor) of at least 30 on the face, neck, arms, and other exposed areas every single day.

Now, I can probably predict what image comes to mind when the word “sunscreen” is mentioned; a thick, strong-smelling cream that is nothing but a greasy hassle you only bring to the beach. However, it doesn’t have to be that way! Many affordable, cosmetically elegant sunscreen products today protect your skin without looking like Casper, the friendly ghost. Here are some things to look for when choosing the right sunscreen (and some of my favorites!)

1. Figure out your skin concerns

The first step to finding a great sunscreen is distinguishing what you want the product to do (besides protect it). After you wash your face, what do you notice? Is your skin tight and dry? Is it oily and greasy? Maybe it’s a combination of the two. Once you determine your skin type, you can narrow down the options. For example, many people have dry, dehydrated skin during winter. So, looking for a sunscreen that will add hydration and moisture throughout the day is essential. However, in the summer, most people want a lightweight product that won’t add more water to their oily skin.

Do you have sensitive skin? American sunscreens come with two types of filters; mineral, chemical, or combination. The mineral filters, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are great for sensitive skin but tend to leave a harsher white cast. Chemical filters, on the other hand, like avobenzone and homosalate, are clear in application but tend to sting around the eyes. Depending on your skin tone and tolerance, you may have to try a few different products to find what type of filter works best for you.

2. To be tinted, or not to be

If you have a darker skin tone and sensitive skin, don’t fret! As mentioned before, one of the significant problems of sunscreen is the white cast. The last thing we want to see when applying an SPF is a white, blue, or gray cast that covers our whole face. This is where tinted sunscreen comes into play. Many products have a peach or brown tint that cancels out the white cast a mineral sunscreen has, leaving an even tint on the skin. According to your mood, a tinted SPF could be an excellent base for light makeup, or work entirely on its own.

3. Drug Store or High End?

Another reason people avoid sunscreen is the price. Many brands at the mall are entirely unaffordable, which makes the process unsustainable. According to Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Andrea Suarez (Dr. Dray on YouTube), at least two middle finger lengths should be applied to the face throughout the day for avid sun protection. Attempting this will lead to running through an expensive and small product quickly and will surely discourage you from trying again. However, the drugstore is one of the best places to buy a great SPF! Countless brands offer products under twenty dollars as effective as luxury.

Overall, finding the best sunscreen can be a commitment. Seeing one that leaves the perfect finish on your skin can take years. I encourage you to take action and wear sunscreen for cosmetic reasons and for your skin’s health. As Dr. Dray says, “the best sunscreen is the one you wear every day.” I promise you can wear sunscreen every day and not even realize you’re wearing it!

Here are a few currently in my rotation I highly recommend for any skin tone and type:

Black Girl Sunscreen Kids SPF 30 (chemical, untinted, glowy finish) $9.99

Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face SPF 50 (mineral, tinted, matte finish) $15.99

Trader Joe’s Daily Facial SPF 40 (chemical, untinted, natural finish) $8.99

sources:

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQUCJQWmnIk