Esthetica MD “Sun Screening”

ENGLEWOOD, N.J. - June 16, 2015 - PRLog -- Sunscreen should be an essential part of your skincare regimen year-round, but slathering or spraying on a good quality SPF is even more imperative during the spring and summer months when the sun’s damaging rays are at their strongest—even one severe sunburn can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

With so many sunscreen options on the market, choosing the right one for your specific skin profile is no day at the beach. So, we tested offerings from five of the most popular brands to help you find the sun protection that’s perfect for you.

Before we bring you our results, however, we think it’s important to clarify some common questions about sunscreen categories, classifications, and SPF ratings:

Physical vs. Chemical: Sunscreens tackle the sun’s rays either by physically blocking them from striking the skin using a topical barrier like zinc oxide, or by absorbing solar energy and transforming it via a chemical reaction to prevent it from penetrating the skin. While both methods are effective, we prefer physical sunscreens—especially for children—as they do not react with skin or cause skin sensitivity.

UVA vs. UVB: The sunlight that reaches us is made up of two types of harmful rays: long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) and short wave ultraviolet B (UVB). Basically, UVA rays can age us and UVB rays can burn us. Overexposure to either can damage the skin. Sunscreens that give both UVA and UVB protection are called “broad spectrum.”

SPF Numbers: 15? 30? 45? What do those SPF numbers mean? In a nutshell, a sunscreen’s SPF number measures the amount of time it takes for your skin to turn red after exposure to UVB rays. For example, SPF 15 gives 93% burn protection, while SPF 30 gives 97%. Generally, protection maxes out at SPF 50, so always remember to reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes to two hours more frequently after swimming or heavy perspiring).

And now, on to the reviews!

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 45 with Helioplex

Price: $10

THE GOOD: This fast-drying chemical-based lotion is a whiz at battling UV rays, and that protection goes the distance thanks to Helioplex, which keeps this sunscreen’s active ingredient—Avobenzone—working overtime. Not heavy or greasy (a plus if you have oily skin), it absorbs easily into the skin, making it appropriate for all skin tones.

THE BAD: Like all chemical-based sunscreens, this will break down in sunlight and can actually cause free-radical damage. Those with dry or normal skin will likely find this sunscreen too drying.

BOTTOM LINE: Overall, this one’s a good choice, especially for the price, if you prefer a chemical-based sunscreen.

Image Skincare Prevention + Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF 32

Price: $33

THE GOOD: This anti-oxidant-packed physical sunscreen not only protects your skin with the power of zinc oxide, it helps repair it too! Its light formula with a hint of moisture works well with make-up and it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.

THE BAD: We were ready to make this one our top choice, but alas, it contains fragrance, which can be irritating to sensitive skin.

BOTTOM LINE: A good daytime moisturizer/sunscreen option that’s fairly priced.

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

Price: $65

THE GOOD: This fragrance- and paraben-free physical sunscreen contains micronized titanium dioxide 6% and zinc oxide 5% to provide 100% UVA/UVB protection, and its subtle tint will leave you glowing, even on the cloudiest of days.

THE BAD: SkinCeuticals categorizes this product as a sunscreen, which we take to mean it can be used anywhere on the body. However, given this product’s small size and rather steep price point, it’s clearly intended to be used on the face.

BOTTOM LINE: Its silky, light formula and ability to camouflage minor skin imperfections makes this an excellent choice for the face. At $65 a bottle, however, using it for all-over protection is a pricey proposition.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Milk

Price: $34

THE GOOD: This chemical-based broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen contains no parabens, has a lightweight, matte finish, and utilizes Avobenzone along with Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL, two ingredients that offer better and longer-lasting protection.

THE BAD: While we like that this product contains skin-nourishing Vitamin E and tropical leaf extract, they’re in such miniscule amounts that they provide no real anti-oxidant protection. Also problematic is the presence of Oxybenzone, which could trigger allergic reactions in some users.

BOTTOM LINE: This sunscreen—like all chemical sunscreens—must be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure, so it may not be the best choice for those on the go. While the price is right, there are better options out there.

Goddess Garden Organics Sport Spray Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

Price: $21

THE GOOD: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, aloe vera, glycerin, soybean oil—this physical broad-spectrum sunscreen manages to pack in more quality ingredients than your kitchen sink. Bonus: it’s organic, hypo-allergenic, and non-comedogenic.

THE BAD: We were turned off by the purplish tint this product left on our skin. Also, despite its claim of being fragrance free, we found it to have an unpleasant scent.

BOTTOM LINE: This was the easiest of the bunch to apply, thanks to its aerosol application (kinda negates the whole organic thing, no?), but we can’t get past the scent and the unsightly stain it leaves on your skin. Goddess? Not so much.