It’s long been known that using a broad spectrum high SPF sunscreen, one that protects against UVA and UVB rays, is essential – no matter what the time of year.
But according to DeAnn Lazovich, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota, sunscreen has its limits, and not all are created equal.
Professor Lazovich recently took a look at sunscreens, revealing the one ingredient a good formulation should include.
‘A product has to say it’s “broad spectrum” to provide UVA protection. Also look for zinc oxide, which provides stronger UVA protection than other ingredients do,’ she told Prevention.
Sunscreen remains the best strategy against skin-cancer protection, however, some formulations have their limits (stock image)
As it turns out, some sunscreen formulations lack zinc oxide – a mineral that starts protecting your skin as soon as you put it on.
The mineral sits on top of the skin and forms a protective barrier against the sun’s harmful rays.
Zinc oxide has also been shown to lessen skin damage and sun-related premature ageing, said US-based dermatologist Cybele Fishman for InStyle.
If you are looking for a product that offers greater coverage, look for one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and contains the physical blocker zinc oxide.
Helpfully, the Annual Sunscreen Guide by the Consumer Report has sorted the effective products from those doing little more that moisturising your skin.
Sunscreens that contain the mineral zinc oxide offer a protective barrier from the sun’s rays the moment you put it on (stock image)
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios SPF 50 Comfort Cream (pictured) retails at $23.99
After testing 70 products, one came out wholly on top, with a 100 per cent score for the fourth year in a row.
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios SPF 50 Comfort Cream, which retails at $23.99 at Priceline, gained first place in Consumer Report’s list.
After testing some 70 sunscreens for both UVA and UVB ray protection, the experts found that the product by French dermatologists is the best that money can buy.
This is partly because it contains zinc oxide, the proven ingredient with sun protection.
The Annual Sunscreen Guide by the Consumer Report has separated the effective products from those that are doing little more than moisturising your complexion (stock image)
The sunscreen also contains the antioxidant, Baicalin, to fight free radicals on the surface of the skin whilst offering the highest UVA and UVB sun protection.
In their research, Consumer Report also found that plenty of products aren’t necessarily doing their job.
‘Of the 73 lotions, sprays, sticks and lip balms in our ratings this year, 24 tested at less than half their labelled SPF number,’ researchers wrote.
‘That doesn’t mean the products aren’t protective at all, but you may not be getting the degree of protection you think you are.’
Their bottom line was that it always pays to check a sunscreen’s rating.
One product came out wholly on top, with a 100 per cent score for the fourth year in a row (stock image)