It’s time once again for our annual reminder about the importance of wearing sunscreen, which is timely because Consumer Reports just came out with its annual ratings for sunscreen products. According to the magazine, the top sunscreens to use in 2019 are those that are chemical-based versus those that are mineral-based, like ones containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Chemical-Based Is Better?

According to the editors of the health and food department at Consumer Reports, yes. Mineral sunscreens tend to fall into the middle of the magazine’s recommendations. But, that’s not to say that all chemical sunscreens are better than mineral ones.

Here’s the difference between the two. Chemical sunscreens are based on active chemical ingredients, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate and octocrylene. These ingredients are absorbed into the skin, and when that happens, a chemical reaction occurs to change radiation (from the sun’s ultraviolet rays) into heat. The heat is then released from the skin.

Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and are not absorbed. Instead, they act as a physical barrier to the sun’s rays.

For the Consumer Reports study, three samples of each sunscreen product were tested in a lab to check their effectiveness at blocking the sun’s rays. The products were also tested to see if their SPF factor matched what was advertised on the label.

Of the 82 products tested by Consumer Reports, 10 were rated excellent – and they were chemical-based products.

So, Is Chemical Really Best?

While Consumer Reports said chemical sunscreen is excellent at protecting the skin, there are concerns about how the products can impact health and hormones, especially in young children.

We like mineral-based products because they do not have known adverse effects on health. Whatever you choose, be sure it is broad-spectrum – meaning it can repel both UVA and UVB rays. Also, we recommend following the manufacturer’s recommendations for application and applying it as indicated.

Why Do You Need Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is important because it protects the skin not only from the risk of skin cancer, but also because the sun’s rays can speed up the aging process, causing the skin to look older sooner.

Signs of aging include wrinkles, fine lines and creases, as well as the development of dark spots, freckles and uneven pigment. The sun can also cause the collagen and elastin in your skin to break down, leaving you at risk of sagging, loose skin.

If you’re seeing the signs of sun damage now, it’s not too late! Wear sunscreen (year-round – this is Texas, where the sun is intense all year!) and call us at 817-778-4444 for information about skin-rejuvenating procedures from Dr. Davis.