Are you buying the right sunscreen? Local 4 spoke with a dermatologist who walked us down the sunscreen aisle to reveal what really works -- and what doesn’t.
There are dozens of brands, hundreds of bottles, and labels that can leave shoppers wondering: Which sunscreen is actually the best?
Metro Detroit dermatologist Dr. Steven Grekin, founder of The Grekin Skin Institute, met us at the Southgate Meijer sunscreen aisle to help cut through the confusion.
Mineral vs. chemical sunscreens
Dr. Grekin said there’s chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens, and when presented with a choice, choose a mineral sunscreen.
Mineral sunscreen is better at protecting your skin than chemical sunscreen. Though, if your choice is chemical sunscreen or nothing, then you should use the chemical sunscreen.
“I found like a whole bunch of mineral-based sunscreens and I have to tell you, the part that I found most interesting, look at what it says, it says, ‘mineral face’, ‘mineral baby bump,’ ‘baby protection’, ‘baby mineral’, ‘pure and simple baby,’” Grekin said.
He said if it’s good enough for a baby, then it’s good enough for everyone.
SPF
When it comes to SPF, broad spectrum means the sunscreen protects against both UVA rays, which can age the skin, and UVB rays, which are most likely to cause a sunburn.
You should choose a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30, it’s the minimum recommendation by most dermatologists. For comparison, SPF 50 provides 98% protection, and SPF 100 provides 99% coverage.
Most importantly, apply enough sunscreen and make sure to reapply it every two hours. Grekin said that lotions are always better than sprays and that you should use a shot glass full.
Remember to get the spots people often miss. Apply sunscreen to your ears, the back of your neck, the tops of your feet, and your scalp.
The best sunscreen isn’t the most expensive one. It’s the one you’ll wear every day.