Sun protection is key year-round, and especially while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, when skin can become particularly sensitive to UV exposure. Here’s a primer on shopping for the safest sunscreen this season, along with some of our favorite mineral sunscreen picks.
Safe Sun Care 1,2,3s:
- Look for non-nano zinc oxide or zinc oxide + titanium dioxide as the active ingredients in your sunscreen formula. This is called mineral, or physical, sunscreen. It is naturally broad spectrum.
- Rub it in well. Mineral sunscreen starts working immediately (no need to wait any amount of time before sun exposure).
- Reapply every 2 hours (depending on the product instructions) and after swimming, sweating, or getting wet.
- Wear protective clothing and accessories for extra protection: UPF fabrics, hats, and sunglasses.
Need a new sunscreen formula?
Try these tested and approved product picks.
Best for Face: Mama Sol Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30, Solara Time Traveler
Best for Body: Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 40, Eleven Game Set Match SPF 50, All Good Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, Love Sun Body Sheer Perfection
Best for Kids: Badger Baby or Kids Mineral Sunscreen Cream SF 40, Babo Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Best Spray: Solara Go! SPF 30 Mist, Babo Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, Bare Republic Mineral Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 50,
Best Daily SPF Under Makeup: Saint Jane Luxury Sun Ritual SPF 30, Alo Daily SPF Face Moisturizer
Best Tinted Moisturizer with SPF: Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30
Want more information, including FAQs, on the healthiest sunscreens? Tune into our Ask the Experts series on Safe Suncare with Jolene Hart, CHC.