It’s summertime! Sunny rays, warm breezes, and pool days make this season one to remember. But those pesky UV rays can cause much damage if you’re not careful. From painful sunburns to skin cancer, protecting yourself is crucial to having a fun summer. Prismpop community collects 33 different drugstore sunscreens that provide SPF to keep your skin burn-free and ready for a day on the beach, plus keep your wallet ready for ice cream trucks and pool passes. Keep reading to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions about "Best Drugstore Sunscreen"
What SPF do dermatologists recommend?
Unfortunately, no level of SPF can block 100% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. However, dermatologists generally recommend a minimum level of SPF 30, which blocks 97% of UV rays. The higher the SPF, the higher the percentage of UV light blocked. However, the higher you go, the less effective each point is. In an everyday situation, you would not need more than SPF 30 for both your body and face. Some UV light is normal (and necessary for Vitamin D production), and the sun isn’t something to be afraid of. Using sunscreen consistently, even in winter or overcast days, is one of the best things you can do for anti-aging and skin cancer prevention. Yes, you will tan even if you wear sunscreen, as long as it has been properly absorbed and you’ve applied it adequately before going out.
Is there a difference between sunblock and sunscreen?
People often use the words ‘sunblock’ and ‘sunscreen’ interchangeably, but the truth is that they aren’t the same. The key is in the second part of the words: ‘block’ and ‘screen.’ Sunscreen, also known as chemical sunscreen, acts as a protective barrier between the skin and the sun by dispersing the sunshine’s wavelengths to be safely absorbed by the skin, which allows for the production of Vitamin D and also allows you to tan. Sunblock, also known as a physical sunscreen, on the other hand, completely reflects the beams of light and doesn’t allow them to touch the skin. You will not tan or synthesize Vitamin D if you use sunblock, but it could be beneficial if you have a history of skin cancer in your family. You may even be able to find a protectant that is a mix of sunblock and sunscreen to get the best of both worlds!
Do I have to wait 15 minutes after applying sunscreen?
Most sunscreen bottles or tubes say to wait 15 minutes before becoming exposed to the sun, but why is that, and do you really need to? The minerals or chemicals in the sunscreen take some time to be fully absorbed by the skin. If not absorbed, the sunscreen is simply not as beneficially effective. So yes, you should wait 15 minutes after applying sunscreen before stepping out of the safety of a tree’s shade or your home. Most people don’t follow this rule, which is why their sunscreen doesn’t work very well, and they end up burning. To avoid being a buzzkill at the beach, strategically apply sunscreen before leaving your home to go to the beach, so it has adequate time to be absorbed. Additionally, just slathering the product onto your skin will not do anything; you have to actually massage the lotion thoroughly into the skin.
