Asking "what is the best sunscreen?" does not have a straightforward answer because it varies from person to person. It entirely depends on preferences, allergies, and similar factors. Dermatologist Dr. Daniel Kadouch from Tenue Soleil ® is happy to explain how to choose a good sunscreen so you can enjoy the sun safely and carefree!
1. Type of Sunscreen
Whether you opt for sprays or creams, each type offers effective protection and has its advantages. A spray is more fluid, making it easier to apply on hairy body parts. However, with a spray, there's a risk of not applying enough sunscreen on the skin. This risk is significantly lower with cream. Moreover, a cream is more economical compared to a spray, as part of the spray gets lost in the air and doesn't reach the skin.
2. Protection Factors (SPF & PPD)
Sun protection consists of two types of radiation, namely UVA and UVB radiation. It involves ultraviolet radiation, where 'A' in UVA stands for the English term 'aging.' This radiation penetrates deep into your skin and leads to pigment spots, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. The 'B' of UVB stands for 'burn,' affecting only the top layer of the skin and causing sunburn.
UVB Protection
UVB protection is always indicated with SPF (Sun Protection Factor). When choosing a suitable sunscreen, we recommend opting for a high protection factor. For the best protection, we advise at least SPF30. If you have a light, sensitive skin, SPF50 is the best choice. The same recommendation applies to children because their skin is extra vulnerable. At Tenue Soleil ®, you can find both SPF30 and SPF50 sunscreens.
UVA Protection
For UVA protection, the protection factor PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) was introduced. Although many sunscreens only offer protection against UVB radiation, we recommend a cream that also provides resistance against UVA radiation. Check the front of the packaging for this. If there is a logo with UVA, then you know it's a good choice.
3. Water Resistance
If you're going swimming or participating in outdoor sports, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. But remember, even water-resistant sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
4. Ingredients
If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to certain ingredients, we recommend a sunscreen without fragrance, alcohol, parabens, and other harmful additives. Sensitive skin usually responds better to a sunscreen with a mineral UV filter instead of a chemical UV filter, such as a dermatological mineral sunscreen. Also, consider ingredients harmful to the environment, such as microplastics and chemical ingredients. This helps prevent ocean pollution when swimming in the sea after applying sunscreen.
Enjoy the sun safely!
Daniel, a dermatologist and father of four in Amsterdam, founded Tenue Soleil ® to tackle the challenges of protecting children from sun damage with expertly designed, eco-friendly sun protection.
