What is the best sunscreen to use in summer?

What makes a sunscreen the safest and most effective? Should a high SPF be the top criteria?

There are two main types of sunscreen on the market today: mineral and chemical - Photo: FREEPIK

WCNC Charlotte's VERIFY team analyzed the latest findings from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) on today's sunscreens.

EWG has released its annual guide to sunscreens since 2007. This year, the group evaluated 2,204 products with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating and found that only 498 met its safety standards.

There are two main types of sunscreen on the market today: mineral and chemical .

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) confirms that if the active ingredients in a sunscreen include titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, it is a mineral sunscreen.

These are considered the safest options, according to the EWG. These products are especially recommended for children and people with sensitive skin.

"There are some skin conditions, especially when patients have pigmentation issues, where I often prefer mineral sunscreens," said Dr. Alyssa Daniel from Metrolina Dermatology Center (USA).

Chemical sunscreens, which often contain more active ingredients and are easier to apply to the skin, remain a popular choice.

However, there is still much debate about their long-term health effects. Experts agree that more research is needed to better understand the effects of these ingredients.

When it comes to SPF, higher isn't always better . According to the AAD, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 can block about 97 percent of UVB rays from the sun.

However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that reapplication is essential. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating, to maintain protection.

According to Women's Health , most sunscreens don't specify how much sunscreen you should apply. Often, the instructions just say "apply liberally." And one of the biggest mistakes people make is not applying enough sunscreen.

Experts say you need about a quarter-sized amount for your face and neck. An easy way to measure is to squeeze a strip of sunscreen from the tip of your finger to the base, applying it to both your index and middle fingers.

Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, eyelids, and around your forehead. These are three areas that we often forget but are susceptible to sunburn. For the body, a shot glass of sunscreen is enough.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/kem-chong-nang-loai-nao-tot-nhat-de-dung-trong-mua-he-20250702135946966.htm