WE’RE OFFICIALLY ON burn notice. Despite years of public health warnings, about 88 percent of men still say they never use sunscreen. What’s worse, one in seven adults under 35 believe that sunscreen itself is more harmful than direct sunlight. That’s a damn shame because we’re witnessing a quantum leap forward in all things sunscreen. Modern sunblock is not the goop you spackled on as a kid.
Today’s sunscreens—fueled by new research and tech—are pure wizardry. Not only are these products safe, but they block multiple harmful rays, prevent skin cancer, reduce skin damage, combat signs of aging, hydrate, control breakouts, and decrease redness. We dug into the latest science, talked to top dermatologists, and tested next-generation products to unblock your sunblock issues—now and way, way into the future.
Decoding Sunscreen Language.
Before we get into the past and future of sunscreen, it’s important to flag the fake news out there. An incomplete list of influencer-friendly sun-care tips that docs do not recommend: Drinking water (good idea, but not as sunscreen; Eating well (see “drinking water”); Beef tallow (yuck); DIY anything (just don’t); Chemical-free sunscreens (no, sunscreens don’t cause cancer). That being said, these are terms you should know that you’ll run into when looking for genuine, effective SPF products.
Chemical: These sunscreens sink into the skin and convert UV light to harmless heat. (Pretty cool, right?)
SPF: It stands for “sun protection factor,” which indicates the amount of UV radiation a product shields you from.
Broad-Spectrum: The product protects against UVA and UVB light. To gain approval, a sunscreen must do both.
Mineral: Mineral sunscreens feature ingredients like zinc oxide that act as a physical barrier, reflecting UV rays before they can penetrate.
Water-Resistant: This means the sunscreen will protect you (usually for either 40 or 80 minutes) while you’re in the water. These are great for pool or beach days, and a must for sunscreens for working out.
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