Protect Your Skin Against the Sun’s Harsh Rays With a Zinc-Oxide Sunscreen

Knowing when you should apply sunscreen is easy. Are you stepping outside at any point during daylight hours? Then you need to apply sunscreen. Seven days a week, 365 days a year, the sun’s rays can damage your skin, regardless of the temperature or season.

We all know we should wear sunscreen. The sun’s rays are made of ultraviolet (UV) light that, over time, causes the skin to prematurely age, leaving wrinkles and dark spots. Too much sun exposure can cause painful burns and, in some cases, can contribute to skin cancer. Sun exposure on unprotected skin is terrible. But which sunscreen is best?

When it comes to sun protection, we trust zinc-oxide sunscreens. Known as a ‘physical’ sunscreen, zinc oxide sits on top of the skin to provide a protective barrier against UV rays, stopping them from being absorbed by the skin. In contrast, chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and turn the sun’s rays into heat that is released from the body.

There are many zinc-oxide sunscreens available, but it’s recommended to use options are water resistant and boast a rating of 30 SPF or higher. We made a list of our favorite zinc oxide sunscreens, but don’t forget – they only work if you apply them!