The Truth About Sunscreens

One of the most important purchases prior to a beach a sun holiday in Phuket is the right sunscreen for you and your family. Here are Villa Aria’s top tips about choosing the right sunscreen:

The truth about sunscreens is that some chemical sunscreens can do more damage than good. Oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate are common chemicals used in sunscreens. Oxybenzone is a hormone disruptor and allergen. This chemical is easily absorbed into the human body and is for example found in breast milk of nursing mothers. Government tests show that animals treated with Retinyl Palmitate and exposed to the sun show more skin tumors and lesions. Yet these chemicals are still commonly used. Sunscreens containing these chemicals should be avoided in pregnant or nursing women, people with sensitive skin and children.

A better alternative is a physical or mineral based sunscreen. Typicall mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. They are stable in sunlight, offer a good balance between protection from the two types of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB). However, we recommend that you always check the Environmental Working Group’s website to ensure that the mineral screen you choose does not contain other harmful chemicals or additives.

Although appearing to be convenient, spray screens pose an inhalation risk and may not provide a thick and even enough coating on skin for effective protections. In 2011, the FDA raised similar concerns and indicated it would ban sprays unless sunscreen companies submitted more data to prove that spray sunscreens protect skin and pose no safety hazards. Until such time sprays have been proved safe, it is best to avoid them.

We select products based on the SPF or sunburn protection factor of and mistakenly assume that bigger numbers are better. This is simply not true. The FDA has determined that high SPF claims may be “inherently misleading”. Most countries have capped SPF at 50+. Beware of sunscreens that have SPF’s above 50, and whatever the SPF is in your sunscreen, be sensible about the amount of time you spend in the sun.

Check that your sunscreen provides “broad spectrum protection” and that protects equally against UVB as well as UVA rays. In America, SPF ratings only reflect protection against UVB rays whereas Europe sets a higher bar and requires that protection against the UVA rises proportionately in European SPF ratings.

Do not rely only on sunscreen. Wear protective clothing that sun tops, hats and sunglasses. Stay in or create shade at all times of the day. Follow instructions on sunscreen application and use. Remember to apply 15-20 minutes before exposure and reapply when required (usually every 80 -120 minutes and after exposure to water). Water resistant screens are not waterproof!

Plan around the sun. Early morning and late afternoon sun is safest. Avoid letting children play in the sun for too long between the hours of 10 am – 2 pm.
Check the UV index. The UV index can be high even on cloudy days.
Some of the most popular and common sunscreens such as Coppertone and Banana Boat, specifically marketed for children are the worst. Do your homework before you buy.
Having spent much time researching and testing various broad spectrum mineral sunscreens that are found to be toxic free and safe for children, here are our top 3 favorite screens rated in order of preference. In addition to being super sun safe, they are kind to reefs and the environment:

#1: Thinksport for Kids, and Thinkbaby.

This is our all time favorite screen based on protection, scent, and texture. When using Thinksport, we have never got even the slightest hint of “redness” from the sun. It is non-greasy, light has a pleasant and subtle scent. It also uses non-nano Zinc Oxide only, which is less likely to be absorbed through the skin.

#2: Loving Naturals

>This is an SPF 30 screen that has no scent and is an excellent moisturizer. An excellent choice dry or mature skin. I also liked using this on my children when they were babies as it applies smoothly and easily.

#3 Badger Face Stick

This isn’t so much of a number 3 choice but a very useful supplement to your choice of screen. I like using a stick my kids as they tend to inadvertently rub their faces a lot and inadvertently wipe screen off their faces. I like to apply a thick and visible layer of sun stick on cheeks and noses, and reapply often.

Want to get some of this fantastic sunscreen? Let us know and we’ll make sure their is a selection available for you at the villa. Contact us on safesunscreen@ariaphuket.com