How to choose a sun cream?

Jul 21, 2024

For any consumer it is hard to find the right skincare. For years now I have been delving into the information about sun care and skin care. And I believe in the importance of good sun care and skin care but, at the same time, I am shocked by the sense and nonsense within the cosmetics world. In particular when it comes to sun care. Terminology being missed used, information being tweaked to meet the marketing slang, DIY sunscreen recipes, fear mongering across the industry to fuel the anti-sunscreen movement. It is mind-boggling what is happening and yet everyone is copying each others words and no one really wants to open their eyes to see what is really happening...

Do you need help with choosing your next sun product?

Yes, the sun cream. Which ones shouldn’t and which ones should you use? Trying to find a good sun cream is even difficult for me! It was a nightmare. Either it was too heavy, one felt it all day long on the face, it was too oily or too drying, I got pimples with each use. And then I had to start all over again with my skincare. I hated it when I had to apply my sun cream. And many share with me this experience. And hence I made it my mission to dwell deep into this subject to find a suitable solution...will I make everyone happy now. Can I make everyone happy? No, because some are naturally really miserable :) however, I tried...

Complete surprise…

Whether I’m in London, Paris, Hamburg or whereever; I am unable to pass a shop without nipping in and checking for “new”products. I am beginning to form an addiction to reading the ingredients lists…And I enjoy nothing better than listening to the lovely stories about the effects from all sorts of ingredients! Niacinamide being might ultimate nightmare and being tooting to be this all-can-do ingredient...anyways, sadly the “tall stories” about sun cream products are slightly less amusing. Applying as little as once a day, 100% protection, water- and even sweat-proof, safe tanning, you only need a small amount; these sort of statements set me into shock-mode. Or watching make-up artists applying a drop to cover a spot. I am shocked when I see how a product is being misused that actually has a very simple job to do. A product that is meant to protect you from UVA / UVB rays to for your health AND vanity.

Two things to consider when it comes to sunscreen

I have already written a blog about ‘Ingredients to Avoid’. This list definitely applies to sun cream! And in my blog ‘UV-Filters Overview’ you can read more about the filter that I happily use to protect against UV rays. And you will be surprised about the results.

What sun cream should I now choose?

Recently I have had many questions asking what the best sun cream is. And I am bias to this question. Of course, I will favour NAYA's Everyday Sun Cream SPF 50 as I know what is in there, I know the suppliers and the ingredients from the source to the bottle and I know it works and does its job. But, if you yourself have products that meet the above conditions, you can always e-mail the ingredients list of these to me on support@nayaglow.com - and I will have a look.

But having a good sun cream alone is (unfortunately) not enough:

Use a minimum (an absolute minimum) of SPF 30 and I have and will always suggest to use SPF 50 when it comes to your hands and face.
Apply a sufficient amount. For your face you should use at least half of a teaspoon (read more).
Stay out of the sun at the hottest time of the day
Wear sunglasses and/or a hat. And don't forget sunglasses for the delicate eye area.
Apply every two hours, and extra if you have exercised.
It’s best not to use a spray.
Choose products with a good filter and without irritating substances. Visit our No-No-List

And above all: enjoy the sun. We all need to feel the sun on our skin. It creates dopamine which makes us feel good and of course it is one source of many to generate Vitamin D.