Skin Cancer Foundation Recommended Sunscreens

I am on the hunt for the perfect sunscreen! I've done a little bit of research and found thata there are all sorts, from organic to cosmetically elegant ones.

For now, here is the list recommended by the US' Skin Cancer Foundation.

It's a mixed bag of affordable to high end, with mostly American an European brands. I don't know how updated the list is, but some of these I know have been discontinued or upgraded.

I also know that Asian brands, particularly the Japanese ones, are more advanced in their formulation for the reason that their FDA standards on sunscreens are more rigorous than the United States. Asian countries value pale skin so their quality for sunscreens and market competitions are sky high.

Still, it's hard to discount this list. So without further ado, below are the brands, products, and APF ratings of the sunscreens with the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Approval.

How Does the Sun Damage Your Skin? Top 3 Effects

If you’re like me who never really cared about skin protection growing up, chances are you didn’t grow up putting on sunscreen.

It’s only now that I’m in my early thirties that I’m beginning to appreciate the harmful effects of being under the sun without proper protection.

Here is a list of the most prominent effects of sun damage on your skin:

1.      Sunburn – we’ve all experienced playing a little too long at the beach. The results are red, painful burnt skin that eventually peels.

HOW TO TREAT: Aloe vera is number one in naturally treating burns, including sunburns. Soothing creams can also help, as well as moisturizers and emollients.

2.      Accelerated skin aging – this includes wrinkles, brown spots, benign warts or skin growths.

HOW TO TREAT: These are very hard to reverse, but is possible with patience and perseverance. A good dose of AHA peels can potentially reverse back sun damage.

3.      Skin Cancer – the most dangerous of them all. About 8-9 types of skin cancers are caused by excessive sun exposure. Increased risk of skin cancer in adults are also caused by excessive exposure during childhood. Therefore, take extra care with children.

HOW TO TREAT: Surgery is the only way to get rid of this. Make sure to go to a doctor at the first sign so its easier to cure.