Awareness about skin care is growing year by year; In this context, the sunscreen market has become one of the most dynamic in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Skin cancer is among the most common types worldwide, and exposure to ultraviolet rays is one of the main risk factors.

However, the product offering is so vast – creams, sprays, gels, sticks, mineral, chemical and hybrid formulas – that choosing the most suitable one has become a real challenge for the consumer.

The question that everyone asks before summer, but that should be answered all year round, remains the same: what is really the best sunscreen?

What is the best protector?

The short answer is that there is no single “best” universal sunscreen. The long answer is that the best is the one that fits each person's skin type, lifestyle and individual needs, as long as it meets certain fundamental criteria supported by scientific evidence.

Experts from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and The Skin Cancer Foundation agree that regular use of sunscreen is one of the most effective measures to prevent both skin cancer.

For a product to be considered effective, the dermatological community establishes clear minimum requirements. It is recommended to choose a product with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection (UVA and UVB) and water resistance.

An SPF 30 filters up to 97% of UVB rays, and higher values ​​offer only a minimal improvement, without ever reaching total blockage. For the face, however, most people apply less than necessary, so a high factor compensates for this underapplication; Specialists recommend SPF 50 or higher.

Mineral or chemical based protector?

The heart of the discussion in the world of photoprotection revolves around two large categories of filters. Filters can be physical (or mineral) and chemical (or organic).

Mineral sunscreen creates a surface film that reflects radiation, with components such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Chemical filters, for their part, work differently: they are absorbed into the superficial layers of the skin, where they disperse and deflect the sun's harmful rays, converting UV rays into heat and deactivating them.

The physical filter stands out for its high dermatological tolerance, for working from the first moment of application and for not penetrating the deep layers of the skin. Chemical filters, on the other hand, last longer than mineral filters and do not have to be reapplied as frequently, which makes them the most popular formula on the market, specialists point out.

What is the verdict then? According to dermatologist and pharmacist experts, one is not actually better than the other: both are effective, and it is good that there are options so that each person can choose what best suits their skin and personal preferences. Hybrid filters, which combine both technologies, represent the balance between effectiveness and cosmetics, combining the mechanism of absorption and transformation of ultraviolet radiation with its reflection.

Choice according to needs

Mineral or physical sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are recommended for sensitive skin or those with rosacea as the best option. They create a reflective barrier and are not absorbed, which prevents irritation.

For oily or acne-prone skin, chemical protectors with a light texture, “oil-free” or “dry touch” are ideal, since they are absorbed quickly and do not clog pores.

For athletes or outdoor activities, water-resistant protectors are essential, since they do not easily slip off with sweat.

For daily use, gel or ultra-light fluid formats (such as those with a water base) are the most recommended by dermatologists due to their rapid absorption.

Sun protection factor (SPF)

SPF 15 (medium protection): Filters approximately 93% of UVB rays.

SPF 30 (high protection): Filters approximately 97% of UVB rays (minimum recommended by dermatologists).

SPF 50 (very high protection): Filters approximately 98% of UVB rays.

SPF 100 (very high protection): Blocks about 99% of UVB rays.

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