Sunny Linnebur, PharmD, is a Professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and practices at the University of Colorado Hospital Seniors Clinic. As a pharmacist, Dr. Linnebur is the medication expert – and that includes what goes on, and is absorbed by, your skin. Here, she answers our questions about sun protection, why it's important, and how to be safe this summer, and beyond, during those 300 days of sunshine we enjoy in Colorado!
What sunscreen ingredients are considered safest? What about for people with sensitive skin or people with allergies?
Both physical and chemical sunscreens are considered safe for most people. For infants less than six months of age, it is recommended to avoid sunscreen and use protective clothing/shade to prevent sun exposure.
Physical sunscreens (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) are often preferred as they work immediately and they do not typically cause allergies or skin issues. Zinc oxide is not absorbed into the skin so there are no major toxicities, even in over age six months, children, pregnant and lactating women, and older adults.
Chemical sunscreens are available in creams and sprays, and they are more likely to cause skin reactions than physical sunscreens. The ingredients most linked to skin reactions are para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), avobenzone, and oxybenzone. Despite this, chemical sunscreens are still safe for most adults and children as long as they are applied properly.
Are mineral (physical) sunscreens better than chemical ones for long-term skin health?
The jury is still out on long-term skin health, but what we know is that any type of broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 15 or higher is better than sun damage long-term. The FDA has stated that the physical sunscreens, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are generally recognized as safe and effective. There is evidence that some chemical sunscreens are absorbed through the skin into the body. The FDA has deemed the ingredients PABA and trolamine salicylate NOT safe as sunscreens. (For reference, most sunscreens with these ingredients have been reformulated.) However, at this time there are insufficient data for the FDA to categorize other chemical sunscreen ingredients commonly found in OTC sunscreens. More research is needed, but until then both the FDA and the American Academy of Dermatology have recommended that sunscreen products continue to be used along with other sun-protective measures to prevent harmful effects from the sun.
Is there a difference in safety between sprays, lotions, and sticks when it comes to ingredients?
Individuals should select sunscreen formulations based on their preferences. Lotion and sticks may provide better sunscreen coverage because they are thicker and visible on the skin so easier to rub in. There are 3 general concerns with spray sunscreen: lack of adequate skin coverage due to mis-spraying, accidental inhalation or spraying into the face and eyes, and effects of the spray sunscreen on the environment.
What sunscreen ingredients are both safe for humans and environmentally friendly (reef-safe)?
Physical sunscreens are generally considered environmentally friendly, especially if they are not nano formulations.
The chemical sunscreen ingredients oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene are thought to be toxic to coral reefs. Sunscreen washes off skin into the water and can harm coral and other marine life. Hawaii, Key West in Florida, the US Virgin Islands, and Aruba have various bans of these ingredients, so travelers should be aware.
The bottom line? Protecting your skin from the sun isn’t just about avoiding sunburn. It’s a long-term investment in your health. Whether you choose physical or chemical sunscreens, the most important thing is consistent use, especially in sunny places like Colorado. Don’t forget to check ingredient labels if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or environmental concerns. With the right knowledge and a little planning, you can enjoy the sunshine safely all year long.
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