Starting with sunscreen protection is always a great option—but in order to make sure you’re pursuing the best kind of protection, evaluating your options is key. In this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the things to consider when looking for sunscreen to help protect your scalp from sun damage and save your vital parting from becoming thinned out.
1. SPF Rating
When it comes to sunscreen, one of the most important things to look for is its SPF, which stands for “sun protection factor.” The SPF number indicates the level of UVB, or burning, protection that the sunscreen provides. For longer-lasting sun protection of your scalp and hair (especially during extended periods of time in the sunshine) it is beneficial to combine a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, along with an effective wide-range UVA, or aging, protection.
When searching for a scalp sunscreen, double-check the ingredients list to make sure that your chosen sunscreen provides the appropriate SPF coverage for your skin type. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of at least 30 for most individuals, with darker skin tones requiring an SPF of at least 45.
2. Ingredients List
In addition to an appropriate SPF rating, evaluating the ingredients list of a sunscreen can also help you to determine whether it is right for you and provide you with the best possible sun-protection for your scalp and hair. It is best to avoid chemical ingredients (like oxybenzone, parabens, and formaldehyde) due to their potential carcinogenic effects, so gravitate to products with naturally-derived ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
A good scalp and hair sunscreen should also include antioxidants which help to counteract the damaging effects of free radicals, as well as organic oils that help both to nourish and protect. Additionally, an effective sunscreen should also contain amino acids, including collagen and silk amino acids, as well as botanicals such as niacinamide, green tea extract, coffee extract, licorice root extract, and microalgae extract.
3. Formulation Style
Choosing a sunscreen for your scalp and hair might seem like a no-brainer, but there are different formats available, and the type that you pick will depend on your preferences as well as the amount of coverage you need for your particular area of sun protection.
Sprays are generally easy to apply, and these can be especially convenient if you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s just for your scalp, as sprays can be targeted directly at this area. If you prefer a liquid or lotion format, however, it is important to note that these can provide heavier protection and might work better for larger regions of your scalp that need more coverage. The choice largely depends on the size and shape of your scalp, the amount of coverage it entails, and the style you’re looking for.
4. Brand Reputation
In addition to evaluating the ingredients, SPF rating, and formulation style of a sunscreen, it is also important to do some diggings into the reputation of the brand. Make sure that you are choosing a sunscreen from a company that has a track record of producing high-quality products and is backed by the opinion of dermatologists, if relevant.
At Zenon Life, for instance, our scalp and hair sunscreen is specifically created with input from leading dermatologists and healers as well as with the goal of preventing skin cancer and sunburn, nourishing hair strands, and offering luscious volume and lift. We use a unique proprietary blend of organic oils and amino acids that help to both nourish and protect your scalp and hair. Additionally, this sunscreen is also powered with safe and effective UV actives, is Paraben-Free and Cruelty-Free, and has been designed specifically to fight hair thinning at the root.
The bottomline
When deciding on a sunscreen for your hair parting, make sure to search for one that is backed by medical, dermatological, and holistic professionals. This is the best way to ensure that the product is effective and safe. Keep in mind the SPF rating, ingredients list, product formulation style, and brand reputation to make sure that you’re getting the most comprehensive protection from the sun.
Topics: