To start, we want to look for a sunscreen with a higher SPF value. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and, generally, the greater the number, the better the protection. For most adults, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests looking for SPF 30 or higher. So, when it comes to our scalp, we want to look for a sun spray with a higher SPF such as SPF 40. It’s important to note that even SPF 40 won’t provide 100 percent protection from the sun, but will still provide significantly more protection than SPF 10 or 15, for example.
In addition to SPF value, the ingredients in the sun spray can make a significant difference in the efficacy and quality of the sunscreen. Avoid sun sprays with harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, as they can irritate and damage the scalp. Instead, look for sun sprays that use natural ingredients which are rich in antioxidants and amino acids to nourish the scalp. Antioxidants such as green tea extract, coffee extract, and licorice root extract can help protect the scalp against sun damage and reduce inflammation. Amino acids, such as collagen and silk amino acids, can help to strengthen the hair and add volume. Safflower seed oil, which is rich in fatty acids, and green tea oil can help to hydrate and nourish the scalp.
Finally, make sure that the sun spray you choose has effective UV active ingredients. These include homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, and avobenzone. All of these active ingredients work together to provide greater protection from the sun’s UV rays.
For those of us in Florida, it is particularly important to protect our scalps from the harsh sun. When evaluating a sun spray for our scalp, it’s important to consider the SPF value, the ingredients, and the UV active ingredients. With the right considerations, we can protect our scalp and maximize our protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
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