When choosing a sunscreen, there’s more to consider than just SPF. Think about how the product feels on your skin, its scent, whether it has a tint, how effective it is, how long it lasts on the shelf, and—just as important—how well it fits your lifestyle. Are you headed to the beach? Working in the garden? Skiing in the mountains? Or are you exposed to indoor blue light all day? The right sunscreen should match your needs and routine.
At Hada, we recommend keeping the Four A’s in mind when evaluating sunscreen:
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Allergies – Is it gentle and non-irritating?
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Acne – Will it clog pores or help prevent breakouts?
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Aeration – Does it allow your skin to breathe?
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Anti-Aging – Does it protect against UVA rays that cause premature aging?
We’ve also added a fifth “A”:
Advantageous to the environment—because protecting your skin shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense.
Keep Planet Safe
Recent studies have raised valid concerns regarding two common sunscreen ingredients: oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals damage coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. Alarmingly, about 3,500 products on the market contain both.
Oxybenzone (also listed as benzophenone) isn’t just in sunscreen—it’s often used in nail polish, fragrances, hairsprays, and cosmetics to stabilize formulas under light. Beyond environmental concerns, physicians caution regarding hormonal and photo-allergenic effects on people.
Octinoxate is another ingredient to watch for. You’ll find it in shampoos, lip balms, skin creams, hair dye, and many long-wearing cosmetics. While it helps these products last longer, it can also contribute to hormone disruption and skin sensitivity. If your makeup or SPF promises long-lasting wear, flip the label—it likely contains octinoxate.
At Hada Cosmetic Medicine, we offer medical-grade sunscreens free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. These formulas are designed to be effective, safe for sensitive skin, and eco-friendly. Plus, we carry mineral-based options from Revision or Skinsceuticals, which are reef-safe and ideal for daily wear—even over makeup.
Not sure which one is right for you? Come in for a personalized skin consultation. We’ll help you find a sunscreen that fits your skin goals and lifestyle while hitting all five of our A’s!
