All Your Burning Sun Care Questions—Answered by MyChelle

Sun’s out, surf’s up! Whether you’re planning on swimming in open waters, sipping iced beverages by the pool, or biking along the shore, one thing’s certain: your skin needs some extra love this season. For tips to keep your largest organ in tip-top shape, we turned to MyChelle, a brand that knows a little something about caring for skin, naturally.

Your Burning Questions About Summer Sun Care

After polling you on social media, we passed along your top concerns to the experts at MyChelle. Here’s what they had to say about everything from SPF-dressing for the occasion, caring for baby, and how often you really need to reapply.

How can I be confident that the product will provide adequate protection? I read a Consumer Affairs article last year that found many sunscreens didn’t provide the advertised SPF.

The simple answer is to ask the brand to see the results of its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing, which should be kept on file. Also be sure that the brand completed its testing through an FDA-certified, third-party facility. All MyChelle sunscreens are certified through two independent laboratories and meet FDA and international SPF test regulations to assure an even, clear application for 100 percent reflective, photostable mineral protection.

How would you explain why zinc is better than titanium/aluminum to someone who is still new to, or considering a cleaner lifestyle?

Zinc Oxide is not necessarily a better or worse ingredient than Titanium Dioxide when it comes to sunscreen—both create a physical, protective barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays, and MyChelle uses both in our mineral-based sun care. The molecules of these ingredients are too large to penetrate the skin, however, chemical UV filters (commonly used in sunscreens) usually contain nanoparticles small enough to soak through the skin and create a chemical reaction. Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Butylparaben, Retinyl Palmitate and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor are the ingredients to look out for as these chemicals never biodegrade and have the ability to cause irreparable damage to sea life.

Are natural ingredients safe to use on sensitive skin?

Absolutely! Nature is full of gentle and holistic options. Excessive exposure to skin-damaging environmental factors such as sun, wind, and excessive heat or cold can trigger adverse reactions within the skin. Skin conditions and disorders such as eczema, rosacea, and contact dermatitis can also cause additional sensitivities and inflammation, so keeping the skin protected with natural-ingredient-based skin care is essential for balancing the skin. Just remember that even natural ingredients come with risk—for example, essential oils are powerful and if misused, may cause an adverse reaction. DIY with caution and always consult a physician for sensitive skin conditions.

How much sunscreen do I really need to apply? (And what about reapplying—only if I’m in direct sun, or also if I’m running errands all day?)

As a rule of thumb, apply a nickel-sized amount to the face and a shot glass-full (about two tablespoons) to exposed areas of the body. Sunscreen doesn’t last forever and it’s best to reapply throughout the day. Whether you’re out running errands or spending most of your day outdoors, reapplying every two hours is ideal if using an SPF 30 or higher. It never hurts to double-up on sun protection, so wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV-filtering sunglasses, and clothing with 30+UFP protection will complete your safe-sun look!

What about our little ones? What should we look for in sunscreen for kids?

Keep your kids protected and use products that are unscented and safe for infants six months and older. Mineral-based products are always ideal for kiddos. Go-to picks for MyChelle moms include the user-friendly and easy to apply Sun Shield Spray SPF 30 and Sun Shield Stick SPF 50. Perfect to keep with you year-round!

Should I use different products for different times, like a day in the office versus a day at the beach?

Always SPF-dress for the occasion! You don’t need a water-resistant SPF while working in the office, but should use one when at the beach or pool. Always find different SPF products that meet your needs year-round, and be mindful of where you’re putting the sunscreen, too. MyChelle makes some products specifically formulated for face, like our Sun Shield Liquid SPF 50, and products formulated for body, like our new Replenishing Solar Defense Body Lotion SPF 50. Overall, thought, most MyChelle Sun Care can be used on all areas of the body.

MyChelle’s Top Picks for Summer Sun

Stock your bathroom and beach bag with these protective lotions, creams, and balms, and you’ll be good to go year-round! And these products aren’t just good for your skin. Your choice helps protect our environment, too, because MyChelle donates 1% of its proceeds to the Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to protecting our oceans. Click here to learn more about protecting reefs and marine life.

Sun Shield Liquid SPF 50 – Tinted

Why They Love It: This lightweight, oil-free formula is softly tinted, making it a seamless primer under makeup or a sub for foundation on light-makeup days. The formula is 100% zinc oxide-based and contains bentonite clay to absorb excess oil throughout the day. Two color-matching shades (Nude and Natural Tan) easily blend to give skin a fresh, healthy glow. Pro Tip: Apply with a beauty blender for an even, sheer-matte finish.

Sun Shield SPF 28

Why They Love It: Our original broad-spectrum, mineral-based Sun Shield SPF 28—available in Unscented and Coconut—provides environmentally safe, UVA/UVB protection that can be applied to your face and body. The lightweight formula contains soothing aloe and Vitamin E to help calm and hydrate the skin, plus it absorbs quickly for a clear, matte finish and is gentle enough for kids. Be sure to reapply every two hours or after swimming!

Replenishing Solar Defense Body Lotion SPF 50

Why They Love It: This 100% mineral, hydrating body sun protector has become a fast-favorite since launching this spring. The formula delivers SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection without leaving behind a white cast, and is rich in coconut oil and shea butter, helping skin feel instantly nourished and hydrated.