“Stay out of the sun!” It’s a common refrain among parents, doctors, and skin care experts this time of year, and especially now, as heat waves sweep much of the nation (and the world at large, for that matter). But according to a 2016 study published in the journal Dermato-Endocrinology, many people have taken this message too literally. In fact, according to the study’s authors, “insufficient sun exposure is an emerging public health problem,” since this can deprive people of Vitamin D and the positive aspects of UV light.
As a result, the study’s authors believe “the message of sun avoidance must be changed to acceptance of non-burning sun exposure.” It’s a thin line to walk — however, it’s possible that CBD-infused sunscreens might make it easier.
This is because, in addition to the sun protection factor (SPF) offered by typical ingredients such as zinc oxide or oxybenzone, CBD sunscreens could potentially provide added protection due to their rich content of fatty acids. In theory, they can also help prevent sun damage by neutralizing free radicals, and unlike traditional sunscreens, they could be able to prevent acne breakouts by regulating the skin’s production of sebum, so slathering it all over your face might not come with the same downsides. Since no clinical studies on CBD sunscreen — or other sun care products, for that matter — have yet been conducted, all these assertions are purely theoretical for the time being
Yet while CBD sunscreens might have some potential advantages over their conventional counterparts, they’re not the only options when it comes to sun care — there are many infused and non-infused products that may also help you keep your skin healthy skin before, during, or after a long day outside. Here are some of the best.
How to Stay Sun Safe With CBD Cream and Other Products
Defend CBD Sunscreen by W!NK ($34)
Created by a woman-owned, women-oriented brand, this vegan and cruelty-free sunscreen contains 100 mg of full spectrum CBD (lab results are available on the website). It’s water-resistant and provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Burn Formula by Lost Remedy ($28-$57)
Should you be unfortunate enough to contract a sunburn, this rich cream (created for cancer patients to use post-radiation treatments) might be the best bet to soothe your tender skin. The 4-oz size contains 100mg of hemp-derived CBD oil that’s meant to calm inflammation and speed up healing.
Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen by Neutrogena ($8)
While it doesn’t contain CBD, this sunscreen does boast an SPF of 110, along with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic as well, so it won’t clog your pores.
4 Piece Signature Kit by Coola ($32)
This travel-size pack has everything you need for a day in the sun: a cucumber face moisturizer to use before you go out, an SPF 30 pina colada spray (and lip balm) to use while working on your tan, and a cooling after-sun lotion for when you get back. All products are organic and cruelty-free.
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream by Olay ($23)
Enhanced with a lightweight SPF 30, this moisturizing cream can be applied before sun exposure to guard against wrinkles while simultaneously firming and smoothing the skin. It’s packed with amino-peptides that hydrate both the skin’s surface and its deeper layers.
Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion by Sun Bum ($16)
It’s cruelty-free and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, but the real draw of this SPF 70 body sunscreen is its skin-friendly ingredients: they’re hypoallergenic and free of parabens, PABA, oils, and other things that can clog your pores. With a 4.5/5 rating from over 2,300 customers, that seems like a winning combination.
