I’ve read this multiple times from different sources, so I thought I should note to myself and the readers.

This is taken from Dr. Kaplan’s site

When selecting a sunscreen, look for products labeled “broad-spectrum UVA and UVB” protection. The package should include a list of active ingredients. Look for physical sunblocks, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These ingredients work by actually deflecting sunlight away from your skin, and are much more effective sun protection than chemical sunblocks, such as Avobenzone, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.

To my horror, I realized my favorite hand cream, Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 (I know, facial cream for hands? But no hand lotion has SPF in it, at least not the drug store ones), contains only chemical sunblocks. I need to shop for a safer one.

Also as a side note, I have not seen any sunscreen that does not protect UVB since… 1995? Leave me a note if you see one. I don’t know how many times I heard sales ladies telling me, “our product is unique because it protects against UVB”, and I immediately thought they just repeated the sales pitch passed down from the 80’s. Even dermatologists warn me about sunscreens that only protect against UVA. It really bothers me how professionals don’t do a reality check once in a while to see how the world has evolved.

But then again, let me know if you are aware of a brand that has not kept up.