The warmer, sunnier weather is finally upon us and "sunscreen" becomes a hot topic, namely, which is the best sunscreen for me?

Now, by now, you know that at Freedom Medi-Spa, we encourage you to wear a daily SPF to protect your face from harmful free radicals, UVA, UVB, and melanoma and other skin cancers. Wearing daily SPF on your face can also prevent premature aging, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and more.

When it comes to your body, though, the discussion on sunscreen can get a little confusing. And, let's be honest: no one wants to spend hours researching sunscreen when they needed to buy it yesterday. So, we did it for you.

Before we begin, it's important to note that this is the Freedom Medi-Spa Sunscreen Report. These recommendations are based on our own research, experience, and professional opinions. Sunscreen is a complex topic, and there is no shortage of differing viewpoints. We welcome thoughtful discussion and feedback.

If you're short on time, feel free to skip ahead to Tip #1 — that's where you'll find the most important information to help guide your sunscreen purchase.

Like many consumers and skincare professionals, we have spent considerable time reviewing the available research surrounding sunscreen ingredients. While some studies suggest certain ingredients are safe when used as directed, others indicate that some compounds can remain in the body for extended periods of time. On the other hand, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally considered among the safest options available, though they can sometimes be less cosmetically elegant, leaving a noticeable white cast or feeling more difficult to spread evenly.

This is where personal preference often comes into play. Many chemists and dermatologists share a common philosophy: the best sunscreen is the one you will actually use.

We agree. Consistent sunscreen use remains the single most important step in protecting your skin from UV damage.

That said, whenever possible, we recommend choosing a mineral-based sunscreen.

At Freedom Medi-Spa, we carry AlumierMD and Colorescience sunscreens, both of which are mineral-based and formulated specifically for the face, neck, décolleté, and hands. These products provide excellent protection while incorporating additional skincare benefits.

Personally, I enjoy AlumierMD Sheer Hydration with Tint as a daily moisturizer and Colorescience Flex when I prefer a more foundation-like finish.

However, because they are designed as premium facial sunscreens, they may not be the most practical or economical choice for covering the entire family during a week at the beach.

When it comes to larger areas of the body—think beach days, pool days, and outdoor family activities—the decision becomes a little more complicated. You need a product that's effective, practical, and available in a size that won't be empty after the first day of vacation.

With that in mind, here are my top recommendations for navigating the sunscreen aisle.

1. Check the Active Ingredients

When shopping for body sunscreen, start by reviewing the active ingredients.

Whenever possible, avoid formulas containing:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Homosalate (over 10%)

And pay special attention to fragrance.

Fragrance is often listed near the bottom of the ingredient panel and may be hidden inside a fold-out label on the back of the bottle. While it can seem harmless, fragrance deserves a closer look—which we'll discuss in more detail below.

2. Think Twice About Spray Sunscreens

Parents, please don't hate me for this one.

Spray sunscreens are undeniably convenient, especially when you're trying to reapply sunscreen to a wiggly child at the beach or pool. However, convenience comes with some drawbacks.

If you choose to use a spray sunscreen:

• Move away from crowded areas before applying.
• Avoid spraying near other people.
• Have your child hold their breath during application.
• Move out of the spray cloud before breathing normally again.
• Always rub the product into the skin after spraying.

The concern isn't necessarily the sunscreen itself—it's inhalation. We simply don't know enough about the long-term effects of repeatedly breathing these particles into the lungs.

Sprays can also result in uneven coverage, particularly on windy days, increasing the risk of missed spots and unexpected sunburns.

3. Fragrance: The Hidden Ingredient

Fragrance deserves its own category.

According to environmental and consumer advocacy groups, fragrance can function as a catch-all term that allows manufacturers to protect proprietary formulas without disclosing every ingredient contained within the scent blend.

These blends may include allergens, irritants, hormone disruptors, and other compounds that sensitive skin may not tolerate well.

Over the years, we've seen firsthand the impact fragrance can have on the skin. Chronic exposure can contribute to increased sensitivity, redness, and irritation, often making even the most basic skincare products difficult to tolerate.

When possible, choose fragrance-free options.

4. SPF 30, 50, 100—Does It Matter?

Here's what the numbers actually mean:

• SPF 50 blocks approximately 98% of UVB rays.
• SPF 100 blocks approximately 99% of UVB rays.

The difference is smaller than most people think.

My recommendation? Find a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 40 that you and your family genuinely like using. Then use it generously and reapply every two hours—or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

Consistency matters more than chasing the highest number on the shelf.

5. Wear the Damn Sunscreen

This may be the most important point in the entire report.

Melanoma and skin cancer rates continue to rise, particularly among young Canadian women. Men have historically faced high rates as well, often due to lower sunscreen usage and reduced sun-protective behaviours.

Approximately 90% of melanoma cases are linked to excessive UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds, which can emit up to 15 times more UV radiation than the sun.

And while we're on the subject—who is still using tanning beds?!

Every day, several Canadians lose their lives to melanoma.

So stop debating whether sunscreen is "good" or "bad."

UV damage is the greater risk.

Find a sunscreen you like. Use it consistently. Reapply it often.

Someone loves you and wants you to wear it.

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