Your first criterion for choosing a sunscreen is that it be broad spectrum, meaning it includes ingredients that absorb or block both UVA and UVB rays. The product you choose may be a physical block that uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect or scatter UVB and UVA rays rather than let them pass through the skin. A few years ago, these mineral compounds were not often used except on the noses of lifeguards because they were white or opaque. But today, the mineral particles are usually micronized, or ground so fine that they are virtually invisible.

You can also use a product that relies on chemicals to absorb UV radiation, like avobenzone or Parsol 1789 (methoxydibenzoylmethane). Absorbers, however, tend to be more irritating than physical blocks.

Sun blockers and absorbers to protect you from the sun aren’t enough though, you also want to reduce the inflammation, dehydration, and free radical formation that results from the ultraviolet light that does manage to bombard your skin and penetrate your sunscreen. Look for sunscreens that include vitamins C and E, both of which help boost the sunscreens’ protective effects. Pomegranate extract and grape seed extract both help keep the sunscreen in the very top layer of the skin, where their defensive action is most needed.

And finally, I recommend taking pomegranate extract supplements to boost your sun-protection efforts.

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