The Learning Lab

Yes, zinc oxide is good for lips when it is used in an SPF lip balm. Lips are thin, exposed, and easy to forget, making them among the most overlooked areas for sun damage. A zinc oxide lip balm helps protect the lips from UVA and UVB rays by sitting...

Does zinc oxide sunscreen expire?

By Kari Kenner November 14, 2020 |

Yes, zinc oxide sunscreen can expire, but not in the way most people think. The zinc oxide mineral itself is highly stable. It does not break down in sunlight the way many chemical sunscreen filters can. But a finished sunscreen product is more than zinc oxide. It also contains oils,...

What’s wrong with avobenzone sunscreens?

By Kari Kenner August 17, 2020 |

With a rising global temperature and increased awareness of the risks associated with sun exposure, the use of sunscreens has never been more critical. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. Many popular products on the market contain avobenzone, a controversial ingredient that has come under scrutiny for potential health...

What SPF do I need?

By Kari Kenner June 16, 2020 |

Sun protection factor (SPF) is a rating system introduced in 1974 and measures how much UVB radiation is needed before a sunburn shows up on protected skin relative to the amount of UVB radiation required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin. As the SPF value increases, sunburn protection increases. SPF...

Sun Safety Educational Materials

By Kari Kenner March 26, 2020 |

Waxhead works with community groups throughout the US to teach kids how to be safe in the sun. These Sun Safety worksheets and activity sheets offer support to teachers, parents and youth group leaders in elementary school and middle/high schools. The benefits of sunlight are undeniable. Healthy lifestyles, both young...

How do I Apply Mineral Sunscreen?

By Kari Kenner January 31, 2020 |

Mineral Sunscreens (sometimes called physical sunscreens) are quite different than the common sunscreens we grew up with. Top mineral sunscreens* are much healthier and more effective at keeping sunburn and skin cancer at bay, but they call for a different approach to skincare in the sun.Thicker than chemical sunscreens, top mineral...