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Why use sunscreen on the bald head?

Summer is on its way and it's time to get ready for the sunny days!

More and more people decide on shaving their heads, as they have found the answer to the proverbial question "Should I shave my head?". Having a shaved head has many benefits but don’t forget to take care of your head especially on sunny days to avoid getting a sunburn on your shaved head. 

Would you like to know how to protect the scalp from sunburn? ere you will find everything about bald head protection.

A bald head is getting sunburn very fast, particularly when you have just shaved your head. The reason for this is the absence of hair, as hair lowers the harmful effects of the sun. Therefore it is recommended to use sunscreen for your head to avoid getting a sunburn. Sunscreen has many other functions rather than just protecting the skin from sunburn. Sunscreen shields from harmful UV rays, lowers skin cancer risks, prevents premature ageing and enhances the health of the skin. We all need the sun to gain our daily dose of vitamin D for sure, however, we are at a higher risk of being affected by the harmful UV rays as the ozone layer has been partially damaged. Thus it is important to put the sunscreen on before getting out of our homes to actually block these harmful rays from penetrating the skin and triggering skin disorders.

 

How to choose the right sunscreen?

Choosing the right sunscreen is where you have to start from. There are some key factors you should take into account while choosing the sunscreen:

-SPF of the sunscreen

SPF is the Sun Protective Factor. In other words, the SPF number indicates how effectively the sunscreen blocks UVB rays. To clarify the meaning of the SPF number let’s discuss an example: if a man begins to get a sunburn after 10 minutes and he is using 30 SPF sunscreen, this means, that the sunscreen allows you to be under the sun 300 minutes (30x10=300) before getting a sunburn. It is important to know, that no sunscreen can block 100% of UVB rays. SPF 15 can block 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% and SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays. Thus, the difference between 30 and 50 SPF is only about 1 %. 

-Broad-spectrum sunscreen

The SPF number refers only the UVB rays, however, the sun also emits UVA rays, which are also harmful to our skin. These UVA rays can lead to skin ageing and may cause wrinkles, dark or light spots. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. To make sure the sunscreen is broad-spectrum you need to look for words “Broad-spectrum” and “UVA/UVB” on the label.

-Water resistance

A bald head is likely to sweat because of the high temperature outside and even when swimming our body is no longer protected from the sun if we are using an ordinary not waterproof sunscreen. So this is why we recommend using a water-resistant sunscreen. But please note, that mostly the majority of the sunscreens are water-resistant for only 40 or 80 minutes. This means you will need to reapply it regularly every 40 or 80minutes to be sufficiently protected. The difference between waterproof and ordinary sunscreens is that water-resistant sunscreen continues to protect your skin for example even 40 or 80 minutes after the sprinkle with water, however, the ordinary sunscreen will no longer protect your skin as mixed with water.

-Physical or Chemical

You may come across to physical and chemical sunscreens while choosing the proper one. Let’s now make out what is the difference between them and what is better for our health. The main difference is that chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays as they reach your skin, whereas physical sunscreens reflect the UV rays before reaching it. It is obvious that the chemical sunscreens usually contain chemicals which interfere with our hormones, something we do need to avoid. Therefore we highly recommend using physical sunscreens, as they are free of ingredients which are classified as endocrine disruptors. Especially if you’re applying sunscreen to an assailable area of your body, such as your bald scalp, it is essential to use a physical sunscreen with safe and tender ingredients. For choosing the physical sunscreen you should look for the words “Mineral” or “Physical” on the label.

 

How to use sunscreen?

You may be thinking now what is special about using sunscreen. Believe me, if you don’t follow the common rules the sunscreen will not only be useless but it also might be harmful. Now let’s clarify what is the right way of using sunscreen.

-Check the expiration date

The first thing you should do before applying the sunscreen is checking on the expiration date of it. The sunscreens are designed to strength up to 3 years. This means that the leftover sunscreen can be used from one year to the next.

-Try a small portion first

When you have already checked the expiration date of the sunscreen and found it safe to use, the next step is to try a little portion of it. Put a little amount on your head, to make sure it will not cause irritation to your skin. If after some 30-45 minutes nothing strange happens, apply it freely, it is safe! 

-Apply before going out in the sun

You should put sunscreen on 30 minutes before going out in the sun. The sunscreen needs to soak into the skin to fully protect your head. This relates also to water-resistant sunscreens, as you need to put it on again some 30 minutes before getting into the water, to not lose much of its protection.

-Reapply regularly

As stated before even when choosing the water-resistant sunscreen you need to reapply it regularly to protect your head and body from the UV rays. If you are using an ordinary, not water-resistant sunscreen you should reapply it every 15-30 minutes. And referring to waterproof sunscreens, reapply them every 40-80 minutes, depending on the capacities of the sunscreen. After towel drying reapply the sunscreen whether it is water-resistant or not.

What are the top 10 sunscreens for the bald head in 2023?

Looking for an effective and safe sunscreen? You are in the right place!

Here we have listed 10 best sunscreens for bald head and bald spots based on our research.

1. Thinksport

Thinksport is opening the list of top 10. The sunscreens of Thinksport are highly effective and are perfect for daily use on your bald head as being enriched with 20% of zinc oxide. Besides the major function of protection, they are good moisturisers for bald heads too. Thinksport sunscreens have a sensible SPF 50+ rating and fall into the highest category for water resistance (80 minutes) defined by the proposed 2012 FDA Sunscreen Monograph. Moreover, these physical sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection. This means sunscreens by Thinksport are free of ingredients known as endocrine disruptors and will protect your scalp both from the UVA and UVB rays.

Thinksport sunscreens are available in 3 forms: lotion, roll-on stick and balm. Thinksport and Thinkbaby offer not only sunscreens but also numerous other skincare product both for children and for adults, including those with sensitive skin.

These sunscreens do not have an obtrusive smell that many organic sunscreens have. You will need to put this on before going out in the sun and just reapply it every 2 hours. Another good thing is that this sunscreen isn’t much oily. However, it has a thick formula, so rub it properly not to leave a white cast on your bald spots.

Thinksport sunscreens are actually the first to pass the Whole Foods premium care requirements and are adhering strictly to FDA guidelines. One more important note: the packaging is made of environmentally friendly ingredients that do not contain BPA, vinyl, or phthalates.

 

2. Badger

Here is another quite effective sunscreen for bald heads and bald spots.

Badger offers numerous skin care products including sunscreens both for children and for adults.

The Badger physical sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection for your scalp and again are enriched with zinc oxide of 22.5% concentration. Hence your bald head will be protected from UVA and UVB rays without the sunscreen interfering with your hormones.

These sunscreens have an incredibly simple formula and contain the following 5 main ingredients: zinc oxide, organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and sunflower Vitamin E. As you can see, the sunscreens are made of only organic ingredients and are free of chemical substances. Thus, Badger sunscreens are perfectly suited for everyday use and for the sensitive type of skin. What is more important, you do not need to reapply it every 15 minutes as Badger sunscreens are 80 minutes water-resistant. Just apply it once in every 2 hours and enjoy yourself.

Badger offers you numerous types of sunscreens from lotion to roll-on stick, in various numbers of SPF from 15 to 40. And again due to its thick formula, it is likely to leave a white cast, thus you will need to spread it on your scalp thoroughly.

Referring to the certifications, Badger products have been tested and certified by the USDA and the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.

 

3. EltaMD 

Another option of natural and effective sunscreen for bald heads is EltaMD.

EltaMD offers sunscreens and other skincare products enriched with natural ingredients and free of harmful chemical components.

The physical sunscreens of EltaMD will provide your bald head with broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays and will become a must-have after the first use. The SPF number varies from 30 to 50 SPF and The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this product as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen.

The 2 main ingredients, zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (5.5%), make these sunscreens perfectly suitable for daily use. The formula of 80 minutes of water resistance allows you to not worry about sweating and about reapplying the sunscreen too often. The instructions for using EltaMD sunscreens are very simple: just put it on some 15 minutes before going in the sun. Reapply it after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying and at least every 2 hours.

Due to its lightweight and gentle formula, the sunscreens of EltaMD will not leave a white cast on your scalp and will not give it an oily look. It is also very suitable for sensitive skin as it is non-comedogenic and free of parabens, fragrances, oils, dyes, hormones, and gluten.

You are free to choose the most convenient option of the sunscreen: lotion, spray, roll-on stick and others.

 

4. Cerave

Here is one more sunscreen brand perfectly suitable for bald heads.

Cerave offers you a list of mineral skincare products developed with dermatologists and made of natural ingredients. You can find a variety of skincare products including sunscreens both for children and for adults: moisturising creams and lotions for head and face, hydrating sunscreens, skin-renewing day cream lotion, mineral sunscreen stick and hydrating sunscreen body lotion all of which with 30-50 SPF protection.

The Cerave broad-spectrum sunscreens with a moisturizer and SPF are crucial for helping to protect your scalp from UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreens are enriched with the following active ingredients: Homosalate (12%), Octinoxate (7.5%), Octocrylene (2%), Zinc Oxide (6.5%). These sunscreens are perfect for daily use, for oily, dry and sensitive skin types. The formula of the sunscreens with 3 ceramides helps to restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. They will cause no irritation due to natural ingredients.

Moreover, it is very easy to use: just need to apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours.

 

5. Pevonia

Pevonia is a skincare brand recommended by dermatologists, which offers a wide range of skin and body care products. This brand is known for its sun care product line: hydrating sunscreens, after-sun soothing gels and phyto aromatic mist, which are perfect for taking care of your bald head in sunny days especially after a shave. The Pevonia broad-spectrum sunscreens are enriched with 30 SPF and provide 97% protection from both UVA/UVB and infrared rays. These sunscreens prevent sunburn, hydrate and soothe, counteract skin sun damage and are suitable for all the family. They are recommended for complete face and body protection and for all skin types. Due to its silky-smooth texture, it is very easy to use: just apply it gently to your head and reapply during prolonged periods of sun exposure or swimming, and it will provide immediate protection.

The active ingredients in Pevonia sunscreens are French Rose oil, Aloe Vera leaf gel and Titanium dioxide, owing to which, you can use these sunscreens each and every day without worrying about getting a skin irritation.

 

6. Shiseido

The Shiseido is rich in skin, body and hair care products suitable for all kinds of skin types. The products offered by them are tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists.  The sunscreens of Shiseido are perfect for protecting your scalp, as using Shiseido sunscreens you can confidently enjoy spending time outdoors. Sun ageing protection lotions and creams, sunblock lotions for bald head, sprays, creams and urban environment protection creams - this is a small part of the wide range of sun protection products. These sunscreens with 10-50 SPF provide your bald head with broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays. When exposed to water or perspiration, these waterproof sun protection lotions become even stronger while remaining totally invisible on your head. Owing to the gentle formula the sunscreen blends easily and covers the head surface evenly. Before applying shake well the bottle and then put it on your scalp. But please remember to reapply it frequently to maintain protection, especially after perspiring or towelling. Hydrating benefits of Shiseido sunscreens will maintain moisture and keep skin smooth.

Using sunscreens by Shiseido you will enjoy your time to the fullest!

  

7. Green people

“Green People” offers an unbelievably large assortment of skin, hair, body and health care products. This brand encourages organic lifestyle and makes all of the products with organic active ingredients. You can find tens of sunscreens for adult and for children, for all skin types, daily use sunscreens and after-sun skincare products. Enriched with 15-50 SPF these broad-spectrum sunscreens will give your bald head a full 98% protection from UVA/UVB rays of the sun. Scent-free sun lotions and creams, sun lotions with tan accelerator and day solution creams - all of these products are here to make your day. They are all suitable for daily use and will cause no irritation to your bald head due to the organic formula. Green People sunscreens are water repellent but non-pore-clogging, they allow your skin to breathe and are rich in natural antioxidants to protect delicate skin. 84% of certified organic ingredients will protect your scalp even in the hottest days. Just pour 30ml sunscreen into your cupped palm and apply to your bald head 15-20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Do not forget to reapply this water repellent sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming.

One more complimentary fact about this brand is that Green People supports the Marine Conservation Society, the UK charity to protect UK seas, shores & wildlife. 30p is donated to the Marine Conservation Society from each sale of the sunscreens.

 

8. Eucerin

If you are looking for a reliable sunscreen for taking care after your bald head here is one more perfect option for you. Eucerin offers you a body, skin and face care products tailored to skin conditions. Eucerin Sunblock products offer comprehensive protection against UVA/UVB rays with antioxidant Licochalcone A for high-energy visible (HEVIS) light defence. All of the sunscreens are customized to various skin types by being enriched with active ingredients and 30-50+ SPF. Owing to the organic ingredients these sunscreens are perfect for sensitive and allergic skin type and also offer head pigment, allergy and photoaging control creams. Apply the sunscreen generously 15-20 minutes before sun exposure. Remember to reapply frequently especially after swimming, perspiring or towelling to maintain the full protection. The Eucerin sunscreens are free of perfume to minimize the risk of skin irritation. What is more creme-gel is non-greasy and non-sticky, thus it absorbs quickly and is water-resistant. Just put Eucerin sunscreen on your scalp and have a  nice day without getting a sunburn.

 

9. Bioderma

Bioderma is skincare products’ brand. Bioderma sun care products are one of the best choices for protecting the bald head. These sunscreens are suited for oily, dry, sensitive skin types. Your head will never experience any irritation while using Boderma sun creams. These sunscreens are available in 3 versions - lotions, creams and sprays, to better meet its customers’ needs. The Bioderma sunscreens will provide your bald head broadspectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays and are enriched with 15-50+ SPF. These sun protection products are Parabens, Fragrance, Alcohol and Propellants-free.

Due to its lightweight formula, the sunscreen will not stain on your scalp.  The Aquagenium™ patented complex, the Cellular Bioprotection™ patent, combined with a sunscreen complex, reactivates the skin's natural defences. To use the sunscreen shake firstly then apply a handful of it on your head 30 minutes before going out. Please note, that you need to reapply it frequently and especially after swimming and towelling to be fully protected by the UV rays.

 

10. Bondisands

Last but not least! Bondisands skincare brand offers a large selection of skincare products. The Bondisands sunscreen lotions and oils are very suitable for daily use and for protecting your bald heads. They are suitable for different skin types, including sensitive skin type. These sunscreens provide you with broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays and are enriched with 15 - 50 SPF. 4 hours water-resistant sunscreens allow you to step into the sun with confidence and enjoy the sunny days without getting a sunburn. The sunscreens by Bondisands will moisturize your head and make it feel its best. 10.00% w/w Homosalate, 5.00% w/w Ethylhexyl Salicylate, 3.50% w/w Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, 5.00% w/w Octocrylene, 1.50% w/w Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol - these active ingredients minimize the risk of getting irritation. To use the product you just need to shake the bottle and apply evenly to your bald head. It is essential to put the sunscreen on 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun. Always remember to reapply the sunscreen after swimming, exercise and towel drying and every 2-4 hours.

 

To sum up, after clarifying why using sunscreen on your bald head is so important you need to look for a safe and effective sunscreen. When choosing a sun protection product you should take into account whether the sunscreen is broadspectrum, physical and water-resistant or not. Also, be careful with the SPF numbers and remember that no sunscreen can provide 100% protection from UV rays of the sun. Your next and the final step will be applying the sunscreen. As mentioned above first try a little portion, then apply it some 30 minutes before going out in the sun. What is more important, don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen to be maximum protected from the harmful effects of the sun. Make your choice and enjoy the sunny days with the sunscreen on your bald head!