AO Skincare 6000X Elemental Screen SPF 30: A practical guide

What does SPF 30 actually protect against?

SPF measures protection against sunburn, primarily from ultraviolet B radiation, or UVB. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVB and ultraviolet A radiation, or UVA. The SPF number describes protection against sunburn. Higher SPF values provide greater sunburn protection, but SPF is not a multiplier for how long you can stay outside.3

Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen filter. Mineral filters protect primarily by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, rather than simply reflecting it away. With sufficient application, SPF 30 provides about 97% protection against UVB; no sunscreen blocks all ultraviolet radiation. Applying less than the amount used for SPF testing reduces the protection you receive.4

What is in the cream?

Zinc oxide is the sole listed active sunscreen ingredient. The formula also includes glycerin, niacinamide, astaxanthin, ferulic acid, vitamin E, manuka honey, harakeke seed oil, sweet almond oil and aloe leaf juice. These are listed as inactive ingredients, not additional sunscreen filters. Concentrations are not specified for these ingredients, so do not choose this cream as a substitute for a treatment with a stated strength.13

Extra ingredients in sunscreens can be intended to support the skin's response to sunlight, but evidence for most such additions is weak. Some ingredients, including vitamin E and nicotinamide, another name for niacinamide, may offer benefits. Treat those additions as secondary to the sunscreen's protection rating and correct application, rather than a reason to use less sunscreen.4

How do you apply it?

1. 1Apply the cream liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Its label gives this timing even though the sunscreen filter is mineral.
2. 2Use enough to cover exposed skin thoroughly. As general sunscreen guidance, adults should use at least one teaspoon for the face and about one ounce for exposed body skin, with more needed depending on body size.
3. 3Rub sunscreen thoroughly into the skin. Cover your face, neck, ears, hands, legs and tops of feet when exposed. Ask someone to help with areas you cannot reach.
4. 4Protect exposed scalp skin with sunscreen or a wide brimmed hat. Use a separate lip balm with SPF 30 or higher for your lips.
5. 5Reapply at least every two hours outdoors, after swimming or sweating, and immediately after towel drying. Use a water resistant sunscreen when water or sweat is expected.

When should you use it?

Make sunscreen part of getting ready to go outdoors, including on cloudy days and in winter. Your skin still encounters ultraviolet radiation in those conditions. A morning application needs renewing if you remain outside; the first coat does not replace later applications. Protection is preventive, rather than a visible result to wait several weeks for.5

Check the UV index in a weather app or forecast. At 3 or higher, take sun protection measures. Combine sunscreen with shade, suitable clothing, a hat and sunglasses rather than relying on the cream alone. Do not spend longer in the sun because you have applied sunscreen. People of every skin tone should avoid burning, even though darker skin has some natural protection against ultraviolet rays.6

Is it suitable for swimming or exercise?

Choose a sunscreen specifically labelled water resistant for swimming or sweaty exercise. Elemental Screen's directions tell you to use a water resistant sunscreen in those situations. Water resistance is a separate property from SPF and broad spectrum protection. A water resistant sunscreen must state whether its protection lasts for 40 or 80 minutes during swimming or sweating. No sunscreen is waterproof, and even a water resistant formula needs reapplication.23

Who should consider it, and who should be careful?

Consider Elemental Screen if you want an SPF 30 cream with zinc oxide as its sunscreen filter. A cream format tells you how the product is presented, not whether your makeup will agree to share the space. Finish, white cast, pilling and comfort under makeup remain practical checks rather than reasons to assume the product will suit you.2

Do not apply Elemental Screen to damaged or broken skin. Keep it out of your eyes and rinse with water if it gets into them. Stop using it and ask a doctor if a rash develops. For sensitive skin or known ingredient allergies, review the formula rather than treating 'mineral' as a promise of tolerance. Ask a doctor before applying sunscreen to a child under six months.2

For infants under six months, keeping them out of direct sun is the priority. For older children, use sunscreen as directed and protect exposed areas not covered by clothing. Take extra care if you tend to burn, have many moles, have a family history of skin cancer, or spend long periods in intense sunlight.36

Seek medical help if sunburn causes severe swelling or blisters, or you feel unwell. Report a new mole, growth or lump, or an existing patch that changes size, shape or colour, to a doctor promptly. Sunscreen is not a treatment for those changes.6

How should you store it, and when should you replace it?

Keep the tube away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Outdoors, store sunscreen in shade or wrap the container in a towel. Discard it after its expiration date. If there is no expiration date, consider it expired three years after purchase. If you cannot establish how old it is, replace it rather than relying on uncertain protection.13