Emily Ley

Emily Ley

SPF 101 (and why it's all so complicated)

Sun care truths + myths, plus my favorite sunscreens in the US + abroad

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Emily Ley
Jul 01, 2024
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Not to be that person, but I just got back from the UK a few weeks ago. And holy moly, did I buy a lot of skincare products.

Living my BEST LIFE in London’s Marylebone neighborhood. The shopping!

I went to The French Pharmacy and loaded up on all kinds of cleansers and moisturizers and serums you just can’t get here in the US (you best believe I’ll give you a review when I’ve had these products for a while).

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But what I’m most impressed by so far are the sunscreens they had.

Like . . . wow.

The texture. The performance. Are these sunscreens better because they’re different from what I’m used to? Because Vacation Emily thinks everything is wonderful? Because these sunscreens are European and, to my American mind, so fancy?

Or are they actually better?

Of course I had to put on the white coat of Dr. Emily, Skincare Enthusiast and Pretend Dermatologist. 👩🏻‍🔬 I went down a sunscreen rabbit hole, and I’ve come back up to tell you about the truths and myths I’ve found.

And what I’ve found is—it’s complicated out there!

The US hasn't approved a new UV sunscreen filter in 25 years.

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