Ahh, the warm feeling of sun on your skin … one of summer’s many little joys. It should also serve as a little reminder to reach for some sun protection to prevent that warmth from turning to a burn. But which sunscreen is the best one for you?
Pharmacist Mohammed Abdelhaq and beauty and wellness consultant Kelly Hilgers work at a Walgreens store in Chandler, Arizona—which experiences high to extreme Ultraviolet (UV) Index levels eight months out of the year—and they often team up to educate customers on why sun protection is so important and how to choose what you need for your day. UV Index is a measurement of the UV radiation from the sun and risk to your skin.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and it’s estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. “Skin cancer is serious. When I’m having a conversation with a patient about their skin, I emphasize the importance of making sunscreen part of your daily routine,” says Abdelhaq. “This keeps you protected during everyday activities like running errands, going for a walk or doing yardwork—it’s not just for going to the beach or pool.”
Using sun protection can reduce the risk of damage to skin that causes skin cancer, in addition to wrinkles, loss of elasticity and irregular pigmentation. At Walgreens, our beauty and wellness consultants are trained to help customers find the sunscreen or sun protection that suits them. You can find beauty and wellness consultants at more than 2,700 Walgreens stores nationwide.
“There are so many products out there, and it can be a little bit overwhelming for the customers. So we make it super easy,” says Hilgers. “It starts with a conversation about what brought them to the store and their skin concerns, and from there I can recommend products for their needs.”
How a pharmacist and beauty and wellness consultant work together
Abdelhaq and Hilgers, who have worked as a duo serving the community in Chandler for more than three years, end up relying on each other’s expertise nearly every day. If Hilgers is helping a customer and they have skin health questions that may involve their medical history, health conditions or medication interactions, she will lead them to the pharmacy to have them consult with the pharmacist on duty.
“We can advise patients if a product they’re considering may not be the best choice for them, based on their medical history and current situation,” says Abdelhaq. "There are times where we may have helped a patient avoid side effects or a drug interaction and saved them a trip to the hospital.”
Beauty and wellness consultant Kelly Hilgers (left) and pharmacist Mohammed Abdelhaq at their Walgreens store in Chandler, Arizona.
Conversely, if the pharmacist on duty is advising a patient about medication side effects that impact skin, such as sun sensitivity or dryness, they can have the patient visit Hilgers to find an appropriate over-the-counter topical product. In addition to sun care, the team can help advise on products for various skin health issues.
And don't forget: Walgreens brand sunscreens are Walgreens pharmacist-recommended.
“I always tell customers that with Walgreens brand sunscreens, they’re getting a quality product with active ingredients that compare to the national brand and saving a little bit of money, too,” says Abdelhaq.
This summer, here are their suggested products based on different skin needs.
Moisturizing and hypoallergenic products are best for those with sensitive skin. Walgreens brand SPF 50 Hydrating spray is hypoallergenic and a favorite of Hilgers. Or try the new Walgreens brand SPF 50 Premium Moisturizing spray with vitamin E, also hypoallergenic.
Choose a sweat-resistant option if you’re planning to be active while outside. Walgreens brand SPF 50 Sport is a go-to for Abdelhaq and his family when they are spending the day by the pool.
Start your day with sunscreen and consider keeping a bottle in your car or bag to have ready anytime you need to re-apply. Try a convenient face mist or the new antioxidant-rich Walgreens brand SPF 40 Invisible facial sunscreen, which has an active ingredient that compares to beauty fan favorite Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40.
Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and reflect the sun’s harmful rays, instead of needing to be absorbed by the skin like chemical sunscreen, says Hilgers They are suitable for sensitive skin and work great for spot coverage on more vulnerable areas like tattoos or scars.
Walgreens brand After Sun Gel products are Walgreens pharmacist-recommended and help with the discomfort and skin irritation that comes with a sunburn. Abdelhaq also recommends taking Ibuprofen if you do get sunburn, which can help with the inflammation.
