Sunscreen Reference
Finding the Best Sunscreen for You
The main ingredient to look for in sunscreens in order to achieve broad spectrum protection is zinc oxide. The sun emits both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). Both UVA and UVB lead to skin cancer. Micronized zinc oxide sunscreens are available both over the counter and in physician offices that will provide the necessary protection from the sun’s harmful rays and help prevent skin cancer, brown spots and wrinkles. Be sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater.
The UVA “aging” rays occur consistently all year long so it is important to use a sunscreen as part of your daily routine year round. Apply 15-20 minutes before heading outdoors so the sunscreen has time to absorb. Since 80% of sun rays penetrate the cloud coverage, don’t forget to apply your sunscreen on these days. If your hands are starting to look older than the rest of your arms, remember that the UVA rays can penetrate the glass in your car windshield. Do not use tanning beds unless you want to increase your risk of skin cancer. Tanning before going to the beach only damages your skin further. Studies have shown that tanning beds emit similar levels of UVB rays as the sun but 10-15x more UVA rays which penetrate deeper into the skin. The overall UV index is 13 for tanning beds versus 8.5 on a warm sunny day.
Heliocare is plant-derived supplement that helps prevent sun damage and researched at Harvard. Taking 2 pills on the days you have extra sun exposure will help decrease sunburn risk. You may also take it daily as part of your vitamin routine. Also consider a topical antioxidant such as SkinMedica’s TNS Essential Serum or Vitamin C+E or Skinceuticals Resveratrol BE. Teenagers may take the Heliocare supplement if they can swallow a large pill.
FACTS:
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Freckles are nearly always a sign that sun damage has occurred. It takes approximately a golf ball sized portion of sunscreen to adequately cover sun-exposed areas on an adult. Most of us only apply half of that so you may need to use a higher SPF to get adequate coverage. The atmosphere is reduced in the mountains so the sunrays are much stronger. Cold sores (herpes simplex virus) are often triggered by sun exposure. Also, we encourage all of our patients to not smoke for the overall benefit of their skin and health.
Sunscreens available in our office:
Mineral powder in a self-dispensing brush makes for easy re-application.
Also available in SPF 34 Tinted and Non-Tinted versions
Lip protection.
Great transparent sunscreen. Applies easily to skin.
Great for a morning facial moisturizer.
Light Moisturizer with tint. Great for rosacea patients.
Sweat and water resistant. Not too heavy feeling. Pump available.
Slightly tinted. Great for rosacea patients.
Great for acne prone patients or used as an “after-shave.” Also available in a Tinted version.
Ideal for patients with sensitive skin. Water resistant.
Good overall protection.
Ideal for sensitive skin patients or after any facial procedure.
Better for more mature dryer skin types.
About Over the Counter Sunscreens:
Look for anything with Zinc Oxide that’s micronized. Some options are: Neutrogena pink baby stick, Oil of Olay, and CeraVe. Check the labels! The concentration of zinc oxide in these products is typically around 3% versus 8% to 9% in the products above. However, for those patients who are not directly in the sun often, these OTC options should be fine to use.
