Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology
Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine
Overall the safest and most effective sun protection products are pure zinc and/or titanium based sunblocks. These 2 ingredients have been around a long time and boast great safety data. The ideal sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB, is stable and doesn’t break down in the sun, and doesn’t get absorbed through the skin.
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Is there any difference between sunscreens and sunblocks?
Physical sunscreens like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are sunblocks- they physically (like a brick wall) block both UVA and UVB rays. Besides these two, all other sunscreens are chemical based sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone, avobenzone, PABA, etc. are generally colorless and have special ingredients that filter and reduce UV rays. Not all sunscreens effectively block UVA as well as UVB. The chemical sunscreens break down with sun exposure and may need more frequent application.
When should I use a sunscreen?
Dermatologists recommend everyone use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or greater everyday/ year round. If you plan to be in the sun more than 20-30 minutes a day, you should wear sunscreen of SPF 30. Even on cloudy days, about 80% of the sun’s rays pass through the clouds. Nowadays, so many moisturizers, lotions and make-ups have sunscreen built in that it doesn’t make sense to use any products that don’t have sunscreen. It just makes it so mush easier. I recommend for example if you wear any foundation, that there be at least an SPF 15 built in. If not, you may want to change brands.
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a number that is displayed on sunscreen containers. It ranges from 2 to 65, some even higher and refers to the product’s ability to block out the harmful rays of the sun. It is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. So a SPF 30 means that an average person’s skin will take 30 times longer before it is damaged, than if the person was not wearing sunscreen. What about sensitive skin? I break out with almost all kinds of creams- what can I use?
Sunblocks with pure Zinc or Titanium are the best choices for sensitive skin. (Remember that Zinc oxide is actually safely used on baby’s skin for diaper rashes.) Wash off the sunscreen as soon as you get home in the evening.
How much sunscreen should I use?
Ideally, about one ounce (5-6 teaspoons) of sunscreen covers the entire body. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outdoors and should be reapplied every 2 hours if you are sweating or getting wet.
Experts agree that children under 6 months old should simply be kept out of direct sun. Zinc or Titanium based sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher are great for older children.
What about that white pasty look with zinc? Do I have to look all white to be protected?
No, not really. The newer preparations all offer microfine zinc or titanium which blend in much better, without leaving as much of a residue. Newer tinted sunblocks are also becoming available.
I used an SPF 65 lotion every 2-3 hours while on a tropical vacation. I still got very tan. What went wrong?
Not all SPF numbers mean the same thing. Many of the older sunscreens did not block UVA. They blocked only UVB- which are the sun’s burning rays. So in essence, you are fooled into staying outside much longer thinking that you never really burned. However, the UVA rays are still very damaging and can cause tanning, skin cancer and premature wrinkling and aging.
Many men( like your husband) don’t like lotions and creams, especially in the summer months when they tend to sweat more. I would suggest a nice alcohol based gel type sunscreens like Clinique sunscreen Gel or Coppertone Sport SPF30. Gels may have a slight disadvantage that they may sting a little on initial application, but they don’t make you feel oily. There are also some nice sprays like Neutrogena or Presun which are very easy to apply- a little squirt here and there and out the door you go.
Am I protected enough if I am wearing a white T-shirt?
Long ago, I was really surprised to find out that a T-shirt gives you very little protection- only about an SPF 7 or 8! That is hardly enough sun protection. Denim clothing provides an SPF 25-30. There are clothing manufacturers like Solumbra who make cooler, high SPF fabrics.
Some people say using sunscreen may cause skin cancer. What do you think about this?
I have not seen any reliable large scale scientific data to suggest this. On the contrary, everything we have seen points to excess sun as the cause of premature skin aging, wrinkling, pre-cancers, and skin cancers. Other factors like genetics and heredity also play a role in who develops skin cancer, but we really have no control over our genes. We can’t choose different genes or parents so we ought to do something about what we do have control over- our excess exposure to the damaging rays of the sun.
It is hard to assess this possible association. It is true that recent evidence shows many people may be deficient in Vitamin D. It is recommended that daily Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation along with a good multivitamin is a good idea for most of us. What other sunscreen advice do you have for us this summer?
Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB. I still prefer Zinc or titanium containing ones- they are pure physical blockers. RE-APPLY, RE-APPLY, RE-APPLY! Remember that the sunscreen that sweats off or is washed off is no longer there protecting you. It is best to reapply sunscreen frequently when outdoors for a long time. I like applying a quality zinc based sunblock before leaving home and then applying a spray sunscreen as I need touch ups during the day.
What general skin care tips do you give patients?
The sun is not your friend! Our main prevention measures are aimed at sun avoidance and sun-protection. These include
1. Use zinc sunscreens with SPF 30.
2. Use wide brimmed hats (6 inches).
3. Use physical barriers when possible like sun protective clothing and sunglasses.
4. Avoid the peak sun hours of 10am to 4pm.
5. Seek shade and stay indoors.
TSC SPF 30 Zinc sunscreen (17% microfine zinc)
Solbar SPF 38 (zinc based)
Vanicream SPF 60 (zinc and titanium)
For more information, please call (949) 582-7699 or visit the practice website at www.lagunaskincenter.com.