One of the most frequently asked questions I get during the summer months is what sunscreen to use. The general rules are at least 30 SPF, UVA/UVB or broad spectrum, water resistant and try to get a physical blocker versus a chemical sunscreen. Sunscreen is for areas of your body that aren’t covered with sun protective clothes and should be reapplied at least every 2 hours. Here are a few of my favorite sunscreens you should give a try.
1. Total Defense and Repair by SkinMedica- This is my new obsession. It’s the latest and greatest sunscreen. It protects not only against UVA/UVB but also against infrared rays which makes it the first of its kind. It also has antioxidants to repair damaged skin which makes it anti-aging. It’s like a two in one! It comes in clear and tinted. I have stopped using powder in the morning and only use the tinted sunscreen. It is NOT greasy and feels so smooth going on. It’s the number one sunscreen for the face that’s out there right now in my opinion. Find it at Johnson Dermatology.
2. BOB or Brush on Block- This is a powder sunscreen. It is so easy to put on kids and you don’t have to wait for it to dry. The brush has a powder sunscreen in the handle. You click open the handle and the powder releases through the brush. I love it because I can keep it in my car and purse without it getting hot and melting or exploding. It doesn’t run in your eyes and it goes on clear. Find it at Johnson Dermatology.
3. Bare Republic- This is a natural mineral sunscreen. I use the aerosol container spray. Spray sunscreens have gotten some bad publicity because a)you could inhale them and b) it’s hard to get good coverage. But who can deny how easy they are to cover large areas. I use this spray when I’m in a hurry. It’s really good for the feet but I wouldn’t use it on the face. It doesn’t go on clear so you can see where you are applying it and it isn’t greasy. Found mine at Target.
4. Babyganics- For those of you who want a spray sunscreen that isn’t in an aerosol can. This is a mineral-based sunscreen for kiddos. It’s advertised as “tear free, non-allergenic, no PABA, phthalates, parabens, fragrances or nano-particles”. I don’t get the whole “tear free” idea because my kid cries if she gets water in her eyes but whatever. It sprays on a little bit thicker than the aerosol can does so it’s easier to make sure you are getting good coverage. Find it at Target.
5. Elta MD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen- This is a good facial sunscreen for those of you that don’t want to splurge on the anti-aging properties and luxury of the SkinMedica Superscreen (#1). It’s made for acne-prone skin so it goes on light. I use it on my neck and chest where I don’t want tinted sunscreen to rub on my clothes. It’s my weekend “I’m just sitting in the shade by the pool and don’t care what I look like” go to facial sunscreen. Find it at Johnson Dermatology.
I hope you can all have fun in the sun this summer with your sun protective clothing and sunscreen. I know I will! If you have any questions you’re always welcome to come into the clinic and talk to one of our cosmetic concierges about the sunscreens we offer. I hope to see you all at the clinic before the Summer comes to an end.
Keep it skintastic, Nina
