Sunscreens for the Face
Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, even if it's cloudy or you don't plan on
spending a lot of time outdoors. If you sweat a lot or go swimming, reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours
(even if the bottle says the sunscreen is waterproof).
Apply more sunscreen (with higher SPF) when you're around reflective surfaces like water, snow, or ice. SPF describes the amount of protection in terms of how long it normally takes to get sunburn. For example, if it takes you five minutes to burn without any sunscreen on, it will take you 75 minutes to burn if you are wearing an SPF 15 sunscreen. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is more than sufficient for sun protection. It is widely assumed that the higher SPF gives you a better protection from the sun. In fact, there are actually very small differences between SPF 15 and SPF 30. The UV filtration of a SPF 15 sunscreen is 96 percent and the UV filtration of an SPF 30 sunscreen is 98 percent.
Choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Look for the words "broad spectrum protection" or UVA protection in addition to the SPF of 15 or greater. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a "four-star" UVA rating system and will require that over-the-counter sunscreens disclose both UVA and UVB protection levels on product labels by 2010.
Some medications, such as prescription acne medications or birth control pills, can increase your sensitivity to the sun, so if you're taking medication, increase your sun protection.
If you want the glow of a tan, try faking it with self-tanners or salon tanning treatments. Avoid tanning beds, though, because although manufacturers claim that tanning beds are free of UVB rays, they still use harmful UVA rays.
When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it contains 1 of 3 ingredients as an 'active ingredient': titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or Parsol 1789 (avobenzene).
Sunscreens for the face should be "non-acnegenic" or "non-comedogenic" to help keep pores clear.
Keep in mind that sunscreens may or may not contain moisturizers so you may need to use a moisturizer in addition to the sunscreen.
A common favorite sunscreen (and mine, too!) that is moisturizing in addition to protecting is La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream SPF15. It protects against both UVA/UVB, is fragrance free, PABA free and is light and non-greasy. It has been described by many as the "world's best sunscreen". This sunscreen contains Mexoryl which offers ultra protection from the sun's UVA rays. Many sunscreens on the market only offer protection from UVB rays, but the UVA rays may actually be more dangerous, causing damage deep within the epidermis therefore leading to some bad skin cancers.
My dermatologist recommended EltaMD UV Shield SPF 45 Oil-Free Sunscreen. He insists that an efficient sunscreen contain zinc, which is not always easy to find. Zinc, as well as its sunscreen benefits, has other benefits such as anti-viral and healing properties, which is of enormous benefit to the skin. It is anti-inflammatory, making it good for sensitive skin, and anti-bacterial, making it good for acne-prone skin. The EltaMD has zinc. EltaMD products claim to be available only through approved physicians but several online stores offer it. Natural sunscreens use a physical barrier such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide to block UV rays. Many chemical sunscreens clog the pores, while natural sunscreens with zinc actually soothe, nourish and protect the skin.
Third best and the best value for the money is Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock. It goes on lightly, isn't oily and absorbs well so that it doesn't give the white cast that some sunblocks give. Neutrogena products are now made with Helioplex, which, like Mexoryl which offers ultra protection from the sun's UVA rays.
Eucerin Extra Protective moisture lotion SPF 30 combines sunscreen with moisturizer. If you have dry skin, it is a solid bet. It contains zinc and titanium oxides.
Another good bet is Clarins Hydration-Plus Moisture Lotion SPF 15, which combines sunscreen with Clarins' bestselling moisturizers.
Another top favorite (but not one of mine) is Olay Total Effects UV Protection or Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin. Both offer UVA/UVB protection. The first one is a heavier cream and the second is better for sensitive skin.
Some say the best tinted moisturizer with SPF on the market is Laura Mercier. This may be good for those people who have flawless skin but want a little color.
Other sunscreens that get favorable reviews (but I have not tried) are:
M.D. Skincare Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen
Mary Kay SPF 30 Sunscreen
Murad Age-Proof Suncare Oil-Free Sunblock, SPF 15
Clinique Sun-Care Body Gel SPF 15 Sunscreen
Lancôme UV Expert with Maxell SPF 20
Jan Marini Bioglycolic Facial Lotion SPF 15
Apply more sunscreen (with higher SPF) when you're around reflective surfaces like water, snow, or ice. SPF describes the amount of protection in terms of how long it normally takes to get sunburn. For example, if it takes you five minutes to burn without any sunscreen on, it will take you 75 minutes to burn if you are wearing an SPF 15 sunscreen. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is more than sufficient for sun protection. It is widely assumed that the higher SPF gives you a better protection from the sun. In fact, there are actually very small differences between SPF 15 and SPF 30. The UV filtration of a SPF 15 sunscreen is 96 percent and the UV filtration of an SPF 30 sunscreen is 98 percent.
Choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Look for the words "broad spectrum protection" or UVA protection in addition to the SPF of 15 or greater. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a "four-star" UVA rating system and will require that over-the-counter sunscreens disclose both UVA and UVB protection levels on product labels by 2010.
Some medications, such as prescription acne medications or birth control pills, can increase your sensitivity to the sun, so if you're taking medication, increase your sun protection.
If you want the glow of a tan, try faking it with self-tanners or salon tanning treatments. Avoid tanning beds, though, because although manufacturers claim that tanning beds are free of UVB rays, they still use harmful UVA rays.
When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it contains 1 of 3 ingredients as an 'active ingredient': titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or Parsol 1789 (avobenzene).
Sunscreens for the face should be "non-acnegenic" or "non-comedogenic" to help keep pores clear.
Keep in mind that sunscreens may or may not contain moisturizers so you may need to use a moisturizer in addition to the sunscreen.
A common favorite sunscreen (and mine, too!) that is moisturizing in addition to protecting is La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream SPF15. It protects against both UVA/UVB, is fragrance free, PABA free and is light and non-greasy. It has been described by many as the "world's best sunscreen". This sunscreen contains Mexoryl which offers ultra protection from the sun's UVA rays. Many sunscreens on the market only offer protection from UVB rays, but the UVA rays may actually be more dangerous, causing damage deep within the epidermis therefore leading to some bad skin cancers.
My dermatologist recommended EltaMD UV Shield SPF 45 Oil-Free Sunscreen. He insists that an efficient sunscreen contain zinc, which is not always easy to find. Zinc, as well as its sunscreen benefits, has other benefits such as anti-viral and healing properties, which is of enormous benefit to the skin. It is anti-inflammatory, making it good for sensitive skin, and anti-bacterial, making it good for acne-prone skin. The EltaMD has zinc. EltaMD products claim to be available only through approved physicians but several online stores offer it. Natural sunscreens use a physical barrier such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide to block UV rays. Many chemical sunscreens clog the pores, while natural sunscreens with zinc actually soothe, nourish and protect the skin.
Third best and the best value for the money is Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock. It goes on lightly, isn't oily and absorbs well so that it doesn't give the white cast that some sunblocks give. Neutrogena products are now made with Helioplex, which, like Mexoryl which offers ultra protection from the sun's UVA rays.
Eucerin Extra Protective moisture lotion SPF 30 combines sunscreen with moisturizer. If you have dry skin, it is a solid bet. It contains zinc and titanium oxides.
Another good bet is Clarins Hydration-Plus Moisture Lotion SPF 15, which combines sunscreen with Clarins' bestselling moisturizers.
Another top favorite (but not one of mine) is Olay Total Effects UV Protection or Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin. Both offer UVA/UVB protection. The first one is a heavier cream and the second is better for sensitive skin.
Some say the best tinted moisturizer with SPF on the market is Laura Mercier. This may be good for those people who have flawless skin but want a little color.
Other sunscreens that get favorable reviews (but I have not tried) are:
M.D. Skincare Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen
Mary Kay SPF 30 Sunscreen
Murad Age-Proof Suncare Oil-Free Sunblock, SPF 15
Clinique Sun-Care Body Gel SPF 15 Sunscreen
Lancôme UV Expert with Maxell SPF 20
Jan Marini Bioglycolic Facial Lotion SPF 15
