Personalized! Sunscreen For Your Skin Type: Recommendations
There are two main types of sunscreen. Chemical sunscreen contains oxybenzone or avobenzone. They protect by absorbing the sun’s rays. Physical sunscreens contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. They protect by deflecting the sun’s UV rays. If you have sensitive skin or if you are using products on children, most dermatologist recommend physical sunscreen.
Read my “Fountain of Youth” post on the proper use of sunscreen and what to watch out for.
Dermatology Tips (Pearls):
The best sunscreen is the one you use. Read my “Fountain of Youth” post on the proper use of sunscreen and what to watch out for. Be careful of spray sunscreens and sunscreens with insect repellants.
Only 2 requirements: (1) Make sure that the sunscreen has at least an SPF 30-50 and (2) Sunscreen should be broad spectrum. After that, the only difference in your sunscreen is the texture and how it goes with your skin type and preferences.
If you are going to be in the water or going to be sweating, consider “water resistant” (stays effective for 40 minutes in water before reapplication is needed) or “very water resistant” (stays effective for 80 minutes in water before reapplication is needed).
There are many, many different sunscreen brands. Make sure it meets the two requirements above. The more expensive a sunscreen does not meet that is it magically better.
I have no financial relationships with any of these companies. Here are just some of the brands that I know people like. If you have one that you like, let me know. These are listed in alphabetical order.
Oily Skin
Cerave Sunscreen
Coppertone Clearly Sheer
EltaMD UV Physical
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
Dry Skin
Cerave Sunscren
EltaMD UV Daily
EltaMD UV Facial Broad Spectrum
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX
Neutrogena Age Shield
Acne or Rosacea Prone Skin
Elta MD UV Clear
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen
Lip Protection
Elta MD Broad Spectrum Lip Balm
Vanicream Lip Protectant/Sunscreen
Active Lifestyle
*** Usually the water resistant or sweat resistant sunscreen. Check the label
Blue Lizard Sport
Coppertone Sport
EltaMD UV Pure
EltaMD UV Sport
Neutrogena Beach Defense
Neutrogena Sport
Vanicream Sunscreen Sport
Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum
Any of the children sunscreens as below can be used for adults with sensitive skin
*** Dermatologists prefer physical blockers here (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) as they tend to be less irritating
Children
*** Sunscreen is FDA approved fro children 6 months and older. Make sure they only contain PHYSICAL blocker (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide)
Blue Lizard Sunscreen Baby
Cerave Baby
Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby
Remember to read the bottle for proper use. This is not medical advice. Talk to your dermatologist if you are concerned about your skin.
Happy reading!
Dr. Z
p.s. Feel free to share this post but please do not take this information without written permission from me
Remember, this blog just provides general information and is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the you or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. Full Disclaimer.
