Dr Rosenberger’s Sunscreen Picks for 2023

HOW DO I CHOOSE A SUNSCREEN?

1 – Check the Active Ingredients – I particularly like sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide ONLY.  Zinc and titanium are physical barriers that work much better and last longer than the chemical sunscreens. Zinc has a slightly more complete and broader coverage than Titanium. Chemical sunscreens have now been shown to penetrate into the blood stream and may damage the coral reef, so avoid them.   THIS YEAR I NOTICED A NEW TRICK!  Some sunscreens say “mineral enriched” or “mineral based” but also contain chemicals.  Always thoroughly read the active ingredients. 

2-Check the Water Resistance- At least 80 minutes water resistance is optimal.

3-Make sure it is Non-Comedogenic if you plan to use it on your face or other acne prone areas.  

4-Decide if you will actually use it!  In dermatology we call this Elegance if it feels and smells nice.  Pick one that you like the smell, feel and look of and one you can easily toss into a bag so it’s there when you need it.   I work hard to find ones that meet individual needs.  We carry things that are not easily commercially available in our Spring Boutique where you can try them out.

HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITES FOR 2023

After a trip to Walmart and checking online, here is what I recommend for this year. To see pictures of these, check out our social media posts. I’m sure there are others out there that meet the qualifications above as well, this is just a suggestion.

Tinted Chemical Free For the face (Zinc and Titanium)

BARE Mineral lotion and gel, Cerave Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 for Face, Aveeno Positively Mineral SPF 50 for Face, Coppertone Pure and Simple for Face SPF 50, Cetaphil Sheer Mineral SPF 50 all available at Walmart and online.  ISDIN Eyrfotona Actinica Available at the Spring Boutique.

Untinted Chemical Free for the face:

 BARE Mineral lotion and gel, Cerave Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 for Face, Aveeno Positively Mineral SPF 50 for Face, Coppertone Pure and Simple for Face SPF 50, Cetaphil Sheer Mineral SPF 50 all available at Walmart and online.  ISDIN Eyrfotona Actinica Available at the Spring Boutique.

Untinted Chemical Free for the Body:

Cerave Body Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50, Neutrogena Pure & free Baby, Neutrogena Mineral Ultra Sheer and Beach Defense, BARE Republic Mineral, Blue Lizard Baby Only ( Be cautious on these, the Sport and Kids has Chemical Sunscreens), Coppertone Pure and Simple all varieties.  Banana Boat has a number of new entries including Mineral Spray and Lotions including Sport, Baby, Sensitive and Kids.  Aveeno Continuous Protection Kids and Baby.  Also a number of new ones from Native Mineral Sunscreen and Face Lotion.  These are the ones I found on my recent trip to our local Walmart.

Bronzing Chemical Free for the Body

Including glow and bronzing formulations at the Spring Boutique.  Colorescience Total Protection Sunforgettable Body Shield and Face Shield Bronze SPF 50.  These can be used alone or added to another sunscreen to find the color you desire. 

Zinc Sticks for KIDS (and lazy Mommas)

My kids love being able to put on their own sunscreen with sunscreen sticks.  I like that I can tuck it into a purse or bag easily.  Examples containing only Zinc and Titanium include… Neutrogena’s Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Stick, Neutrogena Mineral Ultra Sheer and Beach Defense, Babyganics pure mineral sunscreen stick, Coppertone Pure and Simple Baby Stick, Blue Lizard Stick, Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick.  All are available at Walmart.  NEW! In the Spring Boutique Skin Better Coola Mineral Stick as part of the Coola Summer Gift Ba

Spray Sunscreen WITH Zinc

BARE Republic Mineral Spray Sunscreen, Coppertone Pure and Simple Spray, and Banana Boat Sport Mineral.  I like these for tops of feet, legs, scalp, ears and the back of the neck.  They usually still need rubbed in a bit though.

Lip Balms and Glosses

Colorscience and Elta MD. Plus a new favorite, Coola LipLux Trio in fun scents and flavors.  Available in tons of colors at the Spring Boutique.

Brush on Sunscreen

Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush on Sunscreen and NEW ZO Skin Health Brush on Sunscreen.  Both available in the Spring Boutique.

Pressed Powder and Compacts

Colorescience pressed powder in tons of shades and NEW! Skin Better Science Tinted and Clear Compact.  Both Available in the Spring Boutique.  My girls and I love these for on the go and for touch ups.  The powder compact can be left in a car without worry of it spoiling. Plus it travels well on a plane!

To learn more about Sunscreen from a Dermatologist’s Perspective.

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