Dr Rosenberger’s Sunscreen Update and Recommendations for 2024
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 mineral barriers that work much better and last longer than the chemical sunscreens. Zinc has a slightly more complete and broader coverage than Titanium. Some chemical sunscreens have now been shown to penetrate into the blood stream and may damage the coral reef, so I recommend to avoid them. LAST YEAR I NOTICED A NEW TRICK! Some sunscreens say “mineral enriched” or “mineral based” but also contain chemicals. Always thoroughly read the active ingredients and THINK ZINC!
2-Check the Water Resistance- At least 80 minutes water resistance is optimal. This means that no matter the SPF if you are in the water we need to reapply every 80 minutes.
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.
NOTICE – I didn’t mention SPF. What? In my opinion the things listed above are more important than SPF. If you’re stuck on that though, shoot for an SPF>30. It’s rare to find a zinc based sunscreen with an SPF>30, so if you follow step number one you should be good!
HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITES FOR 2024!
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): Colorescience all varieties and ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless and Skinbetter Science Tone Smart are my favorites. These are available in our Spring Boutique at the office. The ZO Skin Health and Colorescience products also protect against blue light HEV and Infrared Radiation. Available OTC are BARE mineral Face, Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen with Sheet Tint, Neutrogena Mineral Tint and Eucerin Sensitive Mineral Face with Blendable Tint. This category has come a long way over the years! Most of these go on very nicely and can double as a light foundation.
Untinted Chemical Free for the face: BARE Mineral lotion, Cerave Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 for Face, Aveeno Protect and Soothe, 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. These are the ones I found on my recent trip to our local Walmart.
Bronzing Chemical Free for the Body: 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. These are great at the beginning of summer to give some extra color. Just be careful to not get these on your clothes.
Zinc Sticks for KIDS (and lazy Mommas) – My kids used to 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 Bag.
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 – Colorescience 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!
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