Skin Science

As you get older, the same skin protection principles apply, but knowledge is power.  Ingredients do matter and not all UV rays are the same.  Sun safety is more important than ever as you age.

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I diagnose skin conditions that can be caused by cosmetics, "acne cosmetica" (mild form of acne consisting of small bumps), or irritant and even allergic contact dermatitis (red, dry, itchy or burning skin), all the time in my dermatology practice.

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Being sun smart is not that simple though. Just like a diet, one method doesn’t fit all. It would be easy to tell people to just cut calories to the minimum but that’s neither healthy nor sustainable. Here is the practical advice I give every patient.

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In the US, the FDA requires sunscreens to list the active ingredients on the top of the drug facts label. 

Check the active ingredients -- these are what make the biggest difference in sunscreens. 

Mainly: is there oxybenzone or octinoxate? These two chemical filters have been banned in Hawaii due to their bleaching of coral reefs. 

Other concerns may be staining, in which case you're looking for avobenzone. It is highly reactive with bleach as well as sunlight. 

If you're looking for a safe option, look for solely zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are the only two mineral UV filters and are the #1 and #2 rated filters due to their reflection of broad spectrum UV Radiation and stability.

It may be the last thing on some of our minds, but its so important to wear sun protection as we enjoy the outdoors with our family this weekend and thought the summer season.  

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Life took a screeching halt mid-March for most of us. We were going a hundred miles an hour through a life filled with work, travel, and seemingly never-ending plans that suddenly has stopped.

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