Sunscreen

Recommended Sunscreens

These are sunscreens that I have personally tried and have checked the ingredients for safety.

Face: 

1. Isdin eryfotonica actinica is one of the most elegant sunscreens out there. It not only does an excellent job protecting from the sun but has ingredients that repair prior sun damage.
2. Juice Beauty CC Cream: this brand which is from my hometown, Marin County, CA.  It has UVA, UVB, and visible light protection and comes in 5 different colors, maximizing the chance you’ll find your match.  Great for darker skin tones and those fed up with a milky white sheen.
3. La Roche Posay has several options of mineral sunscreens. One favorite in my family is the anthelios liquid sunscreen which goes on smooth.  
4. SkinCeuticals eye cream with mineral protection: for the delicate skin around your eyes – $30 for 0.3 oz, which lasts several months

Body:

1. Trader Joe’s Zinc Oxide Lotion – no link available but can get at your local TJ’s!  I’m currently hooked. It’s 20% zinc and rubs in relatively clear, even on darker skin types.  
2. Tizo Ultra Zinc may be used on the body — leaves minimal white cast and comes in both tinted and untinted versions.

Tips for using sunscreen 

1. Be generous: 1 shot glass full of sunscreen is required to protect your entire body. 
2. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours to remain effective.  
3. SPF 30 or above. SPF is calculated as a ratio, so the theoretical percentage of UV filtering levels off at SPF 30 and above.
4. Broad spectrum.  If you stick to zinc, you don’t have to worry since it always protects against both.  But it’s good to be aware that SPF only refers to UVB protection. In the US, there is no scale for UVA protection but the label “broad spectrum” is the best way to know that you are getting coverage if you end up choosing a chemical sunscreen.
5. Mix with foundation. The zinc and titanium containing sunscreens tend to be white which can be cosmetically challenging.  I recommend applying the sunscreen followed by immediately applying foundation matched to your skin tone it’s not noticeable.
6. Avoid spray or powdered sunscreens — or at least use in a ventilated area to minimize inhalation.
7. Don’t rely on sunscreen for infants.  It is not recommended to use sunscreen in children less than 6 months of age.
8. Don’t forget your neck, ears, lips, and tops of your hands.  Hotspots for cancer and for aging!
9. Just because it’s cloudy, or you’re in the shade, doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.  UVA/UVB rays can easily penetrate clouds and umbrellas!