Photo Credit: ShutterstockHaute Beauty experts explain why sunscreen is so important while offering their top sunscreen recommendation. Here's what they had to say:
Dr. Deepa Verma | Integrative/Anti-Aging | Tampa/St. Petersburg
As an integrative/anti-aging MD, I do a lot of face + body aesthetics in my practice and skincare is of the utmost importance, especially residing in the Sunshine State. So, let’s talk about sunscreen because our ozone layer is diminishing and causing unwanted consequences. Wearing hats and long sleeves in prolonged sun exposure is helpful to protect your skin against harmful UV exposure. The benefits of good sunscreen are the following: prevents premature aging of the skin, lowers the risk of skin cancer, reduces hyperpigmentation from sun damage, and slows down skin inflammation. Two main types of sunscreen are chemical blockers and physical blockers. The first one uses chemicals to absorb the sun’s UV rays while the latter reflects the UV rays. Avoid chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone. Choose mineral (physical blocker) sunscreens that have zinc and titanium.
My favorite clean mineral sunscreen is The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sunscreen.
Dr. Michele S. Green | Anti-Aging | New York
Exposure to the sun can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and lead to the formation of skin cancer. Sunscreen can help protect us against premature aging of our skin and the development of skin cancers. Using sunscreen is an important skincare step for everyone to adhere to regardless of skin tone, the weather, and the time of year. When choosing sunscreen, look for one that is broad-spectrum. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are best because they offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Generally, an SPF of at least 30 is recommended. However, if you have a history of skin cancer, suffer from melasma or hyperpigmentation, or tend to burn quickly, you should consider an SPF of 60 or higher.
One of my favorite sunscreens is La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50. This sunscreen contains antioxidants, is fast-absorbing, and weightless- providing both UVA and UVB protection. This broad-spectrum sunscreen uses physical and chemical components to provide the best sun protection. The minerals sit on top of the skin and act as a filter to reflect UV rays. The chemicals, such as avobenzone, convert the UV rays into heat which the body then releases.
Dr. Karyn Grossman | Skin Expert | Los Angeles
Sunscreen is your most important beauty tool. The American Academy of Dermatology states that over 90% of aging is caused by sun exposure – not just from sitting out – but also from incidental sun exposure you get on a day-to-day basis. That is why it is so important to wear a high SPF daily, and an anti-oxidant too. I created Karyng Complete SPF 50 because I felt the marketplace was missing an all physical SPF [zinc and titanium only] that worked on almost all skin types and colors without whitening. As a busy working mom, I also wanted a product that was one-stop shopping – anti-oxidant, anti-aging, moisturizing, evens out skin tone, and works as a makeup primer as well. Also, it is 90% natural without concerning ingredients. So, ultimately, I created my all-time fave SPF.
Dr. Amy B. Lewis | Skin Expert | New York
Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica is one of my favorite sunscreens. Comprised of 100% minerals with DNA repair some, it not only protects the skin from UV rays but can also repair existing damage. The elegant formulation melts right into the skin. Eryfotona Ageless is the same base formulation as Eryfotona Actinica, with an added tint to even out skin tone and protect against blue light, and peptides to further reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Dr. Tahl N. Humes | Medspa | Denver
"Sunscreen is the one product that you must remember to use each day," said Dr. Tahl Humes, founder and medical director of VITAHL Medical Aesthetics. "Not only does sunscreen block the skin from harmful UV rays and reduce the risk for skin cancer, but also it prevents the damaging light that causes premature aging."
"My favorite SPF is Extreme Protect SPF by iS Clinical," said Dr. Tahl Humes, founder and medical director of VITAHL Medical Aesthetics. "Not only does Extreme Protect SPF protect against the sun's damaging rays, but also it has extremozymes to assist with anti-aging."
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