San Diego Sunscreen

The ability of a sunscreen to block ultraviolet radiation is expressed as an SPF (sun protection factor). This factor represents the ratio of the amount of radiation required to induce redness through a thin layer of sunscreen (2 mg/cm2), compared to unprotected skin. The actual amount of sun protection most people are getting with sunscreen does not reach the rated SPF because most people apply too thin a layer of sunscreen.

There are two primary components of sunscreens: chemical and physical agents. Most broad spectrum sunscreens (which block UVA and UVB radiation) contain chemical and physical sunscreen components.

It is recommended that you select a sunscreen with one or more of the following four components because of their ability to absorb UVA radiation:

Chemical
Avobenzone (Parsol 1789)
Ecamsule (Mexoryl)
Physical
Zinc oxide
Titanium dioxide

The chemical ingredients listed are often found in combination with other UVB blocking agents to produce broad spectrum UV protection.

Daily application of a facial moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or greater is recommended. For outdoor activities, an SPF of 30 or greater is recommended.

1 ounce or 30 mL (two tablespoons) of sunscreen is required to cover all body areas. If you are applying less than that amount, you are not getting the degree of sun protection indicated by the SPF designation.

A dual application of sunscreen with the first application 20 minutes before and the second application 30 minutes after the start of sun exposure is recommended.

List of sunscreens suggested by Insight Dermatology:

For the Body: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock SPF 70
For the Face: Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Fluide Extreme
For Sensitive Skin:
Replenix CF, SPF 45 (Topix)
DCL UVA/UVB chemfree superblock SPF 30
Fallene Cotz SPF 58 Water Resistant UVB/UVA Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
For Dry Skin:
DML Daily Facial Moisturizer, SPF 25
Neutrogena healthy defense SPF 45 daily moisturizer
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
For Oily Skin:
Glycolix Elite Sunscreen SPF 30
Dermalogica Oil Free Matte Block SPF 20
Powder Cover-up Sunscreen:
Colorscience Sunforgettable SPF 30 powder (tinted)
Innovative Skincare Clinical Sunscreen Powder SPF 20
Sweat-resistant sunscreens
Jack Black Sun Guard Oil-Free Very Water/Sweat Resistant SPF 30+
Anthelios SPF 60 XL Face Stick
For the Lips:
Blistex Clear Advance Lip Balm, SPF 30
Natural Ice Medicated Sport Lip Balm, SPF 30