Sunscreen Tips: Are You SPF-Savvy?

Thursday, April 15th, 2010 at 5:42 pm

1271353333 Sunscreen Tips: Are You SPF Savvy?

Can you get enough SPF from a makeup product—and is it ever okay to go outside sans sunscreen? top dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, MD, FACN, whose new more than Moisture SPF 30 debuts in June, answers these questions and more.

How damaging can overexposure to sunlight be?
UV radiation is the main environmental factor that causes human skin aging, so avoid tanning. You should be outside at least 15 minutes each day for a brisk walk or other activities, but don't bake in the sun. Melanocytes—melanin-producing cells—begin to burn out when you reach your late thirties and forties, making it more difficult for your skin to fight sun damage, which can result in uneven pigmentation.

So sunshine can be good for you in small doses?
Yes. I recommend 15 minutes of sunshine a day without sunscreen because it will increase vitamin D protection, which is known to reduce the risk of many internal cancers and at the same time reduce risk of osteoporosis; sunshine is the best source of this critical vitamin.

What’s the best way to protect your skin from the sun?
I suggest nonchemical sunscreens with physical blockers like titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide that sit on top of the skin instead of reacting with it. though the formulations of chemical sunscreens are often lighter and easier to apply, they’re more likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation.

Is a face moisturizer or foundation with SPF adequate for everyday coverage?
A moisturizer, tinted moisturizer, or foundation with at least SPF 15 will provide light protection and should be adequate for everyday activities—traveling to and from work, running errands, etc. For extra benefits, look for products that contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants such as alpha lipoic acid to help protect skin from damage-causing free radicals, vitamin C ester to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and DMAE to visibly enhance skin tone.

However, if you have sensitive skin, are taking medication that increases sensitivity to sunlight, and/or plan to have prolonged exposure to the sun, even the highest SPF will not be adequate to protect you from visible signs of damage such as sunburn and increased risk of wrinkles and skin cancer.