Sunscreen Recommendations Based on the Most Recent Data

• There is a lot of confusion when it comes to which sunscreen to choose. Labels are challenging to read, manufacturers choose names that sound "pure and natural," and our children will fight the sunscreen application process no matter which products we choose. 
• In 2019, it was found that chemical blocking sunscreens are absorbed by the body to a greater degree than was ever anticipated. While the effects of this are unknown, this finding gave many people pause.
• Chemical blocking sunscreens may also harm the environment and coral reefs.
• So...how can we simplify things while the data is being sorted out?

I tend to recommend the following general principles.

1. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (blocks UVA and UVB), SPF 50 or higher, every 80 minutes while outdoors.
2. Use a physical blocking sunscreen (mineral sunscreen). This means that the only** active ingredient(s) is/are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both. This is what I am recommending to my patients, at least for the time being.

Chemical blockers are the ones with an unresolved question about systemic absorption, that may damage the environment and are much more likely to cause a contact allergy than physical blockers.

3) Remember: combination sunscreens with physical and chemical blockers count as chemical blockers**

4) Remember: you have to read the label...every time!

5) Parents –> most kids hate sunscreen –> ignore them and apply it. They will thank you for it when they are older. 

6) Remember: sunscreen needs to be reapplied. There is no such thing as "waterproof" sunscreen.  

Every 80-90 minutes get out the bottle and reapply to your children and to yourselves.