How To Choose The Best Sunscreen In 4 Simple Steps

There are hundreds of sunscreens out there and it can be super confusing to navigate. As a doctor, I've had multiple people ask me how they should pick a sunscreen. This includes people with acne prone skin, dry skin or just looking for good sun protection. So I've come up with a 4 step system to help you pick the right sunscreen for your skin.

The four steps:
0:30 Spectrum of Activity – Choose Broad Spectrum (UVA + UVB protection rather than UVB only)
1:10 SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – Choose SPF 30+
2:00 Sunscreen ingredients – Both Physical (aka. Mineral or Inorganic Sunscreens) and Chemical (aka. Organic) have different pros and cons. Physical sunscreens are better for people with sensitive skin such as people with acne, rosacea or dermatitis like eczema. Chemical sunscreens tend to have a better cosmetic result.
5:03 Formulation – Lotions and roll on tend to provide better protection than aerosols (spray on) sunscreens

Water resistance is a useful feature for people using sunscreen before playing sport. Moisturing sunscreen is better for people with dry skin.

Full transcript and references (including list of chemical sunscreen ingredients): docunlock.org/youtube/sunscreen

Further reading:
dermnetnz.org/topics/how-to-choose-and-use-suns…
skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscr…
tga.gov.au/community-qa/sunscreens-information-…
fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingU…
epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/sunscr…

#sunscreen #sunsmart #docunlock

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Video credits:

This video was made in collaboration with Dr Sara de Menezes: sarademenezes.com.au/

Certain illustrations adapted from svgrepo.com/

Music:

Markvard – Time. Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music. Video Link: youtu.be/NvZ3CN-vvsw
Jarico – Island. Music promoted by Vlog No Copyright Music. Video Link: youtu.be/gZlDn4EmTvo

Photos:
SPF 15 Foundation: flickr.com/photos/idhren/3673208518
SPF 15 cream: flickr.com/photos/skeyndor/14845392987
Andrew Symons: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Andrew_symonds.…

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