SPF 15 Sunscreens
What are the differences between the SPF 15 products?
The main difference between each formula is texture and how it feels on the skin and the skin type the formula is most suitable for.
Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 15, for normal to oily/combination skin, contains a blend of sunscreens including avobenzone for sufficient UVA protection. Avobenzone is considered a better choice than titanium dioxide or zinc oxide for normal to oily skin that tends to break out. This sunscreen has a very light lotion texture that leaves normal to oily/combination skin smooth and protected without feeling slick or greasy. This product can be used on the face or body.
Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15, for normal to very dry or sensitive skin, does not contain "chemical" sunscreens such as octinoxate, octisalate, or avobenzone. Although "chemical" sunscreens are effective and work beautifully for most skin types, they can be too irritating for sensitive skins, causing stinging or burning, especially when used around the eyes. Pure Mineral Sunscreen contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, inert minerals that are considered non-irritating and a great option for sensitive (but not breakout-prone) skin. Careful blending is required to smooth away the whitish cast of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide but Pure Mineral Sunscreen has a light, fluid texture that leaves skin feeling silky, soothed, and protected. It is also excellent for use on children and infants over six months of age. This product can be used on the face or body.
Skin Balancing Daily Mattifying Lotion SPF 15, for normal to oily/combination skin, leaves a weightless, shine-free finish and contains absorbent ingredients to help keep oily areas matte and looking fresh for hours. This silky moisturizer contains potent antioxidants and cell-communicating ingredients, and provides excellent daily sun protection. This product is ideal for use on the face.
Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15, for normal to very dry skin is an elegant daytime moisturizer with sunscreen. It is creamy yet light-textured and provides broad-spectrum sun protection with mineral actives of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The silky application sets to a satin matte finish that works beautifully under makeup. Skin is treated to antioxidants, cell-communicating ingredients, and soothing agents. It is specifically designed for facial application and an excellent daytime moisturizer for those dealing with rosacea.
Should I reapply Moisture Boost SPF 20 during the day?
For casual wear, meaning less than four hours total time out in the sun, it is not necessary to reapply sunscreen as you will be protected all day. If you are perspiring or just spending a longer period of time outdoors, it should be reapplied.
How is Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 20 different from Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15?
Although both products provide reliable broad-spectrum sun protection, they do so using completely different active ingredients. Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 contains mineral actives (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) while Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 20 contains synthetic active ingredients such as avobenzone. Because of this, Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 is preferred for sensitive or rosacea-affected skin. The other notable difference is that Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 is designed to be used as part of the comprehensive Skin Recovery routine. Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 20 is designed to be used with our Moisture Boost three step system for those seeking a less complicated skin care routine.
Why does the Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen leave a shine on my face?
This sunscreen contains avobenzone. Although avobenzone is less likely to clog your pores, it doesn't dry as matte as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Unfortunately, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are more likely to clog pores. If this effect is bothersome, try experimenting with sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide to see how your skin responds.
Does avobenzone work as well as titanium dioxide?
Avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) is capable of screening UVA radiation up to 400 nanometers, which is enough to protect skin from up to 98% of UVA rays. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide can screen up to 700 nanometers, but this amount of radiation does not affect us, so in the end, all three come out as equal.
In the U.S., only four sunscreen ingredients have been widely approved as effective against UVA radiation. They are titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane). The FDA approved Mexoryl SX (also called ecamsule) in July 2006 for use in one sunscreen product sold in the U.S., Anthelios SX SPF 15 by L'Oreal-owned La Roche-Posay (though it shows up in a L’Oreal-owned Lancôme sunscreen too). You only need to have one of these in the active ingredients list. Outside of the U.S., the UVA-protecting ingredient Tinosorb (not approved in the U.S.) is often used. (For more information on sunscreens, please see Sun Essentials).
Why isn't there a moisturizing sunscreen with avobenzone?
Avobenzone is less pore clogging than titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, so we have included it in our Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 15. However, some people do experience irritation from avobenzone, and that is why it is not included in our moisturizing sunscreens. You can also consider our Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15 if other synthetic sunscreen agents like avobenzone have proven to be problematic.
I stay out of the sun. Do I still need to use sunscreen?
Yes. UVA rays can penetrate the windows in your office and car, so you should always wear at least an SPF 15 with titanium dixide, zinc oxide, or avobenzone as the active ingredients.
Will an SPF 15 give me enough protection?
Unless you are in full sun all day long, you should be fine with a SPF 15 sunscreen. If you live in the southern half of the United States, or any other sunny climate, you might want to use a SPF 30 sunscreen instead.
Can I use the SPF 15 sunscreens around my eyes?
Yes, but use caution, because anything used around the eyes can migrate into the eyes.
Is it okay to use the SPF 15 sunscreens on babies and children?
Anytime you use an over-the-counter product on a baby or child you should get your doctor's approval. Many pediatricians recommend keeping infants under six months old out of the sun and making sure that their delicate skin is completely covered.
Do I need to use another moisturizer or SPF product in conjunction with them?
No, but if your skin is extremely dry, you can use a moisturizer under the sunscreen.
What if I need to reapply sunscreen but do not want to disturb my foundation/makeup?
Try using a pressed powder that contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Our Healthy Finish Pressed Powder SPF 15 is an excellent option, or consider the powders with sunscreen from Stila and Pola.
Paula Begoun
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