Wear Sunscreen Even on Cloudy Days
@Hina: Amen! I couldn't agree with you more. The only caveat I will give is how moisturizing the vehicle of the sunscreen is and whether or not it's appropriate for your oil/water skin type.
so this it ok just to use only sunscreen during day rather than face cream as well...my skin is to oily for both and sunscreen is enough for me?
Also can I apply sunscreen at night....I like it on my skin and don't see that point in a night cream because isn't sunscreen a cream? Is gel sunscreen just as effective as sunscreen cream....sometimes even sunscreen cream on its own is to oily.... I tend use 15-20?
@female: Of course you can also use face creams during the day (granted they have a purpose appropriate for you), but just make sure to apply sunscreen first.
Is it harmful to the skin to wear a water-resistant sunscreen on a daily basis? I never swim or go into the sun, but I need a sunscreen for everyday use. Those are often the most readily available sunscreens and the least expensive.
@Anon: No, it shouldn't be a problem, as long as it, like all other skincare products, is appropriate for your oil/water skin type (if you use it on your face).
I want to use sunscreen everyday but most all sunscreens break me out. And there may be one out there that doesn't give me acne, but if it doesn't have Avobenzone (i.e. UVA protection) I wouldn't even bother wearing it... So how will I ever find one that has good protection and won't break me out?
How do I get rid of facial whites spots?
@Alex: In choosing a sunscreen, the three criteria that you need are, (i) water-based so that it does not break you out, (ii) SPF between 15 and 30 for adequate UVB protection, and (iii) and labeling with "UVA Protection" or "Broad Spectrum Protection". In my opinion, there is no need to look for specific ingredients such as Avobenzone if you're looking for it solely for UVA protection since the FDA-regulated labeling of "With UVA Protection" indicates adequate UVA protection. For sensitive, acne-prone skin, I recommend Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories "Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ with UVA Protection".
@Stanley: Since there are many different causes of white spots, each which have different treatments, you'll need to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment. However, I will air an episode on just this topic in the coming months.
Thanks for the reply Dr. Schultz. I was under the impression, though, that the FDA regulations for sunscreens are horrendous and desperately need reform but the sunscreen companies keep preventing the FDA from changing them. I've read that many sunscreens claim to be "Broad-Spectrum" etc. but they really aren't (they aren't doing this illegally, it's just that the FDA regulations are bad...). Read here for more info: http://www.ewg.org/cosmetics/report/sunscreen09/investigation/misleading...
I'll look into that sunscreen you suggested. Thanks again!
Cosmetics companies charge us more money by putting antioxidants in their moisturizers with sunprotection ,and if they don't work in the daytime than what's the point of buying them and paying extra.
Why can't we simply use sunscreens in the daytime rather than a moisturizer with sunscreen because most of the sunscreens have moisturizing base(vehicle) in their formulation.