Why these drugstore sunscreens just don’t cut it?

Dr. Irwin
May 21, 2014

Sadly, most of the drug store sunscreens just can’t cut it. For example, Neutrogena Healthy Defense Sunscreen – SPF 30 – despite it’s name contains extremely limited UVA coverage:  at a piddly zinc 2% and the chemical blockers have limited activity in the UVA range.  Remember, you need protection from UVA as well as UVB.
 
The Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 50 has titanium and zinc but in very small percentages. The only ingredient that covers well throughout the entire UVArange is zinc. 
 
Look for percentages from 8-20% depending on your climate and how much you are outdoors. Titanium is the next best but doesn’t cover as well as zinc.
 
 
Effective and Affordable Sunscreens- 

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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