Comments on: “Physical” vs. “chemical” sunscreens and other sunscreen myths

By: Kasia Foxx

Kasia Foxx — Sat, 05 May 2018 13:57:07 +0000

Thank you for such an informative post! I have a question that I can’t seem to find a solid answer on: some people say that zinc oxide is only truly effective at 15-20% concentration, however most sunscreen have it at far less. My favorite Skinceuticals one has only 5%. I’ve heard people say that the formula matters more than the concentration, and I should still be getting appropriate UVA/UVB protection, but I wonder if it’s true. What are your thoughts on this?

By: daypeach

daypeach — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 09:20:00 +0000

I have not found a place so informative about sunscreens before....please keep writing new posts!! :) Can you do a post about layering sunscreens? I'm layering Avene spf 50 tres haute cream (Tinosorb M) under Juice Beauty spf 30 tinted (20% ZnO). Is this unnecessary? Im deathly afraid of UVA-1 bc I already have extensive photo damage and want VERY STRONG protection from UVA especially from UVA-1 with no less than spf 50. Do you think a thick layer of the Avene will suffice if I'm driving a couple hours daily in the sun? (Assuming I will reapply once in middle of day)...

By: Orion N.

Orion N. — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 03:44:00 +0000

I find myself either posting the link to the page or quoting from this. This was so helpful for me. If you notice an uptick in traffic, it’s def me. lol.

By: Interesting Research/Articles by Bloggers | Skincare Reviews

Interesting Research/Articles by Bloggers | Skincare Reviews — Mon, 22 May 2017 17:29:46 +0000

[…] Sunscreen Myths-KindofStephen […]

By: Emre Y

Emre Y — Thu, 11 May 2017 23:41:00 +0000

Are avobenzone and octocrylene products ok to use?

By: ray

ray — Fri, 05 May 2017 19:32:00 +0000

Isn’t low transmittance the more important property in a sunscreen? Light can be absorbed and reflected, but ultimately what matters is what is transmitted. And from playing around with the BASF sunscreen simulator, it seems like organic sunscreens do a pretty poor job of blocking 380-400 nm light, though I don’t know how accurate the BASF sunscreen simulator is. I use only inorganic sunscreen because they can at least get down to 20% transmittance on the simulator while organic sunscreens are all 80%+! Yikes!

But because I don’t know how accurate the simulator is, I think it’s necessary to do a comparison of transmittance between inorganic and organic sunscreen. Something you can do, maybe? 😉

By: What I’m Reading 2.28.17 – Finley & Laurel

What I’m Reading 2.28.17 – Finley & Laurel — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 16:34:10 +0000

[…] “Physical” vs. “Chemical” Sunscreens & Other Sunscreen Myths […]

By: KindofStephen

KindofStephen — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 06:14:45 +0000

In reply to Lynn. Unfortunately there isn't much research on layering sunscreens as the US FDA testing method is only for one product. So it's just conjecture and opinion at this point.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 17:40:00 +0000

Hi Stephen, what an interesting and helpful article! Thank you! 😀

So this, then, makes me wonder. I have seen more than one person recommend layering an inorganic sunscreen over top an organic sunscreen (after it has dried, of course) saying that it provides better protection than just using one or the other. Is there any truth to this?

Let’s say they use an all organic sunscreen- something with a bunch of great organic filters, let that dry, then apply an all-inorganic sunscreen on top. Is it worth it for very sun sensitive people to consider doing this? Is the addition of more sunscreen filters potentially useful?

I have lupus, so I’m always looking for some new way to get the most out of sunscreen.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 20:05:00 +0000

Making me dig up ochem, Stephen lol — but excellent post, though in seriousness!