Answering Your BURNING Questions On SUNSCREEN - PART 2! | Dr Sam Bunting

[@elizalogd4882]

We are so much counting on you for a proper "Flawless Sunscreen"! It is incredibly difficult to find a good sunscreen with a labeled amount of ZnO in Europe... Most European brands have some kind of chemical filter that is irritating to sensitive skin.

[@baddestdonut8658]

But it’s tricky because sunscreens with high zinc content are drying.

[@greentree_]

In my experience, the ones that look moisturizing (aka have some shine to it) aren’t drying. But some people look for matte. The matte ones will be more drying because have less silicones. I use one with 20% micronized zinc, no cast, no dryness on my dry skin, no need for moisturizer underneath. One just have to try different brands.

[@skerdonadoolbak111]

greentree what are you using? I’m intrigued

[@greentree_]

@Events KR if you can get your hands on the Cotz brand, the one I’m talking about is Cotz Sensitive (untinted). And if you want a tinted version, Cotz Flawless Complexion. Both are 20% zinc. They are not matte, they give a beautiful little shine to the skin which I find very youthful and healthy.

[@allthings7bypaula24]

Eliza Logiadi I use Madara, and Clochee sunscreens both have safe ingredients and both work well for me

[@greentree_]

It’s really so important to find a sunscreen you’ll apply generously. That’s why I don’t buy those tiny tubes that are so expensive.

[@DrSamBunting]

The formula and technique you use are everything. That, and a bit of patience!

[@greentree_]

Dr Sam, please talk about formula and technique in your next sunscreen video!

[@brittanyg6796]

Part 3: which sunscreen brands work best for acne prone/sensitive skin that are available in the US? (Yes, I'm tailoring this to my needs! 😂)

[@carawestgate]

Oooh this is just the video I was hoping for!

[@oldenglishsheepdogfun5960]

Would love your moisturiser with added spf 50 😁

[@chicpea8387]

Another brilliant video by an expert, thank you for sharing your advice Dr Sam 🙏

[@DrSamBunting]

Chic Pea thank-you!

[@rachel6805]

Hi Dr Sam - love your videos and ive learned so much from them. I know you recommend at least 5% zinc oxide - may i ask what you base this on? Are there studies stating that? I ask because Ive heard different percentages recommended (from 5 to 18%) and Im confused. Thank you!

[@littlevoice_11]

Which suncream is best for the face in terms of highest UVA?

[@tammi_mz5495]

Hi Dr. Sam, you've mentioned that we have to reapply during the day. But what do we do, when we have make-up on? I can't imagine putting sunscreen over my make-up. Thanks for answering my question.

[@DrSamBunting]

tammi_mz I think you do 1 of 2 things. Either use tinted SPF as base and reapply. Or you just do it once (properly) and practice sun avoidance.

[@tammi_mz5495]

@@DrSamBunting Thank you very much Dr. Sam :-)

[@manelchemam3771]

Hello, thank you very much for these videos it is really helpful. What do you use around the eyes? Do you use your regular sunscreen ? Do you use it around the eyes everyday ? Please let us know how you deal with this sensitive area, and thank you in advance. Much love and support

[@DrSamBunting]

Manel Chemam yes, use it right around the thin eye area as this is the bit that sags and wrinkles first. For sport, use a water-resistant formula that doesn’t run, to avoid stinging eyes.

[@manelchemam3771]

Dr Sam Bunting thank you for your prompt answer 🤗

[@NKattie]

I love you Q&A videos! What about using sunscreen when you spend a day at home or leave only after 5pm, when it’s uv 0 here? In winter months it never goes higher than 1-2 uv and I’ve heard world heath organization says sunscreen is not necessary in 0-2 uv

[@firnheledien]

UV index only gives a measure of UVB, not UVA.

[@DrSamBunting]

The UVA that ages us is the little and often exposure we accumulate on a daily basis. WHO are focused on avoiding burning, a risk factor for skin cancer. So I think if you care about preventing premature ageing, it’s worth using every day.

[@NKattie]

Dr Sam Bunting I see! Thanks a lot! 🙏

[@DrAdnan]

Do people actually reapply every 2 hours? It seems a pain in practice.

[@sephiloudi]

I think that's if you're in direct sun for hours, I personally apply once in the morning

[@tareqelkhoury]

Yes

[@JReid-yl4ys]

@@sephiloudi I think you're right. I am 32 and have no fine lines on my face, I attribute that to mostly daily sunscreen and using retin A. I only apply once in the morning, and just actively avoid the sun. I am very rarely out in direct sunlight. I would hate the feeling of applying it all through the day, especially because my skin is oily. It would get so gross and sludgy.

[@brodietaym8475]

It can be quite a pain but if you use a sunscreen that is lightweight reasonably priced and you enjoy using it won't be a problem that's my personal experience

[@rebeccablanchard6558]

I do if I am out and about all day. Also check our my current profile pic....UPF 50 hat, SPF 45 all over and I used a golf umbrella

[@MsDollie]

Questioning sunscreen and Vitamin C interactivity … I believe L ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is thought to improve the efficacy of sunscreen and subsequently is recommended for daily am application under sunscreen. However, Vitamin C is also unstable and deteriorates in UVA/UVB exposure subsequently I apply it at NIGHT to prevent UVA/UVB exposure and hopefully improve the efficacy of vitamin C. Does properly applied mineral (zinc oxide AND titanium dioxide) sunscreen SPF 30 and/or SPF 50 improve the stability of vitamin C? As an antioxidant Vitamin C is said to scavenge/fight free radicals caused by UVA/UVB exposure. Is it more advantageous to use vitamin C during UVA/UVB exposure versus using it at night? If skin tolerates it, would twice daily application of vitamin C be ideal? Wouldn't 2 daily applications of vitamin C vastly improve it's efficacy?

[@skincarewithaustin]

MsDollie MsDollie MsDollie I think there’s a discrepancy in your understanding of vitamin C. It’s recommended to apply vitamin C under sunscreen during the day because sunscreen is not a perfect science. It still permits a small percentage of UV rays to penetrate the skin. This free radical damage that passes through the sunscreen barrier can then be neutralized by the antioxidant benefit of vitamin C - this is why it’s said that vitamin C boosts the effects of sunscreen. Vitamin C IS deteriorated by the presence of UV rays, but that’s because it’s doing its job. If the free radical damage of UV rays weren’t deteriorating the vitamin C on your skin, then they’d be deteriorating your skins DNA (essentially). They serve as a kamikaze pilot, of sorts, and kind of ‘sacrifice’ themselves for our skin. Applying vitamin C at night still has merit, however, because there are many OTHER things that it does in our skin. That, and free radicals, to some extent, are present in our skin at all times, so it can continue to scavenge for them.

[@alicedsouza2528]

Interesting question and I don't apply it during day time for the fear of phototoxic damage

[@MsDollie]

@@skincarewithaustin - Thank you for taking time to reply to my question(s). I am still confused. Can you point me to where I can read further on vitamin C, free radicals, sunscreen etc? Again, thank you. 🤗

[@allthings7bypaula24]

MsDollie there are more stable forms of Vitamin C, I apply both stable vit C serum and SPF daily

[@brodietaym8475]

According to the "kindofstephen" blog ( excellent blog by the way if you're into that kind of stuff) he explained scientifically how you don't have to worry about this kind of thing. Basically if the vitamin C product You're using itself is stabilized, once it is absorbed in your skin nothing can interfere with its efficacy if you layer it underneath a well-formulated sunscreen you should be good to go

[@susanmcf1]

I love your basic approach to skincare. It makes so much sense. In a recent video you mentioned iron oxide as being beneficial in a sunscreen. I know to look for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, but I do not know about the benefit of iron oxide. Could you explain that ingredient? Thank you.

[@baddestdonut8658]

Visible light/blue light emitted from phone etc which can cause skin pigmentation .

[@DrSamBunting]

It helps prevent pigmentation due to visible light, in particular blue light.

[@susanmcf1]

@@DrSamBunting Thank you so much! I have so much pigmentation that I need all the help I can get.

[@kimberlyklein979]

Hi Sam. Aside from your sunscreen, what brands would you recommend? What did you use before you formulated yours? Thank you!

[@barbiegirl4224]

You have beautiful skin.

[@baddestdonut8658]

Hey Dr! Thoughts on using makeup tools like puff/sponge or those cushion puff for reapplication ? I personally think cushion puff are The Best Bet because beauty blender/sponge would soak up most of the product .

[@joannorlando5193]

Just ordered it. ❤️ your products!! What makeup foundation did you apply? Thanks

[@lthompson1989]

Hi Sam, I recently tried elta md uv clear on your recommendation but unfortunately it broke me out. I tried on two occasions, and after a couple of days of use got large spots each time which is quite unusual for me. I want to invest in another SPF but am quite apprehensive as I don't have any idea what ingredient could have caused the breakout - are there any ingredients in Elta MD which you think might be culprits that I can avoid in another product? Any advice would be much appreciated.

[@nicolemorehead1623]

lthompson1989 could it be niacinamide? Have you used dr sams moisterizer? (It has niacinamide I believe, so if you use that without a problem, then it may not be that) I seem to break out from elta clear as well.

[@niklasp.3202]

How do you like heliocare advanced gel spf 50 ? 😍

[@katrine2318]

Is it ok to use a face oil in the morning before applying sunscreen, or will this interfere with a chemical sunscreen absorbing properly into the skin and then reduce its protection? I´ve heard that chemical sunscreens need to be absorbed into the skin in order to work, and so should I not use a moisturizer either before sunscreen?

[@firnheledien]

All sunscreens need to form an even film on the skin. Oils or other products like moisturizers will interfere with this film formation.

[@iwillstom]

I’m wondering, if my daily exposure is minimal, is it acceptable to use a higher spf in smaller quantities? Using the full 1/4 tsp always creates pilling no matter what formula I use. It baffles me how people use skincare, spf, primers and foundation without it being a mess.

[@JustMe-uc1lt]

Julie, i use àsunscreens by La Roche-Posay., and when I apply foundation, I tap and lightly smooth and blend “over” the skin with clean, warm fingertips, rather than rubbing it on, or using a brush to “buff” it in, as many do nowadays. I hope this info might be of use to you. 🙂

[@jillyfish9528]

Dr Sam. I am a 55 year old pale and freckly person with normal to dry skin and I live in the UK. On the rare occasions I find myself in hot and sunny places I apply my sunscreen (I hope properly) My body is fine but I find my chin erupts into painful whiteheads after a few days. This happens whether I use a physical or chemical sunscreen. Do you have any hints and tips?

[@roccodangelo2751]

How come some people skin ages well even though they never wear sunscreen and are always tanning? My aunt is in her sixties and she's always been tanning.

[@juliehutchison7968]

Hi Dr Sam, I use Heliocare gel spf 50 every day, do you know how good the UVA cover is in this? Should I look for a zinc alternative? Still loving your cleanser and moisturiser btw- I'm on my second bottles!

[@DrSamBunting]

Julie Hutchison I like Zinc for its photostability and great UVA cover. So good to hear!

[@Cecelia314]

As a night shift nurse how and when should I apply sunscreen as I am sleepy usually during sunlight hours. What do you recommend for sensitive eyes? I apply sunscreen and it always makes my eyes sting and water.

[@DrSamBunting]

Cecelia Morrisson Elta MD UV Sport is good and doesn’t sting eyes.

[@VeronicaKaneti]

Hi Dr Sam Thank you for your video. When one is at work or out, and it's been several hours since you applied skincare, SPF and makeup, what are the options? Do you need to somehow cleanse and reapply skincare, SPF and make up again? This will take some time, and most women won't be able to manage it. Or can one just top up the SPF and make up already on your face? Or will this cause a build up of bacteria and congestion? So confused. Please help. Thank you.

[@clair031]

Hi Dr Sam, is there a specific sunscreen you recommend for melasma? I’m acne prone combination, Ive been using Heliocare XL but realised now it doesn’t have zinc oxide! I’ve recently moved from London to Australia so I am even more paranoid about the sun on my face. Thank you for your informative videos!

[@DrSamBunting]

Choose all physical and water-resistant formulas - Elta MD is ace.

[@wap9137]

Hi, Dr. Bunting. Thank you for your great videos on sunscreen. In another video you mentioned “cosmetically elegant” sunscreens such as NeaStrata, Jamarina(spelling??), or Elta. I’ve gone on NeaStrata and Elta websites but there are several listed and Amazon has even others by these manufacturers. Can you help?

[@anaguilherme85]

Is Anthelios still a good range of sunscreens?

[@DrSamBunting]

Ana Margarida Guilherme yes.

[@eliaelhabre]

Any reason why sunscreen would flake when applied on a clean face?

[@randomlyme2699]

Does chemical sunscreens block pores more? I have found using mineral sunscreens that my pores look poke a dot like.

[@alicedsouza2528]

How do I protect myself from infrared radiation of the sun

[@leoviize]

and how bad are infrared saunas?

[@baddestdonut8658]

Don’t mind about it too much .

[@DrSamBunting]

I tend to recommend avoiding extremes of anything - but a good antioxidant plus your spf should have you covered. I’m much less concerned about IR at the levels we experience it in everyday life than I am about UV.

[@firnheledien]

Avoid sun exposure. Use a parasol or hat.

[@alicedsouza2528]

firnheledien Thanks

[@ASIENKA2512]

Can You recomend good serum with witamic C for oily blemish skin?

[@randomlyme2699]

Hi Dr. Sam, in consumer report It was said that mineral Sunscreen, Didn't give Good Sun protection like chemicals sunscreens. What are your views on that. ( They're testing showed that)

[@kristelshayneherrera466]

Randomly Me watch Dr. Dray’s video why not to trust Consumer Reports!

[@missf79]

I am getting dangerously low on sunscreen but I’m hoping you will release my perfect sunscreen before I have to bite the bullet and replenish my present stash 😆😆I’ve been waiting not so patiently 😜in the event I have to do this could you tell me if the new Elta Md tinted one is better than neostrata for sensitive rosacea prone? 😘x

[@DrSamBunting]

I really like the Elta UV Physical - been delighted at how versatile the tint is. It’s suited so many patients in clinic this week:)

[@user-zt6mb7nf3i]

@@DrSamBunting Thanks. And is this one also suitable for sensitive eyes?? You said before then to chose a water resistent one. Do you think red or teary eyes with sunscreens are due to running in the eyes most times or also if they are chemical or mineral based sunscreens? Hope to hear! I have very sensitive eyes to many sunscreens.

[@abrecknell7933]

I do like body shop's invisible shield spf 50. It does seem to have a high alcohol content so not sure if that's bad.

[@littlevoice_11]

Does it have strong UVA as well as UVB

[@laurenhaley6852]

Is Eucerin daily sunscreen moisturizer good?

[@pfmfm5516]

Could you please recommend a few Zinc Oxide sunscreens with no white cast.??? I have tried at least 20 mineral sunscreens and all of them leave me with an ugly white cast. Thanks.

[@DrSamBunting]

Check back at 6pm....:)

[@theclassicalgirl]

does she use botox or fillers?

[@Nilmavi]

I am sad to see the flawless sunscreen contains octinoxate 😢

[@greentree_]

Burning question: Does the percentage of zinc really NOT matter? I find mixed information.

[@DrSamBunting]

I recommend at least 5% .It definitely matters.

[@greentree_]

Thanks so much for clarifying that, dr Sam!

[@liaburnell]

When you say that UVA rays can get through windows, is this only when you are in direct sunlight through a window or just if any daylight whatsoever (even from cloud) reaches your skin whilst inside? I was watching a documentary that showed a lorry driver with much worse skin ageing on the side of their face that the sun hit, and so now I’m a little confused. Thanks!

[@DrSamBunting]

Lia Burnell it’s all the time, hence the recommendation to wear sunscreen daily.

[@angelagregory5312]

Hi Sunscreen is the last thing I apply to my face, however when I watch other people's videos they always say, l have done my skin care and now I am going to prime with what ever my question is, if sunscreen is the last thing we should apply, how can you then put primer on your skin. I just don't understand this procedure ? Thank you. xx

[@d26s10]

angela gregory primer comes after sunscreen and is only necessary so your foundation and concealer sits ‘better’ for longer. Primer isn’t skincare so you wouldn’t use it if you were going make up free, therefore sunscreen is the final step in skincare.

[@AlinaAnastasiaMichael]

I don’t think Zinc is “cosmetically elegant” as you put it. It will always leave a white cast even with a tinted Zinc sunscreen, it’s fairly a light tint.

[@DrSamBunting]

We'll agree to differ :)

[@rebeccasharpe2432]

If y’all are in the stages, Trader Joe’s has an amazing sunscreen. I’ve used it for years and it lays perfectly under makeup. It’s a light moisturizer with spf 15 and only around 5-6 dollars.

[@littlemisschatterbox4595]

Do I need to apply sunscreen if I’m not leaving the house? Thanks!

[@DrSamBunting]

Little Miss Chatterbox if you have windows then yes :)

[@lisal440]

It’s hard to find a sunscreen that’s thin enough to not clog my pores or even make my face feel hot cause it’s so thick. I do know if one or two but I can’t even afford them but because they are outrageous. Any one have recommendations?

[@glitteryspandangle]

I've just started using the Body Shop SPF 50 essence and I like it - it's thin and light, rubs in easily and didn't go sticky...

[@JustMe-uc1lt]

Amira L had a Lobo make a sunscreen with a gel-like texture, which feels light and is even fragrance-free!

[@esterrr.x]

Olay Complete sensitive spf 30

[@stesha3000]

I like sunscreen with a bit of coverage or I look for liquid foundations with spf. Since we can see the foundation, isn't that great for noticing if we are properly covered? Thx

[@baddestdonut8658]

Liquid foundation don’t provide proper uv coverage . Use a sunscreen prior application of foundation “with spf”

[@DrSamBunting]

No - unfortunately studies into make-up behaviour show we use a fraction of the amount required to deliver the spf promised (which is 1.25 ml for a face). And most have little or no UVA protection which is the important bit for daily use and preventing premature ageing.

[@stesha3000]

@@DrSamBunting Then on to a "properly formulated" mineral sunscreen like you recommend, with liquid foundation just where needed. How elegant! Thanks again

[@mandycri]

What if you are outside all day, but one wears hats and sunglasses, so the sun never touches the face, do we still have to apply every 2 hours? And does sunscreen has to be the last skincare step?

[@quixotic7460]

Its very hard to guarantee the sun "never touches the face" even with wearing a hat. That said, obviously any effort to avoid direct sunlight is going to reduce the damage, but UVA is all around you during daylight hours, it's not just in direct light. Why take the chance when you can just wear a sunscreen?

[@mandycri]

@@quixotic7460 thank you for the reply! Yes, that is true, there is no guarantee. I do wear sunscreen everyday of the year though, but I am not sure how often i have to reapply when I am out wearing a hat and avoiding direct sun.