Sunscreens protect from sunburn and from short-term and long-term sun damage caused by overexposure to the sun. They should be used as part of a daily comprehensive sun protection routine including avoidance of midday sun, wearing of protective clothing (e.g. hats, sunglasses, shirts, etc), and use of broad-spectrum sunscreen product. We advise using a sunscreen on a daily basis all year round. It should be a broad-spectrum block with both UVA and UVB blockers listed in the ingredient label. We recommend the ELTA line of sunscreen products because they contain one of the highest percentages of microfine zinc oxide (with or without titanium dioxide or chemical blockers) available on the market.

Formulations include light, oil-free or more creamy daily moisturizers as well as water-resistant thicker sunblocks, both traditional and tinted (chemical-free). Samples are provided to assist patients in the proper selection of their personal sunscreen products. In specific cases we suggest other specialty or over-the-counter commercially available sunscreens with ecamsule (Mexoryl)-avobenzone ingredients if patients prefer to avoid zinc oxide based products.