Use of a sunscreen with SPF 15 is OK for the person who truly is indoors all day and doesn’t get sun exposure. But, for most of us, who have sunny commutes and like to enjoy some outdoor time during the workday, I want people to find at least an SPF 30 that they actually enjoy to use.
La Roche Posay Anthlios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Lotion
Formulations are so good these days, it’s not hard to find an elegant cream or lotion that moisturizes, protects, and can be worn under makeup. If you are out all day on the weekends, bump it up, and reapply often (every 2-3 hours). And, don’t forget the neck and chest.
Sunscreen not only protects you from developing skin cancer, but helps reverse and prevent photoaging. The difference between a patient who wore sunscreen for 20 years versus one that didn’t is remarkable.
The question of vitamin D always comes up in this conversation. As dermatologists, we don’t want our patients to seek the sun just to get vitamin D. The current recommendation for an adult is an oral supplement of 600 IU per day. You can ask your primary physician (or dermatologist) to do a simple blood test to determine your vitamin D level and to provide you with a specific recommendation.
