#BLUE LIZARD SUNSCREEN WHITE CAST SKIN#

#BLUE LIZARD SUNSCREEN WHITE CAST SKIN#

This sunscreen from Neutrogena came up most frequently, recommended by six experts we spoke to - including cosmetic surgeon Kenneth Rothaus cosmetic dermatologist Sonam Yadav aesthetician and founder of Skin by ASK Andrew Kelly dermatologist Yoram Harth and dermatologist Kenneth Mark. SPF Level: SPF 55 | Chemical or mineral: Chemical | Active ingredients: Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5% | Consistency: Lightweight lotion

Strategist contributor and longtime beauty writer Hannah Morrill told us that another reason to consider mineral sunscreens is because some chemical ones contain oxybenzone, which research indicates can significantly destroy coral-reef ecosystems.

Formulas have improved as of late, though, thanks to nano-size zinc- and titanium-oxide particles that rub in and blend more easily. On the flip side, mineral formulas tend to be chunkier and pasty, presenting a challenge for deeper skin tones. Zinc oxide is good for hyperpigmentation in particular, and is thus a favorite of dermatologists for patients with melasma. Both are often recommended for sensitive skin because they don’t tend to be sensitizing. Mineral sunscreens work by scattering light, using physical blockers like zinc and titanium oxide. Some ingredients have also been linked to endocrine disruption, although it hasn’t been deemed conclusive, and the FDA (which regulates sunscreen formulations generally) continues to allow their use. Chemical formulas have been under scrutiny as of late, due to the fact that some studies suggest ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been shown to bleach coral reefs. Mineral formulas, on the other hand, sit on top of the skin and work immediately. This process takes about 15 minutes to get started, so you should wait at least this long post-application before heading into the sun. When applied, it triggers a chemical reaction that absorbs the sun’s rays and turns it into heat before releasing it from the body. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, and octisalate for sun protection. Our experts say to look for mineral (also known as physical) sunscreen if you’ve got sensitive skin or heat sensitivities, or if you’re using the sunscreen on babies 6 months or younger because the mineral formulation sits on top of skin to physically block UVA and UVB rays, as opposed to chemical formulations that sink into skin and absorb rays, which can cause irritation in more sensitive skin.

Blue lizard sunscreen white cast