Glam Slam: Sunscreen For All Ages

May is Melanoma Awareness Month – the perfect time to stock up on sunscreen for the summer so you don’t end up looking like Snooki!

“As a dermatologist, I see skin cancers every day in my practice and the sad truth is that much of this damage could have been prevented with sunscreen,” Beverly Hills Dermatologist Dr. Robin Schaffran tells us. “One bad sunburn can increase the chances of Melanoma by 70 percent and 80 percent of lifetime damage caused by the sun happens before the age of 18.”

“The good news is that there are lots of brands to choose from so test them, read labels and find one that suits you and your family,” she says. “Most importantly, make sunscreen application part of your everyday routine and remember, the best anti-aging cream is sunscreen. So wear it every day and don’t be shy…re-apply!”

Here are Dr. Schaffran’s sunscreen picks for every age:

BABIES AND CHILDREN
Babies and children naturally have delicate skin that is easily irritated. That’s why I recommend a broad spectrum SPF 30+ chemical-free, mineral-based sunscreen for this age group. Look for the active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and select simple formulations with no parabens, fragrances or other unnecessary ingredients. Sometimes these chemical-free sunscreens can be thicker and harder to apply so I look for formulations that are elegant and easy to spread.

Pick – Dr. Robin Sunscreen for Kids

TEENS
Teenagers are the hardest group to get to wear sunscreen. Until we change the cultural beauty norm from one of a tanned “Jerseylicious” look to a more natural, paler skin, it’s a challenge to keep our teens out of the sun. Point out beauties like Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway, who are known for their flawless complexions. I can guarantee that those women never burned and took care to protect their skin. That said, teens are also prone to acne, clogged pores and oily skin, so the best options are lightweight, non-greasy, noncomedogenic varieties.

Pick – CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with SPF 30

20s, 30s, 40s
Those in this age group are, of course, concerned with sun protection but this is also a time in life where they can actively reverse the signs of aging from previous sun damage – fine lines, brown spots and freckles. At this stage, I recommend looking for sunscreens that include other anti-aging ingredients like antioxidants (vitamins C, E, green tea extract), hyaluronic acid or peptides (proteins that minimize the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles). I often tell women in this age group to wear a daily foundation because many makeup brands offer elegant formulations with a built-in SPF.

Pick – Revision Intellishade SPF 45 Tinted Moisturizer

50s, 60s, 70s AND UP
As the skin ages, it tends to become more prone to dryness, so for this age group I usually recommend sunscreens with added moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides or hyaluronic acid or creamier formulations. Many patients also complain about their skin becoming more sensitive to the sun as they get older so I often suggest using a higher SPF. As with people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, I look for formulas that include age-defying antioxidants as well.

Pick – La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk

FEELGOOD FASHION
In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, jewelry designer Penelope Gordon has created a necklace to help raise funds for The Skin Cancer Foundation, an organization that educates and informs about the dangers of skin cancer. (www.SkinCancer.org). The necklace will retail for $40.00 and 50% of the profit will go directly to The Skin Cancer Foundation. For more information, go to www.penelopeg.com

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