The Best Type of Sunscreen to Use

The FDA has concluded that only two sunscreen ingredients can be considered safe: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

This is the final video in my three-part series on sunscreen. If you missed either of the first two, see The Single Most Important Thing for Anti-Aging Skin Care ( ) and Does Sunscreen Cause or Prevent Skin Cancer? ( ).

If you’re concerned about getting enough vitamin D, make sure to read my recommendations ( ).

You can also [watch the recording] of the webinar I did on this subject, which includes a great Q&A.

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-Michael Greger, MD FACLM

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Leroy Johnson
 

  • @andreahughes1500 says:

    I like the tear free baby sunscreens. They usually have zinc and don’t burn your eyes when you sweat

  • @user-er4hx1zb6k says:

    good timing, right before summer 🙂

  • @Albopepper says:

    At this point it seems that the best sunscreen is a deep, dark cave… 👤 🙄

  • @evelevrae1 says:

    Iron oxide added to sunscreen in various shades makes it easier to find sunscreen for people with dark skin. It has the added benefit of protecting from visible rays.

    • @tabottietjen3186 says:

      I got a tinted sunsceen this year and I love it. It makes me want to use it more because the last one I got was so white that I was hesitant to use it on a daily basis

  • @NutritionFactsOrg says:

    You can also watch the recording of the webinar I did on this subject, which includes a great Q&A: https://nutritionfacts.org/webinar/choosing-the-safest-and-most-effective-sunscreen/

  • @ShazWag says:

    Are those near-infrared masks that people use for skincare safe? It would be nice to have some recent, non-industry-funded studies evaluated in this regard.

    • @bubblybull2463 says:

      I was thinking the same thing ! Infrared lights are said to improve health, especially the immune system, but is it? And could it be good for the immune system but cancer inducing??

  • @oneheart19 says:

    As a redhead with fair skin and a skin cancer patient, I have learned to live with outdoor activities early or later in the day most of the time. Like taking walks. Of course that’s not always practical, so when I need to be outside during the day (like events) I wear clothing with 50+ sun protection, a hat or at times an umbrella with built in sun protection. I also put a mineral sunscreen with zinc on my hands and face.

    I was just at the Boulder Boulder running event and was outside for almost 2 hours in the middle of the day with the protection I mentioned above and didn’t get one bit burned or exposed. The long sleeve shirt and lightweight pants make it so I don’t have to put sunscreen on most of my body. I can’t make a habit of being outside like that very often though.

    • @LEADERINFRONT says:

      Same here. Red head, blue eyes, fair skin. Dermatologist just found about 20 precancerous lesions on my face and neck. Time for me to start taking skin care seriously in regards to sun exposure.

    • @eugenetswong says:

      @@LEADERINFRONT Thank you both for sharing your experiences!

    • @oneheart19 says:

      @@LEADERINFRONT Oh my! Yes, good that you plan to be more serious about your skin. Skin cancer and being in the sun is SO downplayed, but it can be quite a serious disease. I have found some wonderful protective clothing and hats on Amazon. Sure they might cost a bit more but will last a very long time and they are very comfortable. Plus I feel less worried while I’m out. Good luck!!

    • @LEADERINFRONT says:

      I’ve been wearing my Columbia gear that I purchased for a week-long rafting trip down the Grand Canyon this week. It’s annoying having nearly every square inch covered but I must get used to it.

    • @PhaseSkater says:

      or move to seattle. problem solved

  • @zauberfrosch11 says:

    Thank you for another fascinating video!

  • @MichaelToub says:

    Great Video!

  • @jimmer12c says:

    Can anyone recommend a specific mineral sunscreen they like that…
    1. Contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
    2. Absorbs easily into the skin without heavy white streaks
    3. Reasonably priced
    Thanks!

    • @countchocula5379 says:

      Cere Ve AM moisturizing lotion 🙂

    • @brookcie1 says:

      @@countchocula5379 I think this has chemical sunscreen in it too. If you want to find just mineral that’s tested for harsh sun, try:
      Ethical Zinc Daily Wear SPF 50

      It’s an Australian brand (meaning it’s tested and verified well), vegan and cruelty free.
      I’ve tried so many mineral sunscreens over the years. This gives the best price, coverage, non-white colouring, and feel I’ve found.

      You’ll have a white cast for about 5-10 Min, but it’ll fade to clear. I’ve tried so many and this is the best I’ve found so far. It’s hard to find one that’s not greasy, and this is the closest for me.

    • @bubblybull2463 says:

      Look for japanese products. They’re more expensive but they know their sunscreen 😉

    • @tabottietjen3186 says:

      @@countchocula5379 I got tinted Cere Ve sunscreen so no more white streaks

    • @antarcticagreenland2703 says:

      Hello Bello SPF 50 kids (slight white cast but not that noticable and about $10 for 5 oz), Australian gold botanical SPF 70 (slightly white but not that bad and about $15 for 5 oz), thinksport SPF 50 all sheer mineral sunscreen spray (not noticable on me looks like about $19 for 6 oz online), native sunscreen SPF 30 ($20 for 5 oz so not the cheapest and not sweat resistant but no noticable white cast), and pipette SPF 50 (not sweat resistant a little shiny but not really noticable white cast and about $15 for 4 oz)

  • @montanausa329 says:

    Fabric works good for a sunscreen

    • @franjkav says:

      That’s not true. Some specific fabrics are made to protect the skin from sun but most aren’t

  • @emergentform1188 says:

    Love it, thanks doc!

  • @krefcenz says:

    It’s also important to know that consumer lab has found both benzene and benzophenone, which are both known carcinogens in a variety of chemical sunscreens. That alone is enough for me to use mineral sunscreens.

    • @user-hz3ff4im6h says:

      Yeah the levels are so low they wont cause any damage

    • @user-hz3ff4im6h says:

      Also the way they test sunscreen is hillarious

    • @Sebastian-xy3xk says:

      The amount of benzene found in sunscreens isn’t limited to just chemical (or rather more appropriately organic) based sunscreens. Benzene was also found in mineral/Inorganic formulas and other non-sunscreen cosmetics, but the amount is too small to have an impact on the body. You’re exposed to more benzene by driving a car and walking in the city. This video is honestly misleading for a few reasons. I’d recommend you watch this video if you are worried about benzene. https://youtu.be/ykdJ7yj6snA?si=letdSioc4tyognnT

  • @nicekit says:

    why quoting outdated FDA studies instead of european studies…….

  • @mchagawa1615 says:

    Thank you so much!

  • @jakobw135 says:

    What do you think of the make – “banana boat,simply protect, baby, SPF 50”- even though it does have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide?

  • @porfirisefstathiadis7576 says:

    Thank you

  • @G-rig6969 says:

    Any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen if you’re out in the sun for an extended period of time. Number one cause of ageing the skin.

  • @Jurjenpatatema says:

    So which sunscreen brand in the EU have both ingredients? I can only find de cerave, but they only sell in the US. Most have only zinc or only titanium..

  • @Babesinthewood97 says:

    I’ve started using an umbrella out in the sun, or seeking shade, wearing a hat and covering linen clothes. And I buy cheap zinc oxide cream and dilute with olive oil for extra protection on my neck for example. Trees are probably the best answer. Or parasols, tents and not going swimming mid day.

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