top of page

When the Wall of Sunscreens Looks Overwhelming, Use This Guide




I was just restocking products in our waiting area and we have added another Elta sunscreen! Even though I know what each one is for, all the choices still look a little overwhelming up there on the shelves. Thought now is a good time to review the Elta sunscreens as well as introduce the new Skin Better sunscreens we are all loving.


Summer is coming and with it comes an even greater need to protect your skin from the sun. I wear the new Skin Better SunBetter Tone Smart SPF 70 (slightly tinted, in a pump) together with their SunBetter Tone Smart compact as my "foundation." Last weekend I went out with just mascara on, completely forgetting the sunscreen I wear EVERDAY, and I ended up with a sunburn on my forehead and nose and I was just outside for a few hours. Be careful out there! The sun can be vicious.


So, here's a review of what we carry and what is right for your skin type and sun protection needs:


Elta MD

UV Clear:

  • Available in tinted and non-tinted

  • This is best for oily or acneic skin

  • For use on the face

  • The tinted version can replace foundation if you just want light coverage


UV Daily:

  • Available in tinted and non-tinted

  • Best for normal to drier skin types

  • Has hyaluronic acid in it for added hydration, giving it a luxurious feel

  • For use on the face

  • Just like UV Clear, the tinted version can replace foundation if you just want light coverage


UV Physical:

  • Available only in tinted

  • For use on the face

  • This is for extra-sensitive or post-procedure skin


UV Sport:

  • This one is easy! If you’re being sporty, use this

  • It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes, so it won’t drip in your eyes

  • Can be used on the face or the whole body

NEW! UV Sheer:

This is like UV Daily non-tinted except it is water resistant so you can wear it at the pool or beach. It has hyaluronic acid in it so it has a moisturizing feel to it - not as chalky as other sunscreens can feel.


UV Lotion:

  • The perfect SPF to use everyday for the whole body


UV Aero:

  • Continuous spray

  • For use on the body

  • Water resistant. I LOVE this one because it’s so easy to apply…even sprays upside down.


SKIN BETTER


SunBetter Tone Smart Compact SPF 68

  • Silky smooth, tone-adapting compact

  • Contains antioxidants for sun damage protection

  • Water resistant for 80 minutes

  • Looks creamy but dries like a powder

  • Can be used post-procedure or for sensitive skin

NEW! SunBetter Tone Smart SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion (in a pump)

  • Tone-adapting creamy lotion

  • Hint of color

  • Contains antioxidants for sun damage protection

  • 80 minute water resistance

  • Oil free

  • Can be used post-procedure or for sensitive skin


ALL SPF's in the the SunBetter Family have been awarded the highest sun protection factor by the FDA after being submerged in water for 80 minutes.



Here’s a few facts about sun damage and sunscreens:


  • UVB rays mostly cause sunburn and they are filtered by windows

  • UVA rays mostly cause wrinkles, sagging and aging, and they are NOT filtered through windows (think about all the exposure we get driving in the car)

  • SPF numbers ONLY apply to protection against UVB rays, and SPF 30 keeps out 97% of UVB rays

  • Physical sunscreens, like the Elta MD and Skin Better products, are effective immediately after application

  • Physical sunscreens are safer for your skin and safer for the environment than chemical sunscreens

  • Physical sunscreens work because they have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which form a barrier against the sun's rays

  • Sunscreen does not cause Vitamin D deficiency

  • Sunscreen is still necessary on cloudy days

bottom of page