A Quick Guide to a Dermatologist's Sun Protection Toolbox!
The key to protecting your skin consistently is making it a part of everyday life! Here are some of my favorite products I keep in my sun protection toolbox.
NB: This is not an exhaustive list of ALL great sunscreens/products. Find products that you like, so you will use them regularly. Also, pick supplies at a price point that is comfortable for you - you want to apply sunscreen generously! This is not the time to conserve your product.
SUNSCREENS
Daily Use (Physical + Chemical)
- EltaMD UV Daily (moisturizing)
- EltaMD UV Clear (for acne/rosacea-prone skin)
- EltaMD UV Lotion (moisturizing, larger container, great for neck/chest/arms)
- EltaMD Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 31
- Revision Intellishade (Original or Matte) SPF 45
Daily Use (Physical Only)
- Revision Intellishade TruPhysical SPF45
- Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF50
- Colorescience Sunforgettable Lip Shine SPF35
- Skin Better Science Sunscreen Compact SPF 68
Water Resistant (Physical + Chemical)
- EltaMD UV Sport
- EltaMD UV Aero (spray)
Water Resistant (Physical Only)
SUNSCREEN IN A PILL!
(not exactly...but as close as we can get for now)
The supplement Heliocare can give you some sun protection from the inside out. It is made from the Central/South American fern polypodium leucotomos, which contains powerful antioxidants that help fight against sun damage.
I often recommend this to be used in addition to sunscreen, especially for sunny vacations, weekends, and for anyone looking to minimize the daily effects of UV light. It is only studied in adults over 18.
Heliocare can be purchased OTC at Walgreens.
Heliocare Advanced is recommended for anyone with a history of precancers (actinic keratoses) and nonmelanoma skin cancers (basal cell, squamous cell carcinomas) - it has the added benefit of vitamin B3, which can reduce risk of additional precancers and skin cancers in the future. This is exclusive to physician offices and can be found at SBA.
SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING/HATS
Look for clothing, swimwear (long-sleeved swimsuits, rash guards), and hats with “UPF” - universal protection factor. These can be found at retailers such as:
Dr. Couvillion and family practicing the ultimate sun safety!
- Bloq UV
- Land’s End
- Cabana Life
- Mott50
- Coolibar
- SolwearMD
- JCrew
- UV Skinz
As you can see, there are so many resources to protect your skin. Aim to be like your dermatologist when you are in the sun - trust me, I practice what I preach!
Please send any questions you may have to orders@sba-skincare.com
Megan Couvillion, MD
Dr. Couvillion has been practicing dermatology since 2017. A graduate of Louisiana State University School of Medicine, she completed her internship in internal medicine and her dermatology residency training at Tulane University where she served as Chief Resident. Before starting medical school she also received a Masters of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University. She is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the Houston Dermatological Society, and the Women’s Dermatologic Society. She was named by Texas Monthly as one of their Rising Stars for 2019.
Check out Dr. Couvillion’s Instagram Profile here.
