By Jaime Joshi Elder for Khanna Connections
Over 25 years ago, Academy Award nominated director Baz Luhrmann released Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) – a spoken word single which offered advice to the class of 1999.
The advice ranged from remembering the compliments and forgetting the insults, getting enough calcium and keeping old love letters.
However, the most important advice dispensed in this song was, “Wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists…Trust me on the sunscreen.”
It is advice echoed by Dr. Saulis Banionis, a Wellington resident and board-certified physician who has trained extensively in aesthetic and regenerative medicine.
“The daily usage of sunscreen is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, prevent signs of aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer,” Dr. Banionis said. “No matter what skin type you have, there is a product available to protect you.”
“If you have oily skin, you want to choose a sunscreen that is oil-free, lightweight and won’t clog your pores. Pick something that says, “Non-Comedogenic” on the label,” he said.
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46: This popular sunscreen is oil-free, non-comedogenic and contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which help to soothe and hydrate oily skin.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: Clear and weightless, this sunscreen is perfect for oily skin because it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. It also contains antioxidant-rich ingredients to protect your skin from environmental damage.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60: This sunscreen has a matte finish that helps control oil and shine throughout the day. It also contains antioxidants which neutralize free radicals and help further protect your skin from damage.
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 55: This oil-free sunscreen is designed specifically for acne-prone skin. The lightweight, non-greasy formula won’t clog your pores which could lead to breakouts.
“Since we live in South Florida, I would recommend choosing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher and reapplying every two hours – especially if you’re going to be outside for an extended period or enjoying time on the water,” Dr. Banionis said.
South Floridians with dry skin need a moisturizing product containing complex lipids like ceramides, lipid-soluble antioxidants like vitamin e and moisture-retaining humectants like hyaluronic acid which won’t further dry out the skin.
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40: This sunscreen is formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to help hydrate and protect dry skin. It’s also lightweight and won’t leave a greasy residue.
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50: This moisturizing sunscreen is formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and protect the skin. It’s also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30: This two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen is formulated with ceramides and niacinamide to help hydrate and soothe dry skin. It’s also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30: This sunscreen is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump the skin. It’s also oil-free and won’t clog pores.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: This lightweight, gel-based sunscreen is formulated with meadowfoam seed oil to help hydrate and soften the skin. It also goes on clear and won’t leave a white cast.
Research shows that 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, having five or more sunburns doubles your rate for melanoma and that with early detection, the five year survival rate for melanoma is 99%.
“Wearing sunscreen is one of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself and your family,” Dr. Banionis said. “Everyone – regardless of age, gender, skin tone and skin type – can benefit from making sunscreen application a part of their morning routine along with washing their face and brushing their teeth.”
For people with sensitive skin, Dr. Banionis recommends a gentle product which won’t cause irritation and is free from ingredients like fragrances and parabens which might cause an allergic reaction.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: This sunscreen is designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin. It contains zinc oxide and niacinamide, which can help soothe irritated skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 60: This lightweight sunscreen is formulated for sensitive skin, is free from fragrances and parabens and offers broad-spectrum protection.
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+: Fragrance-free and oil-free, this sunscreen is formulated for sensitive skin. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection.
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50: This mineral sunscreen contains 100% zinc oxide and is free from fragrances, parabens, and phthalates. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and provides broad-spectrum protection.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+: This mineral sunscreen is free from fragrances and parabens and contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
With over 20 years of experience in medicine, Dr. Banionis believes that wellness is more than just the absence of illness or disease and advocates for a proactive approach to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
“Exercise regularly, eat a varied and nutritious diet, make sure you get enough sleep, manage your stress and cultivate positive relationships in your professional and personal lives,” he said. “But above all, trust me on the sunscreen.”