Comments on: Zinc Oxide vs Mexoryl Sunscreen Ingredients

By: Lavinia

Lavinia — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:19:38 +0000

I’m wondering where you got the wavelength information from?
From what I understand Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide protects along the whole spectrum from 230-700.

Can you please correct me if I’m wrong?

By: Tracy

Tracy — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:43:20 +0000

That’s odd that most of you broke out from Anthelios.I have extremly sensitive skin with eczema and the Anthelios is the only sunscreen that doesn’t break me out. In fact, creams containing zinc oxide produced red bumps every where- I always thought that since zinc oxide is a physical barrier, it could clog pores. I have mature skin which is dry most of the time, probably the reason Anthelios works for me. I could see someone with oily skin having a problem with Anthelios because it is rich. Neutrgena and Olay just makes me super shiny.

By: ruza

ruza — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 06:25:25 +0000

(oops… had to edit previous post, please accept this one instead and delete this line if possible)

thanks for the info. some other considerations with the sunscreen research and controversy (research ongoing, keep googling):
- some sunscreen agents have little UVA protection, most products have UVB only protection, with limited UVA (short-wave) protection. (Wish me luck on returning a bunch of products that I’ve learned aren’t really that “broad spectrum”)
- those agents that provide UVA protection can have estrogenic effects and cause photo sensitivities (i.e. Avobenzone degrades upon UV exposure and over time decreases protection, increases photosensitivity). There are studies in Australia saying there are increased incidences of skin cancer with some UVA sunscreen products (especially with people staying out in sun too long thinking they are protected).
- newer media info: overuse of “high SPF” sunscreens has been linked to Vitamin D deficiencies in some people (still following this one, mostly Australian studies). Tthere appears to be minimal difference in protection between SPF 15 and 30 with regards to sun exposure (96% v. 98%), and looking at previous human generations, some sun is necessary for health (albeit today’s climate seems more severe that in the past). Maybe you only need SPF 15 to 30, but reapplied more frequently during peak sun hours (10 to 3 daily). SPF 40, 50 or higher is controversial.
- don’t know much about Meroxyl except that L’oreal owns the patent (parent company of La Roche Posay). Was going to try their sunscreen but I have problems with sunscreens and breakouts. Thanks for the advice.
- so far, I’m hoping 2 newer products I got with mineral sunscreens will work out better (especially since I have oily-combo skin that’s sensitive, light olive complexion so I don’t really burn that much, UVA more of a concern). One is zinc-oxide based, the other titanium based (but microparticle so less “white”), both are “organic/natural” (we’ll see, I like to research). Zinc is supposed to offer better protection, also zinc is commonly used for medicinal purposes (diaper rash, wounds, zits, etc.) so I prefer this so far. Let you know how I fare before I dare promote anything.

By: Hailey Cross

Hailey Cross — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 02:54:21 +0000

Hi there. I would recommend you do some real research on sunscreens. You have been influenced by mass media that says that a high SPF product is a better sun screen. Do you know how much more uvb absorption is achieved by an SPF 30 vs. an SPF 15? about 2% more uvb…that basically means you can stay in the sun minutes longer. The key is to reaplpy your sunscreen often, in other words do your skin a favor and fight against skin cancer by using a sunsccreen that focuses on the best protection against UVA. You are correct on one thing, Mexoryl is the best UVA protection. Do you know why? Because it protects you from both UVA long ray and UVA short ray…no other sunscreen in the market protects from UVA short ray. You should also know that the Anthelios products have been clinically tested on patients with highly sensitive skin (Dermatosis), and proved to be extremely safe. Anthelios SX is acnegenic, and the texture is amazing!! I recommend you try it again…perhaps you were hormonal when you used it and are blaming the sunscreen for your breakouts.

By: Jeni - Savvy Skin

Jeni - Savvy Skin — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 06:45:40 +0000

DR,
I’m glad you like the Shiseido! Yeah the Anthelios did seem sort of oily. I only tried one (I know they have like 10 different formulas) but the one I tried also make me break out like crazy.

By: DR

DR — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:34:12 +0000

Hi Jeni, I used the Anthelios sunscreen on holiday and it turned my face into an oil slick :( . Now I’m using the Shiseido one and love it.

By: Jeni - Savvy Skin

Jeni - Savvy Skin — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:32:38 +0000

Maren,
Okay thanks, I want to try that sunscreen! I see it contains Tinosorb instead of Mexoryl. I will probably have to wait til next summer to try out all these new sunscreens, since the sun isn’t bright enough now! There are a bunch of reviews about BioDerma on makeupalley.com, as well as a bunch of other European sunscreens that sound interesting!

By: Maren

Maren — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 19:22:41 +0000

You might want to try BioDerma; I am fair-skinned myself, and very concerned with sun damage. I have found BioDerma SPF 50+ Lait PhotoDerm Max to be the best overall sunscreen. I also broke out from the Anthelios brand, and BioDerma was originally designed for those exposed to extreme sun conditions- so it really will protect you. It is difficult to find in the states, but I purchased my current stock from http://www.zitomer.com. Best wishes!