While the FDA is currently reviewing the ingredients in chemical sunscreen, we now have even more reason to use physical sunblock instead. If melasma or brown spots are an issue for you, research has shown that you have to use an iron oxide product to the block visible light that causes this skin discoloration.
Recent studies have proven that blue light creates changes in the melanocytes in your skin to produce dark, resistant pigmentation.
The two physical blocks that will protect you are: zinc oxide for ultraviolet light protection and iron oxide to protect from visible light. These two ingredients are deemed to be safe and effective by the FDA.
I carry several products for your face that will protect from both visible light and ultraviolet light:
- skinbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 sunscreen compact
- Avène Mineral High Protection Tinted compact SPF 50
- Dermatology Boutique BB cream
Skin drops by ISDIN will add visible light protection to your favorite broad spectrum sunscreen and by mixing the two, you can create your own BB cream.
When purchasing sunscreen at the drugstore, look for “broad spectrum.” This means it blocks both UVB and UVA radiation. And, as I mentioned above, if you are concerned about brown spots or melasma, look for iron oxide as an active ingredient.
