579 replies to this topic

[Eva Victoria]

Tinosorb M is water soluble (the only water soluble UVA filter!)

No, it isn't. Tinosorb M is poorly soluble in water (< 10^-8 g/L). Even Tinosorb S has better solubility in water! Mexoryl SX and Neo Heliopan AP are completely water soluble at levels used in sunscreens and absorb UVA.

Wow, that is very interesting! Since I have formulated hundreds of sunscreens with it and followed the guidelines from Ciba (the producer of Tinosorb M). But I am sure you know all this much better as usual, n'est-ce pas?

This is from the Technical data sheet for Tinosorb M "TINOSORB M is the first UV filter to combine the two worlds of organic filters and microfine
inorganic pigments: it is a 50% aqueous dispersion of colorless microfine organic particles,
which are below 200nm in size and dispersible in the water phase of an emulsion. () TINOSORB M is dispersible in water and insoluble in cosmetic oils" (see attachment).
I also included the Technical data sheet for Tinosorb S just to make sure that there are no misunderstandings about these products of Ciba Chemicals (now part of BASF).

Attached Files

•  Tinosorb_TDS.pdf   26.36KB   2592 downloads
•  Technical_datasheet.pdf   28.01KB   3235 downloads

Edited by Eva Victoria, 17 April 2010 - 10:53 AM.

[Eva Victoria]

Tinosorb M is water soluble (the only water soluble UVA filter!)

No, it isn't. Tinosorb M is poorly soluble in water (< 10^-8 g/L). Even Tinosorb S has better solubility in water! Mexoryl SX and Neo Heliopan AP are completely water soluble at levels used in sunscreens and absorb UVA.

A thought on NeoHeliopan AP: it is water soluble as TEA salt but it is only effective in the range of 320-350 nm. TinosorbM covers actually the whole UV spectrum. (I should previously have formulated my sentence better and said that Tinosorb M is the only water soluble filter that actually covers the whole UVA spectrum - and UVB as well).
NeoHeliopan AP is also a filter that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Mexoryl SX is no point mentioning because it is patented to L'Oreal group so there is no point formulating with something that is protected by international patents, unfortunately. Besides that Mexoryl SX does not cover the whole UVA range either. Even though it is still one of the best and most photostable existing UVA filters.

But what is really unique with Tinosorb M beside that it covers the entire UV range and that it is inherently photostable is that it acts as an organic UV absorber and in the same time it also behaves as a physical shield reflecting UVR. The only filter that has this ability is ZnO. ZnO is also a UV filter that covers the entire UVR, though it does not have the same efficiency as Tinosorb M per percent of product used.

[Ron]

Hi Eva, do you have any opinion on Arcona products?

[ssgk]

I have not bought it yet, so I don't have all the ingredients.

I tried to see if I could test the texture and consistency in the shop tonight, however, there was no tester for me to try.

From the internet and blogs; people comment that it is very clear and light.

No, it is only SPF 30 PA+++.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Alcohol, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Niacinamide, Squalane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Xanthan Gum, Propylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Water.

[chiaberry]

Eva: Do you know if we need to be concerned about UV exposure from fluorescent lighting or computer monitor/screens?

[Eva Victoria]

Eva: Do you know if we need to be concerned about UV exposure from fluorescent lighting or computer monitor/screens?

I would say yes but the authorities still say that you don't need to. But if you are close to fluorescent light, spot lights or a computer screen often and for longer period of time, maybe it is a good idea to wear a UVA protecting sunscreen.

[Eva Victoria]

I have not bought it yet, so I don't have all the ingredients.

I tried to see if I could test the texture and consistency in the shop tonight, however, there was no tester for me to try.

From the internet and blogs; people comment that it is very clear and light.

No, it is only SPF 30 PA+++.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Alcohol, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Niacinamide, Squalane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Xanthan Gum, Propylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Water.

Thanks for the INCI list. It looks very nice though it might be a very drying sunscreen for people with normal or dry skin esp. living at a not so humid climate.

[Eva Victoria]

Hi Eva, do you have any opinion on Arcona products?

No, sorry. I have not heard of them. If you send me the INCI list of a specific product I can say more.

[Ron]

Any thoughts on this sunscreen (Coola SPF 45)? I'm looking for a strong sport sunscreen and am in the U.S.

INGREDIENTS: Water (Aqua), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, DEA-Cetyl Phosphate, Cyclopentasiloxane, PVP/Eicosene Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Stearate, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate), Panax Ginseng Root Extract, PEG-100 Stearate, Nylon-12, Glyceryl Stearate, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Dog (Rosa Canina) Rose Hips, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Beeswax, Borage (Starflower) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Equisetum Hyemale Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc Oxide.

Active Ingredients: Octocrylene, Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, Octisalate, Homosalate, Avobenzone

http://www.coolasunc...ents_sport.html

Edited by Ron, 08 May 2010 - 03:37 PM.

[Eva Victoria]

Any thoughts on this sunscreen (Coola SPF 45)? I'm looking for a strong sport sunscreen and am in the U.S.

INGREDIENTS: Water (Aqua), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, DEA-Cetyl Phosphate, Cyclopentasiloxane, PVP/Eicosene Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Stearate, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate), Panax Ginseng Root Extract, PEG-100 Stearate, Nylon-12, Glyceryl Stearate, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Dog (Rosa Canina) Rose Hips, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Beeswax, Borage (Starflower) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Equisetum Hyemale Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc Oxide.

Active Ingredients: Octocrylene, Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, Octisalate, Homosalate, Avobenzone

http://www.coolasunc...ents_sport.html

It does not look bad but I would still prefer a sunscreen that (also) contains physical filters or TinosorbM and Tinosorb S.

[AnnaI]

Eva, what do you think about this sunscreen? Ahava Sun Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 50
Active Ingredients (Sunscreens):
Avobenzone [Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane] [3%]
Ensulizole [Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid] [1%]
Octisalate [Ethylhexyl Salicylate] [5%]
Octocrylene [10%]

Inactive Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Titanium Dioxide, Trimethoxycaprylylsilane, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Cyclomethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Tricontanyl PVP, Phenoxyethanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benozate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Perfume (Fragrance), Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, PEG-40 Stearate, BHT, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Maris Sal (Dead Sea Water).

[Eva Victoria]

Eva, what do you think about this sunscreen? Ahava Sun Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 50
Active Ingredients (Sunscreens):
Avobenzone [Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane] [3%]
Ensulizole [Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid] [1%]
Octisalate [Ethylhexyl Salicylate] [5%]
Octocrylene [10%]

Inactive Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Titanium Dioxide, Trimethoxycaprylylsilane, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Cyclomethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Tricontanyl PVP, Phenoxyethanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benozate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Perfume (Fragrance), Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, PEG-40 Stearate, BHT, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Maris Sal (Dead Sea Water).

This sunscreen has 2 more active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide and Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol. With these two it seems to be a good sunscreen formulated for the EU, AU and JP.
It has also SPF enhancing raw materials. But I miss more advanced ROS-scavengers.

[sdxl]

This sunscreen has 2 more active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide and Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol.

You forgot the Uvinul A Plus.

[Eva Victoria]

This sunscreen has 2 more active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide and Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol.

You forgot the Uvinul A Plus.

Indeed Thx, Sdxl!

[AnnaI]

Thank you. Eva They have the facial sunscreen SPF 50 too but it seems to be less protective and has oxybenzone So the first one I'll use for my children too.

[rollo]

Eva what do you think this sunscreen is rated as?

Description:
With Z-Cote

Ingredients:
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide 5% and zinc oxide 5%.
Inactive Ingredients: Beeswax, safflower seed oil, shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, vitamin C, mango seed butter and iron oxide.

[Brafarality]

Hey, Eva,

How about Coppertone Sensitive Skin faces SPF 50.
It has 14.5 percent zinc oxide, but, of course, unless it is formulated and blended correctly, percentages are just numbers.

Just curious on your expertise and opinion.

Thanks!

[Eva Victoria]

Eva what do you think this sunscreen is rated as?

Description:
With Z-Cote

Ingredients:
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide 5% and zinc oxide 5%.
Inactive Ingredients: Beeswax, safflower seed oil, shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, vitamin C, mango seed butter and iron oxide.

I think the particle filters should be higher. Otherwise this sunscreen seems to me to be greasy and oily.

[Eva Victoria]

Hey, Eva,

How about Coppertone Sensitive Skin faces SPF 50.
It has 14.5 percent zinc oxide, but, of course, unless it is formulated and blended correctly, percentages are just numbers.

Just curious on your expertise and opinion.

Thanks!

Hi Paul,

I don't know Coppertone Sensitive Skin faces SPF 50. Would you be so kind and post the ingredients list?
(Otherwise, as far as I know Coppertone uses nano size ZnO in their products.)
And you are right! Half of the success of a sunscreen (or any other product for that matter) lies in the base the actives are formulated into.

[chiaberry]

Hi Eva, here are the ingredients of one of the new range of sunscreens launched by RoC this year. This version is SPF50 (UVA 4 stars) and for sensitive skin. It's not stated to be water resistant:
Aqua, Octocrylene, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Silica, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Linseed Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-75 Stearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, PEG-8 Laurate, Decyl Glucoside, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Acrylates Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate.

Is it a good formulation?

[Eva Victoria]

Hi Eva, here are the ingredients of one of the new range of sunscreens launched by RoC this year. This version is SPF50 (UVA 4 stars) and for sensitive skin. It's not stated to be water resistant:
Aqua, Octocrylene, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Silica, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Linseed Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-75 Stearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, PEG-8 Laurate, Decyl Glucoside, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Acrylates Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate.

Is it a good formulation?

It looks good to me

[happy lemon]

Eva,

2 questions:

1. why sunscreens with zinc oxide are not approved in EU?

2. do you think that titanium dioxide is carcinogenic?

[Logan]

Eva: Do you know if we need to be concerned about UV exposure from fluorescent lighting or computer monitor/screens?

I would say yes but the authorities still say that you don't need to. But if you are close to fluorescent light, spot lights or a computer screen often and for longer period of time, maybe it is a good idea to wear a UVA protecting sunscreen.

What is your reason to believe these types of light damage the skin?

[Logan]

Eva, I have yet to wear a sunscreen that feels comfortable on my face. Do you have any suggestions?

[Eva Victoria]

Eva,

2 questions:

1. why sunscreens with zinc oxide are not approved in EU?

2. do you think that titanium dioxide is carcinogenic?

Hi Happy Lemon,

1. There were some controversial papers about nano-size ZnO and TiO2. Though the EU did not find any proof for those small particles to be able to penetrate through the epidermis, they still want to be careful.
We are hoping very much that the EU will not ban ZnO and TiO2 from sunscreen products. (It will be decided in June, at least this is what they are saying).
What is really strange is that ZnO is fully approved for medication purposes (topically as well as intrinsically) and also for baby products (like anti-rash creams etc.)

2. Definitely not! TiO2 has an excellent natural protection against UVB and UVA II rays! It is inherently photostable, non-irritating etc. It has also photo-stabilizing effect on organic filters (like AVO! and OMC). Esp. when it is coated with non-metal containing particles (like Silica) it stabilizes AVO.
It has SPF boosting abilities. It means that one needs to use less organic filters to achieve high(er) protection with less chemicals.

[Eva Victoria]

Eva: Do you know if we need to be concerned about UV exposure from fluorescent lighting or computer monitor/screens?

I would say yes but the authorities still say that you don't need to. But if you are close to fluorescent light, spot lights or a computer screen often and for longer period of time, maybe it is a good idea to wear a UVA protecting sunscreen.

What is your reason to believe these types of light damage the skin?

Because spotlights and fluorescent light-emitters emit not only visible light (>520 nm) but also in the lower regions which then end in the UVA I region (360-400nm). (It also says in many of the packaging of many spot-lights that "less UVA emition".

[Eva Victoria]

Eva, I have yet to wear a sunscreen that feels comfortable on my face. Do you have any suggestions?

I just tested MD Formulation Total Protector SPF 15 and SPF 30. Both are extremely light, you don't feel them nor see them on the face. None of them contain silicones (with the exception of the SPF 30 variant. There is Dimethicone for water-proofing purposes. The concentration is less than 1%.)
The SPF 15 contains 7.5% OMC and 4.9% ZnO (micronized). It could contain more ZnO though!
The SPF 30 contains 7.5% OMC, 5.9% ZnO (micronized) and 5% OS
Both are fragrance-free.

There is another comercially available sunscreen I tried recently which was extremely light and non-greasy on the face. It is MAC Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15 with 6.7% ZnO and 3.5% OMC. It was an extremely light sunscreen without oily residue on the skin. When it is absorbed (after about 3 min) it leaves no white residue on the skin. Extremely well formulated sunscreen that also contains light emollients and anti-oxidants. The only draw-back is the masculine fragrance. (It should be 100% fragrance-free.)

There is a new sunscreen from Obagi. Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50 with 10.5% ZnO and 7.5% OMC. It is a silicone based sunscreen that looks cosmetically elegant. (I have not tried it.)

[WildButterfly]

Hi Eva

Long time follower of your sunscreen posts :-)

Wondering what your thoughts are on the following regime...

I have sensitive skin and suffer from melasma across my cheeks. I also live in Australia (yup, you gotta love our sun!), avoid the sun like the plague now, but considering the blistering sunburns as a child, I have plenty of sun damage coming my way later in life, that I have no issues in using strict sun avoidance now.

I also see a dermatologist on a regular basis, and since we are in the winter here, we are tackling once again my melasma with HQ, Differin and some freezing (lasering did very little to my melasma, and considering the expense, just ain't worth it in my book).

Anyhow... at the moment I am using the following sunscreen regime... your thoughts?


Fist Susncreen - Antinica Spf 30+ sunscreen (I cannot find a full ingredients list on the net).

Ingredients
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine - 5%, Octyl Triazone - 5%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate - 7.5%, Isoamyl Methoxycinnamate - 7.5%, Methylene bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol - 3%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane - 2.5%, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Excipient

http://www.dermedica...emart&Itemid=94

When you put this through the BASF sunscreen simulator, it gives it a fail UVA rating

Then I layer the above with the following sunscreen across my cheeks (it is too heavy for full face application, plus I find that I can use it as a foundation to cover my melasma. It is tinted, but still gives you a bit of a white/pinkish cast)

Second sunscreen - Tanne Zinke

Ingredits
Zinc Oxide - 32%, Titanium Dioxide 4%

http://www.keysun.com.au/suncare.html


Previously, I was using the Clear Zinke For Babies & Toddlers, then layering it with the Tanne Zinke across my cheeks and it was doing the trick. But I worry that I am not getting adequate UVA protection with the Clear Zinke for babies & Toddlers as it has Octyl Methoxycinnamate - 7%, Zinc Oxide 6%, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor 1%. Am I correct?

Many thanks for your response!

[Logan]

Eva, I have yet to wear a sunscreen that feels comfortable on my face. Do you have any suggestions?

I just tested MD Formulation Total Protector SPF 15 and SPF 30. Both are extremely light, you don't feel them nor see them on the face. None of them contain silicones (with the exception of the SPF 30 variant. There is Dimethicone for water-proofing purposes. The concentration is less than 1%.)
The SPF 15 contains 7.5% OMC and 4.9% ZnO (micronized). It could contain more ZnO though!
The SPF 30 contains 7.5% OMC, 5.9% ZnO (micronized) and 5% OS
Both are fragrance-free.

There is another comercially available sunscreen I tried recently which was extremely light and non-greasy on the face. It is MAC Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15 with 6.7% ZnO and 3.5% OMC. It was an extremely light sunscreen without oily residue on the skin. When it is absorbed (after about 3 min) it leaves no white residue on the skin. Extremely well formulated sunscreen that also contains light emollients and anti-oxidants. The only draw-back is the masculine fragrance. (It should be 100% fragrance-free.)

There is a new sunscreen from Obagi. Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50 with 10.5% ZnO and 7.5% OMC. It is a silicone based sunscreen that looks cosmetically elegant. (I have not tried it.)

Thank you Eva. I'm going to see if I can find one at the organic market I work at. If I can't find one I will be ordering one of the above mentioned and trying them out. The MyChelle product still feels uncomfortable and irritating, which is discouraging because it's very natural and only uses micronized zinc oxide.

[Eva Victoria]

Dear Wild Butterfly,

Thank you for reading my posts. And am very sorry for your suffering so badly from melasma.

Antinica Spf 30+ sunscreen: has a strong UVB filtering ability (SPF 60) but the UVA is too low (for the EU standard. It is only PPD 17 and should be 20). But it is not a bad sunscreen. And if you prefer to use this than it is still better than nor wearing any! Though the UVA I protection should be stronger. (Using more Tinosorb M would have achieved this).

Tanne Zinke with 32% ZnO and 4% TiO2 seems to be a very good photostable sunscreen that also protects very well in the UVA I spectrum (as long as the ZnO is non-micro!).

Clear Zinke For Babies & Toddlers, IMO, will not give you adequate UVA protection with so low amount of ZnO.

I am wondering why your dermatologist does not put you on Retin-A (Tretinoin) along with HQ? Differin does not have such a great effect against pigmentation. And what about Azaleic Acid combined with HQ and Tretinoin?

Hi Eva

Long time follower of your sunscreen posts :-)

Wondering what your thoughts are on the following regime...

I have sensitive skin and suffer from melasma across my cheeks. I also live in Australia (yup, you gotta love our sun!), avoid the sun like the plague now, but considering the blistering sunburns as a child, I have plenty of sun damage coming my way later in life, that I have no issues in using strict sun avoidance now.

I also see a dermatologist on a regular basis, and since we are in the winter here, we are tackling once again my melasma with HQ, Differin and some freezing (lasering did very little to my melasma, and considering the expense, just ain't worth it in my book).

Anyhow... at the moment I am using the following sunscreen regime... your thoughts?


Fist Susncreen - Antinica Spf 30+ sunscreen (I cannot find a full ingredients list on the net).

Ingredients
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine - 5%, Octyl Triazone - 5%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate - 7.5%, Isoamyl Methoxycinnamate - 7.5%, Methylene bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol - 3%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane - 2.5%, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Excipient

http://www.dermedica...emart&Itemid=94

When you put this through the BASF sunscreen simulator, it gives it a fail UVA rating

Then I layer the above with the following sunscreen across my cheeks (it is too heavy for full face application, plus I find that I can use it as a foundation to cover my melasma. It is tinted, but still gives you a bit of a white/pinkish cast)

Second sunscreen - Tanne Zinke

Ingredits
Zinc Oxide - 32%, Titanium Dioxide 4%

http://www.keysun.com.au/suncare.html


Previously, I was using the Clear Zinke For Babies & Toddlers, then layering it with the Tanne Zinke across my cheeks and it was doing the trick. But I worry that I am not getting adequate UVA protection with the Clear Zinke for babies & Toddlers as it has Octyl Methoxycinnamate - 7%, Zinc Oxide 6%, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor 1%. Am I correct?

Many thanks for your response!