» Dr. Joi Lenczowski

Joi Lenczowski, MD, is a dermatologist at Dermatology Associates, 7111 Jahnke Road in Richmond, VA. (804) 320-1102.

What can you tell me about sunscreens?
Sunscreens protect against sunburn (UVB rays) and generally provide little protection against UVA rays. Sunscreens come in two forms: Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals, such as benzophenone or oxybenzone that absorb UVA rays.

Physical sunscreens contain inert minerals such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or talc, reflecting UVA and UVB rays away from skin.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of chemical-based sunscreens?
They offer excellent UV protection. They don’t leave a layer on the skin, and they are more easily absorbed by the skin. Many provide both UVA and UVB protection.
However, they can irritate sensitive skin, clog pores, and react with light to heat skin.

Tell me about the advantages/disadvantages of physical sunscreens.
Physical sunscreens contain titanium and zinc oxide. They don’t degrade in the sun, and they reflect light. They’re great for those with sun sensitivity, those who are prone to sun poisoning and those with lupus. These sunscreens are a great physical blocker from the sun. Chemical-free sunscreens are good to use on the face. The only problem? A whitish gray haze on the skin.

Do you need sunscreen for incidental activity like driving or taking a walk?
Yes. Use a facial moisturizer on your ears, neck and the backs of your hands. Oil of Olay and Neutrogena SPF 30 have very light moisturizers.

Do people need sun protection for their hair?
No, not if they have plenty of natural hair. Hair is keratin, like nails. A cosmetic change, maybe a lightening of color, can occur but no breakdown in hair structure. Color-treated or permed hair is more porous and can break down with continued sun exposure.

» Dr. Galen Fisher

Galen Fisher, MD, Mohs, Laser and Cosmetic Surgeon, practices at Commonwealth Dermatology, 6603 West Broad St. in Richmond, VA. (804) 282-0831.

What is SPF, and what does it mean?
SPF means sun protection factor. It is the amount of UVB protection the sunscreen provides; it doesn’t apply to UVA protection, so a high SPF does not guarantee UVA protection. The rating (SPF 30, etc.) indicates how long someone can be in the sun before burning, compared to wearing no sunscreen. If you can stay in the sun 10 minutes without sunscreen before burning, multiply that number by the rating.

Which sunscreen would you recommend for normal, daily use?
Neutrogena. It’s chemical-free, SPF of 30 and can be worn under makeup. Blue Lizard is good for sensitive skin. C.O.T.Z. is great, and you can purchase it online. It’s waterproof, protecting skin from UVA and UVB rays. Anthelios SX is the new gold standard, protecting against both UVB and UVA rays. Look for La Roche Posay Anthelios SX in area doctors’ offices.

Which sunscreen is best for children?
Blue Lizard Sport, SPF 30 plus, exclusively. It’s very water-resistant, good for sensitive skin, and provides both UVA and UVB protection. I use it on my own kids.

Which sunscreen would you recommend for people with oily skin?
I’d use the spray-on, alcohol-based sunscreens. Choose the brand with UVA and UVB protection. That’s important. An SPF of 30 is appropriate. Go any higher, and you’re not getting additional protection. An SPF of 15 is not high enough.

Do you have any additional tips for people?
Remember to put sunscreen on your hair part-line. Three to four times a week, I see people with cancer down their part-line: women almost more than men. Many men who don’t have much hair use sunscreen, but women just don’t think about it. Use regular sunscreen on your nose, and don’t forget your lips. I would use Chap Stick® with titanium and zinc. I see squamous cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, on the lower part of the lip. Don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes. Wear sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB.

Sunbrella, upholstery fabrics that provide up to 98% UV protection. Find them locally at Calico Corners.

SUNBRELLA FABRIC fills the bill, and Calico Corners, 8906 W. Broad St. in Richmond, sells it. "Sunbrella furniture fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98 percent UV protection. They have been awarded the Seal of Recommendation by the Skin Cancer Foundation," says Tonya Jordan-Pharr, Calico Corners' manager. Sunbrella fabrics are also used on boat awnings and convertibles. They can be cleaned with bleach. Calico Corners has a Mason jar of bleach with Sunbrella fabric in it. The fabric looks new, but the bleach is eating away at the jar. The bleach and fabric have been in the jar for four years. Now that's durability.

SOLAR FILM. John Chewning, owner of Solar Film at 7921 W. Broad St. in Richmond, says, "Solar film is the equivalent of putting SPF 600 on your house." It protects furniture, greatly reducing fading, glare and excessive heat transfer through windows. It keeps homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. "The U.S. government just approved a tax credit," says Chewning. "Homeowners can get up to a $500 deduction. Solar film is not just for the affluent. It's an affordable product; a normal window is $65 installed top to bottom." Solar film is approved by Energy Star and enhances the ability to see outside.