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Physician's Guide to EltaMD

Not sure which EltaMD sunscreen is best for you? Use this handy chart to determine the most effective sunscreen for your skin type and concerns. All EltaMD sunscreens are broad-spectrum, fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free and non-comedogenic.

EltaMD Sunscreen	Use	Skin Type	Description	*Fitzpatrick
UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46	Face	Acne-prone, Rosacea, Hyperpigmented	Formulated with 5% niacinamide for sensitive skin types. Tinted and untinted formulas. Oil-free.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44	Face	All Types, Post-Procedure	Tinted, chemical-free UV protection for all skin types. Water-resistant (40 mins.)	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41	Face	Extra-Sensitive, Post-Procedure	Lightly tinted. Chemical-free with antioxidants. Water-resistant (40 mins.) Oil-free.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40	Face	Normal, Combination, Post-Procedure	Moisturizing UV protection with hyaluronic acid in tinted and untinted formulas.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+	Face	Dry, Mature	Fluffy and moisturizing. Wear alone or under makeup.	2, 3, 4, 5, 6
UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47	Face & Body	All Types	Water-resistant (80 mins.) Natural, chemical-free active ingredients. Gentle and lightweight. Oil-free.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45	Face & Body	Oily to Normal	Lightweight protection. Apply under makeup or use alone. Oil-free.	1, 2, 3, 4
UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50	Full Body	All Types	Water-resistant (80 mins.) Ideal for water sports. Apply to wet or dry skin. Oil-free.	1, 2, 3
UV Spray Broad-Spectrum SPF 46	Full Body	All Types	Water-resistant (80 mins.) sunscreen in pump sprayer. Oil-free.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45	Full Body	All Types	Continuous spray for easy application. Water-resistant (80 mins.) Oil-free.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+	Full Body	All Types	Moisturizing UV protection	2, 3, 4, 5, 6
UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 31	Lip	All Types	Long-lasting moisturizing lip sunscreen with antioxidants. Water-resistant (80 min.)	1, 2, 3, 4, 5

*The Fitzpatrick scale uses genetic disposition and reaction to sun exposure to determine your skin type. Type I is very fair, type II is fair, type III is light, type IV is medium, type V is dark and type VI is very dark.

Zinc oxide means true broad-spectrum protection

Zinc oxide offers superior broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It’s also one of the safest sunscreen ingredients, sitting on top of the complexion and scattering UV rays before they reach your skin.

Comparison chart of how the most widely used U.S. sunscreen ingredients reduce the intensity of UV light.

Why Broad Spectrum Matters

When it comes to sunscreen, broad spectrum is the gold standard. Standard SPF levels only measure UVB protection, leaving your skin susceptible to sun damage. Broad-spectrum sunscreens shield against both UVA and UVB rays, and all EltaMD sunscreens provide this superior level of protection.

UVA Rays: The Aging Rays

Penetrate deeply into the skin layers, damaging collagen and cells
Cause wrinkling, pigmentation and loss of elasticity
Can pass through glass (office and vehicles)
Are not affected by weather or altitude
Are present all day, every day of the year
Are up to 50 times more prevalent than UVB rays
Increase the risk for skin cancer

UVB Rays: The Burning Rays

Mostly affect the outer layer of the skin
Cause sunburns and tannin that increase the risk of cancer
Vary with time of day and seasons, and are stronger in summer
The SPF (sunburn protection factor) number of a sunscreen indicates level of protection from UVB only

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