True! Summer time is the time for fun in the sun!
     But did you know that 90% of skin aging is sun-related?           (According to, "The Journal of Aesthetic Science")

Our business at Los Angeles SkinCare is to keep you looking good. We take our job seriously and that is why we want to keep you informed and up to date on the latest science in skin care. In this article, on Sun-Protection, we have tried to answer some of the basic questions consumers have about sun-protection and products.


Commonly asked questions and basic information:

Are "sunblocks" and "sunscreens" the same thing?

No. They both provide sun- protection for the skin, but they use different ingredients and mechanisms in achieving that protection. A "sunblock" most commonly uses zinc oxide or titanium oxide to "block" the sun's harmful rays from penetrating the skin by reflecting it. A "sunscreen" uses minerals and other ingredients to absorb the sun's harmful rays once it gets into the layers of the skin. This helps mitigate sun damage to the skin. Sunscreens are easier to wear than sunblocks as they readily absorb into the skin and do not leave a whitish residue. However, sunblocks are more advantageous in that they do not allow penetration of the sun into skin. Their ingredients are often more harsh and may leave a whitish residue on the surface of the skin, as they do not absorb easily. This can be a problem when you wish to wear every day, or under makeup. Sunblocks are good for long periods or extreme sun exposure, swimming and sports.

What is "SPF" anyway?

SPF stands for "sun protection factor". The FDA requires all sunscreen products to put their SPF on their label. The SPF reveals the amount of sunburn protection that a sunscreen can provide an average user, when applied correctly. It is recommended that sunscreens have an SPF 15 or more. Note: An SPF of 30 is NOT twice as strong as an SPF of 15, but rather provides about 97% protection against UVB rays compared to 93% protection against UVB rays for SPF 15.

What are UVB and UVA rays?

The sun's radiation accounts for 90% of skin aging and skin cancers. UV's are the damaging invisible ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun. Both cause suntan, sunburn and sun damage. UVB rays are rays that burn the skin during peak sun hours (between 10AM and 2PM) in the summer months and UVA rays- are rays that cause aging year round, regardless of weather.

Can I use my sunscreen for my face on my body too?

Yes. However, sunscreens can be expensive and sunscreens developed especially for the face, even more so: they must use a more advanced science and expensive ingredients because the face tends to be more sensitive than other parts of the body. This is especially true after facial treatments or surgery of any kind. General advice: It is better to use a specially formulated sunscreen for your face on the rest of your body, if you have to, than to use a general allover sunscreen on you face.


LA SkinCare, taking good care of our patients and clients:

Whether our client for LA SkinCare or a patient of Dr. Andrew Berman, all patients should be asked if they have a good sunblock or sunscreen for their face with an SPF15 or higher. Educating our patients and clients about sun protection is providing responsible care, as many of our facial services, whether a facial, waxing, mole removal or eye-lid surgery, require extra care against sun exposure afterwards. Sun protection makes a difference in having successful results and realizing the full potential and efficacy of our prescribed treatment. We strive to encourage all clients and patients to use daily.

Many popular commercial and easily available sunscreens are NOT good products for the face. They are comedogenic (block pores), use very harmful chemicals and oils that irritate the skin and can cause rashes or breakouts. This is especially harmful for patients or clients with extra sensitive or post-operative skin.

LA SkinCare carries a variety of sun-protection products that use botanicals, minerals and minimal harmful ingredients in order to better protect the skin against UVB and UVA rays.


Excellent Boutique Sun-Protection Products:

E International's Sunblock UVA & UVB Protection SPF 46:
This is a "sunblock" meaning the sun is "blocked" (reflected) from penetrating the skin by a full spectrum formula that uses natural minerals, antioxidants and natural botanicals to obstruct the sun's harmful rays. It protects against UVB rays- rays that burn the skin during peak sun hours in the summer months AND UVA rays- rays that cause aging year round regardless of weather. This sunblock is also excellent for sports, as it is sweat-resistant, water-resistant and lasts a long time.
For Face and Body. Price is $35.00 for 5 oz. tube.

Dr. Berman's Nouvelle Blanc UV Milk SPF 20 (product from Japan): No group of people is more fastidious about their skin then the Japanese! Dr. Andrew Berman developed this zinc based "sunblock" for the demanding Japanese skin care market. Nouvelle Blanc is a scentless liquid milk that works very well under makeup as a daily sunblock. This product absorbs into the skin completely and does not leave a white or chalky residue behind, like many other sunblocks. Thus, it is also excellent for a natural look, without makeup. Not recommended for swimming or sports. Exclusive to Dr. Andrew Berman.
Used primarily for the face and neck. Price is $25.00 for 2.5 oz. Bottle.

BioMedic Facial Shield SPF 20:
This product is a "sunscreen" in that it absorbs the UV rays as the sun penetrates the skin, inhibiting the damage done by the UVA and UVB rays. BioMedic uses an antioxidant-rich formula with absorbent micro-particles to remove oil. This product provides a matte finish that may be used daily under make-up.
Used primarily for the face.
Price is $30.00 for a 2 oz tube.

BioMedic Gentle Moisturizing Emulsion SPF 20:
Has the same "sunscreen" benefits as the BioMedic Facial Shield, however it is formulated as a moisturizer and is best for individuals with dry skin, chapped skin or post-surgical skin that needs to be well hydrated.
Used primarily for the face. Price is $25.00 for a 2 oz tube.

Mineral Makeup by Jane Iredale:
Amazing Base Loose Minerals SPF 20 & PurePressed Minerals SPF 17.
Albeit not your typical idea of a sunscreen product, but used daily as a makeup base and concealer foundation, these products claim to provide the individual with everyday, light protection against the sun's harmful rays. These products do not have any harmful oils, talc, dyes or synthetic preservatives. They use natural minerals to provide the sun protection. The Loose Minerals are applied with a powder brush and come in 11 different shades to match individual skin tone. The PurePressed Minerals are applied with a compact pad or sponge and come in 18 different shades to match skin tone. A little goes a long way with these products. Primarily for the face and neck. Please consult our aestheticians for appropriate shade.
Price for the Amazing Base Loose Mineral is $45.00.
Price for the PurePressed Mineral is $45.00.

E International's After Sun Aloe Vera Soothing Treatment:
Just in case you have really over done it or you know you will be spending a lot of time in the sun's rays. This After Sun product is a light, refreshing gel that replenishes and moisturizes your skin with 98% Aloe Vera. Used by the Native American's, Aloe Vera has long been one of nature's best remedies for soothing dry, irritated or burned skin. It cannot reverse sun damage, but it can quickly come to the aid in restoring hydration and inflammation after sun exposure.
For face and body. Price is $20.00 for a 5 oz tube.

E International's Lip Block UVA & UVB Protection SPF 20:
This lip balm has been specifically formulated for protection of the lips during sun exposure. Lip Block protects the delicate skin on your lips with a light, soothing layer of moisture that penetrates and lasts. It is unscented, unflavored and clear in color that may be worn under your regular lip color or gloss.
Price per tube is $ 7.00.

Jane Iredale's Lip Drink SPF 15:
From the mineral makeup company, Jane Iredale, comes a Lip Drink formula that has a macadamia nut oil base not petroleum, like most other "chapstick" types. It is a conditioning and moisturizing lip balm that has two sunscreen ingredients in it for broad spectrum sun protection. Lip Drink is clear in color and has a delicious citrus flavor.
Price per tube is $10.00.

Sothys of Paris, Self-Tanning Lotion:
The safest tan is one in which there is no sun exposure! Sothys of Paris has an excellent self-tanning cream that won't turn you orange! It is enriched with moisturizing actives that keep the skin smooth and soft: perfectly hydrated for natural and uniform color.
For face and body. Price is $27.00 for 5 oz tube.