Latest news with #AnthonyRossi
NBC News
21-05-2025
- Health
- NBC News
11+ best mineral sunscreens of 2025, according to dermatologists
Not all sunscreens are created equal — while most skin care experts say wearing sunscreen every day is essential to help reduce the potential for sunburns and skin cancer (as well as wrinkles and other signs of aging), some dermatologists favor mineral sunscreen over chemical sunscreen. The reason: Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens are naturally broad spectrum, meaning they offer protection against UVA and UVB rays as a baseline, no matter which brand or variation you buy, says Dr. Anthony Rossi, a board-certified dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 'Both UVA and UVB rays come from the sun and cause DNA mutations that are signatures in skin cancers and skin aging,' says Rossi. The difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen While mineral and chemical sunscreens are both proven to be 'safe and effective in reducing short- and long-term sun damage and skin cancer,' the difference is how they protect you, says Dr. Deborah Spey, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Below are some more details about the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens: Mineral sunscreen, sometimes referred to as a physical blocker or physical sunscreen, contains either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (and sometimes both). The sunscreen sits on top of the skin and physically shields it from harmful UV rays, says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist. Depending on the concentration of the zinc oxide as well as the particle size of the mineral, some of these sunscreens can leave behind a white cast on your skin, says Rossi. Chemical sunscreen typically contains a combination of as many as six chemicals — oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene and homosalate — that penetrate the skin to absorb UV rays like a sponge, according to our experts. Mineral-based sunscreens, like Blue Lizard Sport Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion, are a third type on the market. Mineral-based sunscreens contain both mineral and chemical active ingredients. How we picked the best mineral sunscreens You can find mineral sunscreens in lotion, oil, stick, spray and brush form—all contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide that shield skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But that's where the similarity ends. Depending on the brand you choose, some can be drying or leave a white cast on your skin, while others may clog your pores because they contain mineral oil or petroleum-based products, according to the dermatologists we spoke to. Finding a mineral sunscreen without a white cast can be especially challenging for those with darker skin. We can't guarantee every pick won't leave a white cast, but we've included reviewer comments and some of our staff's favorite melanin-friendly options to help narrow your choices. Our experts also recommend looking for the following features, which we kept in mind when compiling this list: The best mineral sunscreens in 2025 Below, we rounded up dermatologist-recommended mineral sunscreens, plus NBC Select staff favorites from our extensive skin care coverage. We also included some highly rated options that align with our experts' guidance. NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris, initially skeptical of this sunscreen's 'universal tint' claim, was pleasantly surprised after wearing it. 'I can't say for sure if the tint is universal, but I do know that I didn't have any issue with a white cast, and it blended really well into my skin,' she says. The sunscreen is compatible with all skin types, and uses Vitamin C to help even skin tone and prebiotics to keep the skin's moisture barrier intact, according to the brand. Morris also loves that she can wear this sunscreen all day without the threat of greasy residue on her already oily skin. 'Even when I can feel my skin getting oilier, the sunscreen stays intact — the most I'll ever get is a soft, slightly sweaty glow, and it also works great under my makeup,' she says. Active ingredients: zinc oxide, vitamin C, prebiotics | SPF: 30 | Hydrating: yes | Sheer: yes | Water resistance: 40 minutes Another favorite of Morris', this sunscreen from Tatcha has a hydrating formula that helps to even skin tone and fine lines, according to the brand. It uses hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help your skin retain moisture, and silk extract to increase radiance and address texture. 'I love that the formula is so lightweight, it basically melts into my skin,' she says. However, she recommends this as an everyday option for those with normal to dry skin, while those with oilier skin may want to use it more occasionally. 'I like to use this on days where I know I won't be sweating or doing too much activity, because it does get slightly greasy after a few hours.' It also doesn't leave a white cast, in her experience. Active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Hydrating: yes | Sheer: yes | Water resistance: 80 minutes Unsun is one of the best sunscreens for darker skin tones because it contains iron oxides, which help minimize a white cast, says King. Reviewers also agree, saying that the formula blends well without leaving a white tint on darker skin. This tinted sunscreen is a primer and color corrector in one, and the combination of vitamin E, vitamin C, olive oil, aloe vera and lactic acid helps hydrate the skin, according to the brand. Best for mature skin: Isdin's sunscreen products are some of Spey's favorites because they have an 'innovative ingredient called DNA Repairsomes, an enzyme derived from plankton that repairs existing sun damage that is in the cells of your DNA,' she says. The ultralight SPF uses peptides and antioxidants to minimize signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, says Spey. It also has vitamin E to moisturize the skin, according to the brand. However, reviewers with lighter skin tones say the sunscreen's tint leaves them slightly orange. This mineral sunscreen contains antioxidants to help protect the skin from pollution, infrared radiation and blue light, says King, who says she wears it daily because it's lightweight, hydrating and doesn't leave behind any white residue, in her experience. It also contains a hyaluronic acid booster for hydration and is ideal for all skin types and tones, according to the brand. Best hydrating: This sunscreen's lightweight formula goes on sheer and is hydrating enough to replace your daily moisturizer, according to the brand. It also protects the skin from free radicals and blue light and helps improve the appearance of fine lines thanks to ingredients like aloe, jojoba, apple extract, squalene and glycerin, according to Brush On Block. King suggests following up throughout the day with the brand's mineral powder sunscreen, which you can apply right over your makeup and leaves you with a matte finish, she says. Best lightweight: This tinted mineral sunscreen from reader-favorite brand SkinCeuticals is 'weightless, almost watery,' says Spey. This sunscreen is her favorite because of its 'invisible protection,' she says. It protects your skin without leaving a white cast and is made of antioxidant-rich plankton, which Spey says can enhance the skin's natural defenses against the sun, and it's noncomedogenic, meaning it's free of any oils that can clog pores or aggravate acne, according to the brand. SkinCeuticals also has a mineral SPF for the delicate eyelid area. This mineral sunscreen is a great option for those with sensitive skin since it's oil free, says King. It protects against blue light, pollution and infrared radiation, and you can use it as a primer under makeup or in place of a light foundation, according to the brand. This sunscreen also contains niacinamide to help maintain and improve your skin's moisture barrier and help with inflammation, says Rossi. Best for dry skin: This moisturizing mineral sunscreen is best suited for normal to dry skin and has ingredients like glycerin, green tea extract, vitamin C and peptides to hydrate and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, according to the brand. Additionally, the iron oxides found in this formula offer a 'self‐adjusting universal tint' that should match most skin tones, according to the brand (although some reviewers say it leaves behind a slight white sheen). Featured in our guide to the best reef-safe sunscreens, Blue Lizard's cream lotion is free of skin-irritating fragrances and parabens, according to the company, which dermatologists say is helpful to those with sensitive skin. It has hyaluronic acid for hydration, along with antioxidants like green tea extract and caffeine to improve your skin's texture and appearance. Blue Lizard products come with patented bottles and caps that turn blue in sunlight to remind you to put on sunscreen, according to the brand. However, reviewers say the product may leave a white cast on darker skin. Like many other options on our list, this mineral sunscreen has niacinamide, which helps to improve skin tone and texture, according to the brand. It also protects against infrared radiation, which can lead to hyperpigmentation, says King. The brand also makes a stick version, which is convenient if you're exercising outdoors since it is less likely to run into your eyes, she says. With a lightweight and sheer formula, this sunscreen works for all skin types and tones, too, according to the brand. Active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Hydrating: yes | Sheer: yes | Water resistance: 40 minutes Best for oily skin: This lavender-scented, non-greasy sunscreen blends in easily and doesn't leave behind a white cast, says King. It's ideal for all skin types and is noncomedogenic, which means it won't clog pores. Ingredients include antioxidants like blueberry, acai and green tea extracts to help brighten the skin and prevent fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, along with Rosa canina fruit oil to help control excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores, according to the brand. Active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide | SPF: 30 | Hydrating: yes | Sheer: yes | Water resistance: 80 minutes How to shop for a mineral sunscreen When shopping for a mineral sunscreen, you should first know your skin type, according to our experts. Below are some additional factors to consider when shopping: Be sure the label says 'mineral sunscreen' and not 'mineral-based,' which means it's a combination of mineral and chemical ingredients. Opt for a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, which protects against 97% of the sun's damaging rays, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Make sure that the only active ingredients are zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which are two naturally occurring minerals that sit on top of your skin to create a barrier to deflect the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Opt for products with a minimal amount of parabens such as methylparaben and propylparaben, which can cause irritation and allergies. Look for 'noncomedogenic' on the label, especially if you're acne-prone. Noncomedogenic formulas have no mineral oil or petroleum-containing products that tend to clog or block pores. Look for moisturizing ingredients, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, olive oil, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated. Opt for a sunscreen that has a water resistance of at least 40 minutes if you will be working outdoors or plan to swim. Look for a sheer formula that won't leave a white chalky residue on your skin. Frequently asked questions What are the damaging effects of UVB and UVA rays? UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns and are thought to cause most skin cancers, according to Rossi. These rays vary in intensity depending on the weather and time of day and primarily damage the skin's outermost layers, he says. People are exposed to the most harmful UVB radiation between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., even on a cloudy day, says Rossi. UVA rays penetrate much deeper into the skin and cause premature aging and wrinkles, says Rossi. Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays are equally intense all day long, he says. What is the best way to apply mineral sunscreen? Although the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure (no matter the type of sunscreen) and reapplying approximately every two hours, Spey says that mineral sunscreens 'offer immediate protection, so there is no need to apply them in advance and wait for them to be absorbed.' While mineral sunscreens can rub-, sweat- and/or rinse-off, they last longer in direct sunlight, meaning they require less frequent reapplication compared to chemical sunscreens, according to Spey. She also suggests pairing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with protective clothing, hats and sunglasses. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Anthony Rossi is a board-certified dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery and other dermatologic surgeries for the treatment of skin cancers. Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist at Dr. Hadley King Dermatology and a clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Deborah Spey is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Livingston, NJ. Why trust NBC Select? Barbara Booth is a former editor at NBC Select who has published several guides on self care and beauty products, including best under-eye patches, best sleep products and the best Amazon fitness products. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care and wellness topics like sunscreens for dark skin and acne spot treatments. For this piece, Barbara interviewed three dermatologists to get expert-recommended mineral sunscreens and researched dozens of top-rated options on the market that align with expert guidance.
USA Today
14-04-2025
- Health
- USA Today
I got my skin analyzed by a high-tech machine. The results horrified me.
I got my skin analyzed by a high-tech machine. The results horrified me. WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. − I was relaxing by a pool, surrounded by beautiful actors, influencers and models, when I saw the ugliest photo of me ever taken. I was attending a wellness retreat inspired by "The White Lotus" at the Four Seasons Westlake Village in Southern California. As part of the event, Khiel's − one of the brand partners − set up "Derma-Reader" stations outside, where attendees could get high-tech images taken of their skin to reveal potential issues lurking beneath the surface. As a skincare enthusiast, I couldn't resist the opportunity to get a deeper look at my skin's health. And besides, I know I take great care of my skin anyway. What could go wrong? When I got my photos back, my heart sank. Has my skincare routine been off this whole time? I spoke to dermatologists to get to the bottom of it. Thankfully, there's a lot more to the story. How does the Derma-Reader work? My own distress aside, the Derma-Reader uses some cool technology. With fancy lights and advanced algorithms, the Derma-Reader analyzes skin across several categories, including wrinkles, dark circles and texture. It can also look below the surface, taking photos of UV damage and clogged pores you wouldn't see otherwise. After taking these images, the machine then compares your results against those of 16,000 other skin profiles in its database. A representative told me the machine measures your skin specifically against other people in its database with similar skin profiles to you, giving a percentage score based on where you rank among them. More: I stayed at a real-life 'White Lotus' hotel for a weekend. It was nothing like I expected. Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist in New York, isn't familiar with Khiel's machine, but says he uses similar machines on his patients − and they really do work, so long as the analyses are done in the right context and the results are compared to a large enough sample size. "That's the problem with these machines," he says. "If they're not rigorous enough, they don't always give you the best data." My Derma-Reader results shocked me I wasn't the only one who got a rude awakening from a Derma-Reader at the retreat. Other attendees expressed similar shock at their results throughout the day. "Were you also traumatized by the skin machine this morning?" I overheard one woman say to another after dinner. OK, my results weren't that bad − at least that's what one of the Khiel's representatives told me. All my scores, even the lower ones, she said, are still in the "green" zone, meaning none are actually in bad shape. The machine also gave me some good news too. I scored 100% in the "clogged pores" category, meaning my pores are, allegedly, nearly entirely free of blockages that could cause acne. Acne has been my biggest skin concern since I was a teenager, so that news came as a relief. My skin has been pretty clear for the past couple years, so maybe my breakouts era is finally behind me. Still, the Khiel's representative said I do have room to improve, especially in the hydration department. My lowest scores − a 68% in wrinkles, a 64% in hydration and a 59% in crow's feet (I smile, sue me) − all could stem from dehydrated skin. I've been hitting the anti-acne products pretty hard since adolescence, which may be drying me out too much. Now could be the time to pivot my routine to focus on retaining moisture. The score that stopped me in my tracks, however − and sent me into mild panic − was my UV damage result. My uncle died after a melanoma diagnosis about a year ago, so I know how important sun protection is not just for your complexion, but also for your overall health. The machine gave me a 74% in UV damage − not horrible, the Khiel's representative said, but, ideally, someone around my age should be at 80% or higher. I diligently apply an SPF mineral sunscreen to my face and neck − including my ears and eyelids − every day and reapply it if I spend time outside or sweat, so I found this score disheartening. Did I do something wrong? I brought these concerns to two separate dermatologists − Rossi and Dr. Brooke Jeffy − to get some answers. Should I be worried? First off, Rossi told me, context can impact results. My analysis was done outside in the sun and in the morning, before I had water, so my scores were likely to skew dehydrated. Also, in order to get a more accurate reading, these analyses should be done on clean skin. My analysis was done after I'd already applied sunscreen for the day. I asked the Khiel's representative onsite if this was OK, and she said it wouldn't make a difference. Rossi, however, begs to differ. "To really get a perfect reading, you want to have really nothing on your skin," he says. "Even the UV damage, it's hard because, if you have a sunscreen on you, it's going to reflect the light differently." UV damage can also look worse than it actually is when viewed through a black-and-white filter, which is how it appears in Derma-Reader images. Based on how my skin looks outside these photos, Rossi says he suspects my UV damage isn't at a level that should overly concern me. "I wouldn't say your UV damage is very bad," he says. "You don't have a ton of brown spots, and you don't have a ton of obvious wrinkles." Also, a lot of my UV damage could have accumulated in childhood, before I started taking skincare seriously. I grew up in sunny Los Angeles and didn't start wearing sunscreen daily until I was 23. Still, Jeffy says, I shouldn't be discouraged. "I would say you're actually doing really well," she says. "How much exposure you had when you were much younger (might) play a role." My takeaway This experience did teach me a few things. For starters, hydration is key, and I'll be prioritizing it in my skincare routine moving forward. Now that my acne is mostly under control, I'm not going to be afraid to reach for moisturizing products. Dr. Jeffy says it might also be time to incorporate retinol into my regimen. I'm also going to stay diligent with sunscreen and reapply it more frequently. It's possible I sweat off more of it than I realize. More: Sephora kids are mobbing retinol, anti-aging products. Dermatologists say it's a problem Wearing sunglasses outside will also help mitigate crow's feet, Rossi says. He adds: "Besides Botox, you could tell yourself not to smile, but that wouldn't be fun." Once I make these adjustments, Jeffy says it might be worthwhile to get another scan and see if my results have changed. If I do, I'll make sure I'm not wearing sunscreen and I've had plenty of water beforehand. "You use this information to stay motivated to keep protecting, and then it would be interesting to get it done again, if you change your habits in some way," she says.
USA Today
29-01-2025
- Health
- USA Today
TikTokers blame acne on toxic relationships. They might actually be right.
Can you really tell if someone's in a toxic relationship just by the state of their skin? Some TikTokers seem to think so. On the social media app, users are posting pictures of their skin from when they were in toxic relationships alongside pictures of their skin since becoming single or getting into healthy relationships. In the before photos, they often have severe acne; in the after ones, their skin appears clear and glowing. TikTok's verdict? The skin doesn't lie: If you're in a bad or toxic relationship, your complexion is going to show it. And what better way to clear up acne than to rid yourself of that relationship and embark on a new journey... right? Not so fast. Dermatologists say there is certainly merit to the idea that toxic relationships take a toll on your skin, as well as your overall health, and thereby contribute to acne. But does that mean you should dump your significant other just because your breakouts aren't clearing up? Or that having acne means your relationship must be toxic? Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. "A lot of these observations are actually later shown to be built on actual science," Dr. Danilo Del Campo, the founder and medical director of Chicago Skin Clinic, says. Is it true that the skin doesn't lie? On TikTok, there seems to be a guiding ethos when it comes to physical health and dating: that your body will reject someone if they're the wrong person for you, even if you haven't consciously realized it. On the flipside, some add that your body will affirm when someone is right for you. For instance, one user showed her acne-ridden skin from when she was in a toxic relationship and her clear skin now that she's in a healthy one. In a video with 6.3 million views, another TikToker writes that "your body will automatically reject someone who's not right for you," showing her own before and after as an example. The videos have struck a chord with commenters, who share similar experiences. "my acne AND scars started to clear up once I let go of him," one person wrote. "all of a sudden my skin cleared up too when I became single," wrote another. On the other hand, one person wrote, "Broke up with him about a month ago and my skin has never been worse." Dermatologists say there's a lot of truth to this, though it isn't the full story. While having acne may not tell you if a specific relationship in your life is toxic, it could certainly tell you that you are under stress. Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist and surgeon who hosts the podcast "Give Good Face: Clean Clinical Science," says stress can be a major contributor to acne by affecting the amount of cortisol in our bodies, which impacts our oil glands. "When we are stressed out emotionally or mentally, your cortisol levels can increase, and your heart rate can increase. You can sweat more," he says. "In doing so, that can actually make things like eczema flare. It can make things like psoriasis get worse and even acne." Gen Z is overdoing Botox,and it's making them look old. When is the right time to get it? Additionally, other lifestyle factors, like diet and sleep, impact your skin too. So, if you're not sleeping well because you're up late fretting over your relationship, that's also going to contribute to your acne. And, if the stress from your relationship is also making you turn to junk food for comfort, that will too. Chocolate and milk in particular, Rossi says, have been shown to contribute to acne, as well as other high glycemic, high sugar foods. Del Campo says all these factors can compound on each other too, creating a nightmare for your skin. "One thing can build onto another," he says. "So yes, I do believe that it could be a sign of someone who's just not in a good place in their lives." People are paying for facial analysis:Has our obsession with beauty gone too far? This isn't just limited to relationships. Stress in general, no matter where it comes from, can contribute to acne. So, if you think your mental health is hurting your skin health, it's important to reflect on if it's really your relationship that's the problem or something else. "It is not always relationship stress," dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy says. "It could be stress because they're working a job that's negatively influencing their sleep or they're a student and they're staying up late and that's affecting their sleep or their nutrition is off or they're staying up late playing video games." The real lesson of the TikTok trend Though dermatologists caution against chalking up all your skin woes to your relationship, they do say these TikToks hold an important lesson, which is that mental health plays a tremendous role in physical health. Because of this, the best skincare regimens don't just involve cleansers and sunscreens, but also mindfulness practices and occasional check-ins on how one is doing mentally. It's also important to understand that family history plays a role in how acne-prone one is and to keep in mind that acne often comes in waves no matter what's going on in your life. "I don't necessarily think just ending that relationship is going to clear up your skin entirely," Rossi says. "Acne is an interesting disease, because it's cyclical in the way it flares." More:Sephora kids are mobbing retinol, anti-aging products. Dermatologists say it's a problem That being said, if you're having abnormal acne and you know your relationship is causing you stress, it might be worth paying attention. "If something in your life is causing you emotional and physical stress, it's not good. Not just for your skin, but also your mental wellbeing," Rossi says. As a result, he says, people's personal lives often come up in his practice. "The skin is a big reflection of how people feel."
