Victoria Lovegod writes: “Being a science nerd myself, I LOVE your blog. My question has to do with the all-important world of sunscreens. I’ve heard some hoop-la about something called Z-cote which is apparently as good as an opaque sunscreen but it·s transparent. Will Z-cote give me longer lasting or better coverage than a regular sunscreen? And, since it’s more expensive than, say, Oil of Olay SPF15, can I just get away with applying it around my eyes/mouth where i get wrinkles sooner?” The Right Brain responds:
Victoria, first let us say that you’ve got the best screen name we’ve ever seen! Second, let`s answer your question by explaining that Z-cote is a trade name for a micronized form of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2). As you know if you read our previous posts on sunscreens, TiO2 is a physical sunblock as opposed to a chemical sunscreen. (It literally blocks the sun as opposed to absorbing and remitting which is how UV absorbers work.) TiO2 has been used for years because it`s so effective, but it`s also a bit embarrassing to use because it leaves a heavy white residue on your skin. (You`ve probably seen it on lifeguard’s noses.) And one of the best things about TiO2 is that it blocks UVA as well as UVB (not all sunscreens do that.)
Anyway, enter micronized TiO2, which is just a fancy way of saying that the particles are really really tiny. In fact, researchers found a way to make the TiO2 particles so small that they don`t leave a white film, yet they’re still large enough to block the UV light. Does this really work? Yes, according to this many sources, including this article in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. This study shows that micronized pigment-containing sunscreens may provide a good alternative to chemical sunscreens. There are two key benefits: TiO2 provides the broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection mentioned above, and it’s less irritating than chemical sunscreens.
The Brains Bottom Line: TiO2 is more effective since it blocks UVA as well as UVB. But otherwise, an SPF 30 from TiO2 or from a “regular” sunscreen is still an SPF 30. As far as long-lasting is concerned, all sunscreens can be reduced by sweating or swimming or just rubbing off on your clothes. But if you`re sensitive to conventional products, you might find TiO2 is the way to go for you. And if you’re worried about expense, as far as we can tell, there’s nothing wrong with using TiO2 to supplement other sunscreens you’re using.
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Dear BeautyBrains: From my own online searches for a phsycial sunscreen, my understanding is that Z-Cote is the trade name for BASF’s micronized Zinc Oxide, not Titantium Dioxide.
Can you put my curious mind at ease and confirm it is zinc oxide or titanium dioxide?
Thanks.
Good catch Wendell. That was some bad editing on my part! I started to write zinc and then somehow got on the TiO2 tangent. The basic information is still valid though, both zinc oxide and TiO2 are effective sunblocks. Thanks for pointing out the error! (I’m gonna catch hell from The Left Brain for that one!)
This is the best UVA sunblock in the world I’ve been able to find.
It’s produced by the largest seller of sunblock in the UK (Boots who are also a drugstore chain) who also make the UVA protection rating system used by most sunblocks in the UK. It’s rated 5 out of 5 for UVA protection.
If there’s a better sunblock, please let me know.
Well, the best sunscreen you can buy is a light-weight, long sleeve t-shirt. I’m not sure if the Boots product you mention is noticeably different from other sunscreens.
You can’t wear a long sleeve t-shirt over your face everyday!!
The consensus of dermatologists I’ve found is that sunscreen should be worn on the face, neck and any other exposed skin everyday – come rain, shine, sleet or snow.
The Boots product is one of only three brands in the UK which has a five star rating for UVA protection (according to a search online yesterday there are two others but I couldn’t find the brand names). Previously the maximum UVA protection rating was four stars. The scale was increased with the introduction of Optisol into some Boots products:
The Boots UVA rating system is discussed here under the heading “A Balancing Act”
The key point in my opinion is that the Boots product has been scientifically tested and certified to have a certain level of five star UVA protection. While other sunscreens MAY have a similar level, there are many other sunscreens that offer little or no UVA protection (mentioning only their UVB protection with their SPF rating).
According to the EWG, skin deep report, there are better sunscreens, unfortunately they are all expensive, but not more expensive than “anti-aging serums”, facial peels and plastic surgery. The best cheapest is around $12 and the better ones are around $30. The best thing I guess is to stay out of the sun at peak hours. Wear a hat and shades and that should give you extra coverage. Zinc oxide blocks more UVA rays than Titanium Dioxide, I’ve been reading.