Award-winning dermatologist reveals the best sunscreens for your skin

Top dermatologist reveals the best three sunscreens to use on your skin – and how much you need to apply to your face for it to be effective

  • Dermatologist Dr Davin Lim works out of Cutis Clinic in Brisbane, Queensland 
  • He has shared a number of YouTube videos around the importance of sunscreen
  • The medical professional spoke about his three favourite varieties
  • He also said they must be applied twice a day and SPF30 is enough protection
  • La Roche-Posay was his most recommended sunscreen, although it is expensive

Dr Davin Lim works in Brisbane (pictured)

An award-winning dermatologist has recommended three sunscreens for use on your face and body – and how much should be used for it to be effective. 

Dr Davin Lim, who works out of Cutis Clinic in Brisbane, Queensland, recommended La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-light Fluid ($27.95), Invisible Zinc Face and Body ($19.99) and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Dry Touch Sunscreen ($15.49) as the best creams and has personally used each one.

The La Roche-Posay variety is his ‘ultimate’ favourite for everyday use on the face and it has been in his daily skincare regime for 19 years.

I have no vested interest in the company but I know it protects against long wave UVA and it feels nice and light so I use it,’ he said in a YouTube video.

UVB rays reach down into the first layer of your skin, the dermis, causing immediate sunburn, but UVA reaches down into the third layer of your skin, the hyperdermis, causing photo-ageing and a breakdown of your collagen stores.  

So for greater protection overall sun lovers should be choosing a sunscreen that targets both UVA and UVB rays.

The La Roche-Posay variety is his 'ultimate' favourite for everyday use on the face and it has been in his daily skincare regime for 19 years

His overall choice for use over the entire body is the Invisible Zinc range, because it's cheaper to buy than La Roche-Posay

Dr Davin Lim singled out La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-light Fluid ($27.95 left) and Invisible Zinc Face and Body (right $19.99) as the ultimate preventatives of sunburn and the ones he personally uses

Finally, for weekend outdoor activities or holidays, he turns to the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer sunscreen for its price point and proven promise to protect the skin

Finally, for weekend outdoor activities or holidays, he turns to the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer sunscreen for its price point and proven promise to protect the skin

His overall choice for use over the entire body is the Invisible Zinc range, because it’s cheaper to buy than La Roche-Posay.  

‘It has a slight sheen, but not too bad. I recommend it to patients who like using natural ingredients without chemicals,’ he said.

Finally, for weekend outdoor activities or holidays, he turns to the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer sunscreen for its price point and proven promise to protect the skin.

‘For weekends at the beach, sweating and driving at the race track this is my choice. It’s not as elegant as La Roche-Posay but it sticks. Super cheap and super effective,’ he said. 

He also used the video to explain how the SPF rating on a sunscreen actually works, and what it means (Dr Davin Lim pictured treating a patient)

He also used the video to explain how the SPF rating on a sunscreen actually works, and what it means (Dr Davin Lim pictured treating a patient)

Tips for choosing the optimal sunscreen: 

 1. Pick a sunscreen that is cosmetically elegant. This means that you are going to enjoy using it. Skin is as individual as you are, so I cannot recommend one particular brand. In general Invisible Zinc is cosmetically elegant and favoured by many. So are sunscreens from La Roche Posay. 

2. Always use a hat or physical barrier as adjunctive sun protection. Even the best sunscreens do not protect against long, long wave UVA and visible light. 

3. Apply frequently, twice a day if possible. Even more if you are going to the beach, surfing, or exercising outdoors. 

4. Use the correct amount. Five grams is needed to cover the face, ears, neck and part of your décolletage. Physical sunscreen offers immediate protection, while chemical sunscreens require application 20 minutes before UV exposure.

Source: Dr Davin Lim 

SPF is a multiplication of your skin's sensitivity to sunburn. So if your skin would burn outside in 10 minutes, applying SPF30 sunscreen gives you 300 minutes outside before burning (stock image)

SPF is a multiplication of your skin’s sensitivity to sunburn. So if your skin would burn outside in 10 minutes, applying SPF30 sunscreen gives you 300 minutes outside before burning (stock image)

He also used the video to explain how the SPF rating on a sunscreen actually works, and what it means. 

SPF is a multiplication of your skin’s sensitivity to sunburn. So if your skin would burn outside in 10 minutes, applying SPF30 sunscreen gives you 300 minutes outside before burning. 

Dr Lim explained that so long as you’re applying sunscreen twice a day – once in the morning and again at midday – you shouldn’t need anymore than an SPF30 protection.

However, the amount you apply each time is equally as important, with Dr Lim saying your face and neck alone should be swiped with five grams – or a teaspoon full of sunscreen – for it to be effective.  

The average-sized adult will also need a teaspoon of sunscreen for each limb, as well as for the front and back of their torso, equal to 35ml in total. 



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