Medication guide
Zinc Oxide / Titanium Dioxide / Avobenzone Sunscreens
- Generic name
- Zinc Oxide / Titanium Dioxide / Avobenzone Sunscreens
- Common brand names
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer, EltaMD UV, La Roche-Posay Anthelios
- Medication class
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen (physical + chemical filters)
Overview
Its medication class is Broad-spectrum sunscreen (physical + chemical filters). Common uses include Sunburn prevention and photo-protection. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Topical skin product.
- Time of day
- Apply once to twice daily; for rash/fungal products continue through full course.
- With food/water
- External use only.
- Preparation
- Apply thin layer to clean, dry skin; patch test where possible.
- Safe dose
- Small layer over affected lesions only.
- Max dose
- Do not exceed area/frequency limits on label.
- Frequency
- Usually once to twice daily.
- Other recommendations
- Stop if severe burning, swelling, or spreading redness appears.
Common uses
- Sunburn prevention and photo-protection
Common side effects
- Skin irritation
- burning
- mild redness
- stinging
- acne flare
- and rare allergic dermatitis
Important warnings
- Reapply during sunlight exposure and after swimming/sweating. Avoid broken sunburned skin and eyes. Avoid use if severe allergy to sunscreen chemicals/parabens/UV filters and seek care for persistent rash, blistering, or eye irritation.
General interactions information
Can alter tolerance with strong retinoids/exfoliants or fragrance sensitizers
Sources / references
- Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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