This season’s arsenal against the sun is more diverse than ever. But how well does something like sunscreen in a soap actually work? The L.A. Times tested three new items and then asked the expert opinion of Andrew Kaufman, assistant clinical professor in dermatology at UCLA, who serves on the medical council of the Skin Cancer Foundation. Though the products are too new for doctors to have widespread experience, all are approved as effective sunscreens by the Skin Cancer Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
Freeze 24-7 Ice Shield Facial Cleanser with Sunscreen SPF 15
Order at 877-373-3934 or freeze247.com; the 4.2-ounce tube is $48.
The claim: Adding sunscreen to a cleanser that you wash away is a bit of trick. Freeze cleanser, however, says it is the first to use new Wash-On technology, a process that gives sunscreen a positive charge so that it sticks to our negatively charged hair and skin, even after rinsing.
The doctor says: A facial cleanser is “a nice option because it’s convenient and gives some protection, but not as much as I would recommend. It does contain avobenzone, which screens out UVB and UVA, but the downside is that the SPF (15) is a little low.”
The pale chick says: Despite the inconvenient wait (up to 2 minutes for suds to dry), Freeze 24-7 left skin feeling clean, not tight or greasy. It applied easily to hard-to-reach spots such as the neck, ears and other areas where you don’t want gooey lotions. Best used in the shower.
Desert Essence Wipes, SPF 30 Sunscreen Towelettes
Sold at Whole Foods and other natural food stores, and at drugstore.com. The 25-towelette package is about $13.
The claim: New emulsion technology allows an alcohol-based formula to deliver sunscreen in a disposable, biodegradable towelette.
The doctor says: “Towelettes are good because they are convenient, [but they] may not give an adequate amount of sunscreen, and you may not be able to apply it as evenly.”
The pale chick says: Because of the moisturizing formula, the product went on easily, invisibly, and without that greasy, sticky residue. Despite claims that one towelette covers the entire body, we used several. (Fans at a recent baseball game were impressed with the ease and convenience. After two hours in the afternoon sun and two applications, we were burn-free.)
SunGuard Laundry Aid
Order at 866-871-3157 or sunguardsunprotection.com. Boxes are $1.99 plus shipping.
The claim: Add a packet of SunGuard powder to a laundry load and fabrics absorb a UV filter that can block 96 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. One treatment can last up to 20 washings and boosts the protection of a T-shirt from a typical SPF 5 to about SPF 30. The doctor says: “There are companies that make clothing with a tight weave that can help block rays. But SunGuard is an affordable option for people who aren’t going to wear specialty items. Also, people think they can’t get a burn or sun damage if they wear clothing, but you can.”
The pale chick says: Cheap, easy to use and a great way to add protection to ordinary clothes. The treatment didn’t change the look or feel of several varieties of cotton fabrics we tested, though the recommended 15-minute hot-water washing was tough on a few knits.
