benzophenones
Patient Counselling
1) Application:
● Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours
● Apply generously (2mg/cm2) to all areas; approximately 30mL
● Use ½ to 1 teaspoon on the face and neck, 1-1.5 teaspoons on the arms, shoulders and torso, then 2-2.5 teaspoons on the legs and top of the feet
● Wash hands before the sunscreen application
● If planning to swim or expect a lot of sweating, use water/sweat resistant products and reapply after 40 to 80 minutes (as indicated on label)
● It should be reapplied after washing or towel drying; should also be reapplied to the lips after eating or drinking
● Outdoor workers and fair-skinned person should apply sunscreen routinely
● This ingredient alone will not provide full UVA coverage (weak) but most sunscreen products containing benzophenones are also combined with other active ingredients to provide the full coverage
2) Key points to discuss:
● There has been some concerns of oxybenzone use on its potential effect as a ‘hormone disruptor’ (Environmental Working Group reports) but more recent studies found no significant effects: Inform the patient of no harm associated with the use if they are worried about such adverse effect
● Avoid use in infants < 6 months
● Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours
● Apply generously (2mg/cm2) to all areas; approximately 30mL
● Use ½ to 1 teaspoon on the face and neck, 1-1.5 teaspoons on the arms, shoulders and torso, then 2-2.5 teaspoons on the legs and top of the feet
● Wash hands before the sunscreen application
● If planning to swim or expect a lot of sweating, use water/sweat resistant products and reapply after 40 to 80 minutes (as indicated on label)
● It should be reapplied after washing or towel drying; should also be reapplied to the lips after eating or drinking
● Outdoor workers and fair-skinned person should apply sunscreen routinely
● This ingredient alone will not provide full UVA coverage (weak) but most sunscreen products containing benzophenones are also combined with other active ingredients to provide the full coverage
2) Key points to discuss:
● There has been some concerns of oxybenzone use on its potential effect as a ‘hormone disruptor’ (Environmental Working Group reports) but more recent studies found no significant effects: Inform the patient of no harm associated with the use if they are worried about such adverse effect
● Avoid use in infants < 6 months