titanium dioxide
Patient Counselling
How does it work?
Titanium dioxide is one of the physical sunscreens (aka mineral or inorganic sunscreen, sun block) it protects your skin by physically blocks and deflects the harmful UV rays.
When do I apply?
Titanium dioxide works immediately upon application, there is no delay in onset of protection.
How much to apply?
Apply generously before sun exposure, and reapply at least every 2 hours
· 0.5 – 1 teaspoonful (nickel-sized) to the face and neck
· 1 – 1.5 teaspoonfuls (2 quarter-sized) to arms, shoulders and torso
· 2 – 2.5 teaspoonfuls (2 dollar-sized) to the legs and feet
· All sunscreen should be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling, or sweating
What are the things I should be aware of?
· Generally very safe, may cause skin irritation
· Can leave a “white-ish” hue or tint on skin
· Comedogenic, may cause or worsen acne
Who cannot use titanium dioxide containing sunscreen?
· Titanium dioxide should not be on children under 6 months
· Do not use on damaged or broken skin
References:
Titanium dioxide is one of the physical sunscreens (aka mineral or inorganic sunscreen, sun block) it protects your skin by physically blocks and deflects the harmful UV rays.
When do I apply?
Titanium dioxide works immediately upon application, there is no delay in onset of protection.
How much to apply?
Apply generously before sun exposure, and reapply at least every 2 hours
· 0.5 – 1 teaspoonful (nickel-sized) to the face and neck
· 1 – 1.5 teaspoonfuls (2 quarter-sized) to arms, shoulders and torso
· 2 – 2.5 teaspoonfuls (2 dollar-sized) to the legs and feet
· All sunscreen should be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling, or sweating
What are the things I should be aware of?
· Generally very safe, may cause skin irritation
· Can leave a “white-ish” hue or tint on skin
· Comedogenic, may cause or worsen acne
Who cannot use titanium dioxide containing sunscreen?
· Titanium dioxide should not be on children under 6 months
· Do not use on damaged or broken skin
References:
- . Thompson P. Patient Self-Care. 2nd ed. Chapter 64: Prevention and Treatment of Sun-Induced Skin Damage. Canadian Pharmacists Association 2010
2. Beasley DG, Meyer TA. Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen products. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2010;11(6):413-421
3. Burnett ME, Wang SQ. Current sunscreen controversies: a critical review. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2011;27(2):58-67
4. Hexsel CL, Bangert SD, Hebert AA, Lim HW. Current sunscreen issues: 2007 Food and Drug Administration sunscreen labelling recommendations and combination sunscreen/insect repellent products. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;59(2):316-23
5. Guenther L, Skin Disorders: Sunburn. e-Therapeutics. Retrieved from: https://www.e-therapeutics.ca/tc.showChapter.action?documentId=c0065 on June 26 2014