Sunscreen agent (Topical application)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 1, 2022.

Class Name: sunscreen agent (Topical application route)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• A-Fil
• Ammens Medicated
• Balmex
• Boudreaux's Butt Paste
• Critic-Aid Skin Care Pack
• Deeptan
• Deeptan Suntan Oil Supreme
• Delazinc
• Desitin
• Hydroquinone Skin Bleaching with Sunscreens
• Neutrogena Glow Sunless Tanning
• Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock

In Canada

• Dr. Scholl's Medicated Foot Powder
• Silon
• Sun Shades Sport Sunscreen SPF 45+
• Ultraquin
• Ultrastop Spf 15
• Zincofax Extra Strength
• Zincofax Fragrance-Free
• Zincofax Original
• Zinc Oxide

Available Dosage Forms:

• Stick
• Lotion
• Spray
• Cream
• Liquid
• Ointment
• Gel/Jelly

Uses for this Medicine

Sunscreen agents are used to prevent sunburn. Limiting your exposure to the sun and using sunscreen agents when in the sun may help prevent early wrinkling of the skin and skin cancer. There are two kinds of sunscreen agents: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreen agents protect you from the sun by absorbing the ultraviolet (UV) and visible sun rays, while physical sunscreen agents reflect, scatter, absorb, or block these rays.

Sunscreen agents often contain more than one ingredient. For example, products may contain one ingredient that provides protection against the ultraviolet A (UVA) sun rays and another ingredient that protects you from the ultraviolet B (UVB) sun rays, which are more likely to cause sunburn than the UVA sun rays. Ideally, coverage should include protection against both UVA and UVB sun rays.

The sun protection factor (SPF) that you find on the label of these products tells you the minimum amount of UVB sunlight that is needed with that product to produce redness on sunscreen-protected skin as compared with unprotected skin. Sunscreen products with high SPFs will provide more protection against the sun.

Sunscreen products are available with and without your doctor's prescription. If you are using this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label.

Before using this Medicine

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun. Sunscreen agents should not be used on infants under 6 months of age because of increased chance of side effects. Children 6 months of age and older should be kept out of the sun or have limited exposure to the sun. Sunscreen agents with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 should be applied during exposure to the sun. Lotion sunscreen products are preferred for use in children. Alcohol-based sunscreen products should be avoided because they can cause irritation.

Geriatric

It is believed that the elderly, who spend little time in the sun and use sunscreen agents frequently, may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency...