Julie MacKenzie from Oakville asks:
“Hi Dan, can you tell me what you think is better - La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 with Mexoryl SX or Vichy Mexoryl 60?”
All sunscreens with a rating of SPF 30 or higher are equally as good when it comes to blocking a significant portion of UV rays, so don’t fall for the myth that you will be getting more protection with an SPF 60. SPF 30 sunscreens block about 95% of UV rays while an SPF 60 blocks about 96%.
Mexoryl is a brand name of sunscreen called Sulfonic Acid. The name Mexoryl is registered to the L’Oreal Corporation and both La Roche-Posay and Vichy are owned by L’Oreal.
Both brands of sunscreen contain the same five active sunscreen ingredients which means there is really no difference in the protection offered by either. However, these ingredients can be found in almost every commercial sunscreen product on the market.
The difference between these two sunscreens is in the inactive ingredients and price.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 60 - $22 for 100mL vs. Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 60 - $31 for 150 mL
1. Price Winner – La Roche-Posay
While only marginally less expensive mL for mL it is the better buy (5% less expensive).
2. Skin Care Winner – La Roche-Posay
Contains 8 lipid identical hydrators and is fragrance and dye free. Vichy contains hydrators as well but also has a very high level of drying alcohol which will speed up cell and free radical damage.
3. All Over Use Winner – Vichy
Vichy claims that it can be used on the face and body equally.
4. Overall Winner – On performance, ingredients and price point, La Roche-Posay wins but remember to put on a generous amount and reapply often to maintain the protection level.
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A few years ago I was introduced to the TANDA Clear system, which is the first and only Health Canada approved home care light system to treat acne breakouts. TANDA utilizes the same type of light dermatologists have used for years to treat acne breakout. Being an acne sufferer myself I am always looking for ways to really keep my skin blemish free.
One of the biggest obstacles, when considering the TANDA system, is the price. At over $200 it is a little cost prohibitive. Last week TANDA introduced the new TANDA Zap – using the same light system in a smaller device the price has become quite affordable and, for occasional breakout, this device is a great option.
TANDA ZAP - $49 for 1000 treatments
Pros
1. Each treatment only takes 2 minutes – very fast.
2. Can be used several times a day without any risk of side effects.
3. No cords, chargers or plug ins.
4. Small, lightweight device – can travel and requires no power source so excellent for overseas trips.
5. Delivers 414 nm of blue light to kill bacteria causing acne (the same as the full size device).
6. Each treatment costs about 5 cents to deliver.
Cons
1. Does not work on severe cystic acne.
2. Can leave marks on the skin from the heat for a short while.
3. Small head size is meant for spot treatment – not designed for large areas.
4. Head piece is not replaceable – you will have to replace the whole unit when the 1000 treatments expire.
Overall – for mild to moderate breakout control this is a very good option. It is easy to operate and it clears acne quickly. Quite affordable (compared to spot creams) and safe to use without risk of irritation or dryness.
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