|
While everyone knows the benefits of wear sunscreen year-round, choosing the correct one can be quite overwhelming. Should you use a sunscreen or a sunblock (what’s the difference)? Are you supposed to use a physical block or a chemical block? Do you want to block UVA or UVB rays or both? What ingredients should you choose—or avoid?
It is important to remember that sunscreen does not just prevent or reduce sunburn, although that is a significant aspect of its job. Damage from sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature aging, including age spots (also often called liver spots), fine lines and wrinkles, so regular use of sunscreen can be an essential step in the fight against aging.
Sunscreen is generally used to refer to a chemical product, while sunblocks are usually physical. Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s ultraviolet radiation so that less of it penetrates the skin, while physical sunblocks actually block UV rays from being absorbed into the skin. Chemical-only sunscreens tend to rely on ingredients such as Parsol 1789 (also called methoydibenzoylmethane or avobenzone), while physical sunblocks use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
While the word “sunblock” can conjure up mental images of lifeguards with a thick white cream on their noses, today’s sunblocks, such as Ultra Sensitive Face Block SPF 25 or Ultra Sensitive Body Block SPF 15, both by Dermalogica, are invisible, non-irritating and non-greasy.
The sun emits two types of radiation: UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays, the type that are used in tanning salons, are deep-penetrating rays and are responsible for premature aging and skin damage. On the other hand, UVB rays do not penetrate the skin as deeply but they do cause sunburn. Because UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, many people mistakenly believe that blocking these rays is sufficient; however, since both types can cause skin cancer, using a product labeled “broad spectrum,” which means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays, is important. The good news is that most sunscreens today are broad spectrum sunscreens.
The easiest way to remember your daily sunscreen is to use a moisturizer that includes an SPF of 15 or higher. Ideal for daily facial use, Bioelements Year Round Protector SPF 30+ contains titanium dioxide and antioxidants to help prevent common signs of photo-aging such as brown spots, dryness and fine lines. Or, combine your sunscreen with your face powder with Sunforgettable Brush (SPF 30) - Almost Clear by Colorescience. This unique, mineral powder formula is free of dyes, chemicals and odors, making it ideal even for those with the most sensitive skin. For the body, try Perfecting Body Hydrator SPF 30 by PCA Skin, a broad spectrum moisturizing sunscreen that uses titanium dioxide as well as avobenzone to protect skin against sun damage, while skin brighteners, aloe vera and vitamins A and E leave skin smooth and silky.
Many people just put sunscreen on their faces and bodies, but there are other often-neglected areas that should receive the same attention. Sunburned lips can become chapped, red and irritated, so use a balm such as Dermalogica Solar Shield SPF 15, which is waterproof for up to 80 minutes. There is little that is more irritating than a painfully sunburned scalp—that’s why ProCyte Ti-Silc Scalp Defense SPF 20 is such a wonder. The lightweight formula provides sun protection to hard-to-reach areas without weighing down hair or making it feel greasy.
When searching for that perfect sunscreen this summer, be sure to check out the ingredients and choose one that contains both chemical and physical blocks to ensure pain-free and damage-free fun in the sun.
Article posted 6/18/2007.
http://www.glow.com/
Copyright © 1999-2008 Glow, Inc., All rights reserved.
|
