Protective Skin Series: Is Your Sunscreen Sufficient?

Last week I shared how although summer is going bye bye, we need to keep wearing sunscreen.  The question I pose for you today is, “Is your sunscreen sufficient?”

**************************************************************************************

Most commercial sunscreens contain chemical ingredients that protect your skin from sun damage caused by UVA and UVB rays like oxybenzone, dioxybenzone, paba or octinoxate.

Chemical sunscreens may be effective to some degree but adding a physical blocker to your skin before going outdoors makes it a lot more effective.

What is a Physical Blocker?

A physical blocker is a product can do what a chemical blocker do, just differently. Chemical blockers absorb UV rays while physical blockers, “block” them out. The most common physical blockers are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These are usually found in mineral makeup and are deemed safer than commercial sunscreens composed solely of chemicals.

If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to do a skin test to determine which type of sunscreen/sunblock protection is best for you.

I tend to use a combination of both with no ill effects. Neutrogena is my favorite chemical based brand of sunscreen but I still apply mineral makeup to my face for added protection.

Do you use a physical blocker, chemical blocker or both?

0

0