Sunscreen or Sun Block - Which One Is Safer and More Effective?
Posted: Thursday, June 08, 2006
by Catherine Potin
http://healthy-facial-care.com
As summer is approaching, we hear on the radio and TV as well as read in magazines sun warning advertisements: Protect your skin and use high-level sun protection lotions. Pollution and green gas effects have affected the atmosphere and the sun radiation today is more intensive and can be harmful: They are 3 types of radiations we experience from the sun: UVA, UVB and UVC. The ozone layer, blocks the UVC and most UVB radiations but none of the UVA radiations.
- UVB radiations cause the skin to age prematurely and are mainly responsible for sunburns.
- UVA radiations represent 90 to95% of the ultraviolet light reaching the planet. They give us our nice suntanned color but also penetrate deep in the skin and weaken the immune system. The body then is more susceptible to outside aggressors and less resistant.
What to do to protect yourself and your family safely from the sun?
- First you need to understand that the sun is important to our overall health.It helps us create vitamin D a nerve tonic. It also helps prevent the winter blues.What we need to do is monitor the length of exposure to the sun rather than avoiding the sun all together. Usually between 11am and 4 pm the rays from the sun are the strongest and can cause the most damage. May be this is the reason why in warm countries like Spain, Italy, Greece and Mexico Siesta Time is so important!!!
- Wear light cotton clothing and a hat.
- Have UV protecting sunglasses
- Use Sun screens protection
There are two different types of lotions available on the market Physical or Sun blocks lotions reflect the UVB and UVA and send them away from the skin. They contain minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Chemicals or sunscreen lotions absorb the UVB and prevent sunburn. They contain chemicals such as benzophenone and likes.
- Remove the lotion in the evening thoroughly. Even when you use a physical sun block, Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are minerals and act like a shield. When you remove it gently, the skin can breathe again at 100%. Apply a strong moisturizer to nourish and hydrate your skin.
A lot to think about. But this summer enjoy the sun in moderation. Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 11am and 4pm (adjust the time with the daylight saving from your area). Use cotton clothing so your skin can breath. Educate yourself around suntan lotion, sunscreen and sunblock and decide which one you want to use.
Catherine Potin is a successful entrepreneur and publisher of Healthy Facial Care. Her drive is to create a multifacet program to healthy skin from the inside out.
This concept brings together the interlink of of healthy eating and cooking,natural and organic facial care and time out in your home spa.
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