TYPES
OF SUNSCREEN
Sunscreens are used primarily to prevent sunburn, but they also play
an important role against skin cancer.
2 types of sunscreen available
·
Physical
Blockers- Sunscreens that are physical blockers( titanium dioxide
and zinc oxide)
work by reflecting UV radiation.
Physical blockers are effective against both UVA and UVB radiation. They
are made of internal metals that
sit on the skin and are not absorbed.
Physical blockers do not wear off as quickly as chemical blockers, but
they are more susceptible to washing off the skin from water or sweating.
·
Chemical
Blockers- Sunscreens that are chemical blockers absorb UV
radiation within a specific wavelength. The benzophenones (oxybenzone,
sulisobenzone, dioxybenzone), menthyl anthranilate, and avobenzone are chemical
blockers that protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.
IMPORTANT**RECENT RESEARCH HAS SUGGESTED
THAT SOME CHEMICALS INCLUDING RETINOL AND BENZOPHENONES IN CHEMICAL BLOCKERS MAY BE ABSORBED THROUGH THE
SKIN AND EFFECT THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND HORMONAL BALANCE.
NOTE: PHYSICAL BLOCKERS CONTAINING ZINC AND TITANIUM DIOXIDE ARE
NOT ABSORBED INTO THE BLOODSTREAM. SOME RESEARCH SUGGESTS THAT PHYSICAL BLOCKERS ARE A BETTER CHOICE WHEN LOOKING FOR
A BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN. LOOK FOR ZINC OXIDE OR TITANIUM DIOXIDE ON THE SUNSCREEN LABELS.
AVOID: SPRAYS DUE TO INHALATION. IT IS BETTER TO RUB THE SUNSCREEN ON YOUR BODY AND NOT SPRAY
THE CHEMICALS INTO THE AIR.
ADMINISTRATION GUIDELINES
1. Sunscreens
should be applied evenly and liberally to all exposed areas of the skin. Apply
30 minutes prior to exposure
to the sun.
2. One ounce of sunscreen is
considered to be adequate to cover all exposed areas
3. Reapply
every 2 hours and after swimming, excessive sweating or towel drying.
**IMPORTANT: BY BEING IN THE SUN DAILY FOR
ONLY 10 MINUTES WITHOUT SUNSCREEN GIVES YOU THE DAILY ALLOWANCE OF VITAMIN D NEEDED FOR HEALTH BENEFITS.