Choosing a Sunblock that is Right for You
Most people will begin to burn and experience skin damage in as little as 10 minutes in the sun. A sun block rated SPF 15 will protect you 15 times longer, therefore it should give you 150 minutes in the sun provided it does not wash off. Sunblock should be reapplied every 2 hours, more frequently if you are exposed to the water.
Dermatologists recommend you use sunblock every day, for normal exposure to the sun not just for those trips to the beach. SPF 30 is the minimum recommended for daily use. Be especially careful between the hours of 10am and 3 pm when the sun is at its peak. Reapply sunblock more frequently during these times or stay out of the sun if you can.
There are many different sunblocks available and many different sunblock ingredients. Physical Sunblocks reflect the UV radiation before it reaches your skin. Zinc Oxide and titanium are common physical sunblocks. They are both good sunblocks for sensitive skin and usually do not cause irritation.
Chemical sunblocks contain a variety of ingredients to block UV light. Since no one chemical protects against all types of UVA and UVB rays, multiple chemicals are needed to provide complete protection. The following are commonly used chemical sunblock ingredients and the type of radiation they block.
Aminobenzoic acid UV-B
Avobenzone UV-A
Cinoxate UV-B
Dioxybenzone UV-B, UV-A
Homosalate UV-B
Menthyl anthranilate UV-A
Octocrylene UV-B
Octyl methoxycinnamate UV-B
Octisalate UV-B
Oxybenzone UV-B, UV-A
Padimate O UV-B
Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid UV-B
Sulisobenzone UV-B, UV-A
Titanium dioxide UV-A, UV-B, broad spectrum
Trolamine salicylate UV-B
Zinc oxide UV-A, UV-B, broad spectrum
Sunblocks are available with many different ingredients and in different styles such as sprays, gels and lotions. Sprays and Gels may lose effectiveness more quickly, so reapply more frequently. Experiment until you find a sunblock that is comfortable, easy to use and effective for you. The key to using sunblock successfully is to use it consistently are reapply it frequently.
Published by Teresa Hoyt
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- Most people will begin to burn and experience skin damage in as little as 10 minutes in the sun.
- There are many different sunblocks available and many different sunblock ingredients.
- Chemical sunblocks contain a variety of ingredients to block UV light.