What Every Consumer Needs To Know About Sunscreen

Sunscreen is extremely important for swimmers and sun bathers. Sun damage is the number one cause of damage to skin. The best defense against skin damage, aging, and skin cancer is regular use of a good sun screen.

Most people know they should wear sunscreen, but don’t take the threat of skin damage and skin cancer seriously enough. This short tutorial will shed some light on sunscreen, some newer sunscreen developments, and product alternatives.

Many sun lovers wonder…how does sunscreen work? The answer is quite scientifically involved, but suffice to say that sunscreen ingredients are chosen for their abilities to block and reflect the light emitted by the sun. Blocking sunlight keeps it from penetrating the skin and tissue cells, which prevent cellular damage and sunburns..

It’s also important to know what sunscreen ingredients to look for. It used to be widely held that any sunscreen with an SPF over 15 that labeled itself as UVB blocking was protection enough from disease and damage. However, scientists now understand that UVA rays can cause sub-skin level damage to connective tissue and skin cells even when the exterior skin is not being burned (by UVB rays). The public is now advised to look for sunscreens that block both UVB and UVA rays. To do that, consumers need to shop for a UVA blocker such as a titanium dioxide sunscreen.

Sensitive skin and skin prone to irritation can be bothered by sunscreens. Dermatologists have worked with pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide a sunscreen for every skin type and condition.

Fragrance free sunscreen or spray is recommended for children with sensitive skin and any older sun bather who reacts strongly to perfumes.

For people with oily skin, sunscreen that does not contain oil (many sports formulas) are recommended. Alternatively, women with oily skin types can opt to apply makeup to the face that contains sunscreen, then use commercial sunscreen products from the neck down.

Dermatologists are also finding that some people suffer from a sunscreen allergy. Symptoms of sunscreen allergies include skin rashes (some looking like sunburns), puffy eyes, and acne flair ups. How to test sunscreen allergies when they are suspected is to use a home patch test or visit the doctor for testing.

If only some sunscreen seems to cause irritation, consumers can try using a sample size sunscreen until they find one that works for them.

Sometimes when sunscreen topicals cause sunscreen allergies, sunscreen clothing can be worn instead. Lightweight sunscreen clothing that has been specially treated to block the sun’s rays is a good idea for any person who is active outside in the sun.

As the movement towards more pure, chemical free living grows, pharmaceutical companies move to meet the needs of consumers preferring organic sunscreen. Organic sunscreen blends sun blocking agents with certified organic naturals like aloe, jojoba, chamomile, and sunflower.

With a little smart shopping, every person can find a sunscreen that meets their personal preferences and needs. Pool swimmers are smart to seek out a good sunscreen, then keep a bottle in their deck chair. Sunscreen application (and reapplication in the pool) is our best defense against skin aging, damage, and disease.