|
Should I Choose a Sunscreen or a Sunblock This Summer |
Article Submitted by: Stanley Lewis
Wednesday, 01 July 2009
|
As summer arrives it becomes even more important to get your sun protection measures right. Protecting your skin from the sun is something you should be thinking of all year, but as summer arrives this becomes even more important. A good suncream or lotion is an everyday part of this protection, but with so many different versions on the market sometimes it's difficult to know which is best for you and your family. You will see both sunscreens and sunblocks available, but many of us do not actually know what the differences are between the two. Ther are some important differences in the use and level of protection offered, which need to be understood. It's not just a case of grabbing any bottle that quotes "SPF" on the label and simply applying it to yourself. If you want to give your skin adequate protection against the potentially damaging effects of the sun's harmful rays then try to learn some basic facts about the products you are being offered. Sunscreen Facts Sunscreen is the most common of all skin protection products and works by absorbing the ultraviolet (UV) rays that are emitted by the sun, which helps to keep your skin from burning when out and about. The active ingredients in sunscreen products can vary, but will often include Benzophenones, Salicylates, PABA or Cinnamates. Today you can also find formulas that are non-allergenic, which are particularly good for use on the sensitive skin young children have, as well as those with skin sensitivity issues. Sunscreen offers a certain level of protection from the sun, depending on it's SPF factor and the frequency by which it is applied, and limits the damage caused to your skin, but you may still notice some tanning taking place over time. A good quality sunscreen will help to prevent lines, wrinkles and discolorations of the skin that can be caused by overexposure to the sun. Many would say that this is really a product that you should use throughout the year, not just during the hot summer season, as the sun can still cause damage at any time of the year. It is therefore good practice to add sunscreen applications to your everyday routine. Sunscreens blend into your skin as soon as you apply them and are unnoticeable. Many of the better sunscreens now include additional moisturizers that help keep your skin hydrated when under the sun, providing an even better care of your skin. Water resistant versions are also available, which are particularly handy when by the pool or ocean. This avoids the need for you to keep applying a regular sunscreen each time you go in and out of the water. These water resistant versions are great for those playing sweaty sports too! Sunscreens are available in a number of different versions including sprays, creams, oils, gels and lotions. You will need to look for the SPF factor rating of any sunscreen you buy. It is quite simple to compare one with another, simply the higher the SPF rating the more protection the sunscreen will provide to you. The SPF factor will vary from as little as low as 2, which provides only a very limited level of protection, to as high as 50+, which would allow you to stay out in the bright sunshine for extended periods between each application. Sunblock Facts For an even longer time under the sun you need to consider the use of a sunblock. These offer a far higher degree of protection than regular sunscreens, and are the much better choice for those spending long periods under the sun or for those with sensitivity to the sun. It's also good for young children, who need a greater degree of protection to their delicate skin. Sunblock products can contain a mixture of both physical and chemical block ingredients, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These sunblocks actually reflects the ultraviolet rays rather than absorb. When used properly a sunblock will ensure that your skin will not darken or tan at all when applied. It used to be the case that sunblocks would give someone the appearance of being covered in white paint, which would put a lot of people off using it. That is no longer the case though as they are no longer so highly visible when they were applied. Some of the newer formulas are made to be as invisible as possible, and have become the more popular choice of sunblock applications today. Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
Article by Stanley Lewis for a specialist uk based baby sun protection shopping website sellin top brand baby sun protection clothing.
You are welcome to publish this article free of charge on your website, newsletter, or e-zine, provided:
- You don't change the article in any way
- You include the entire article, including the "about the author" box
- All hyperlinks must remain intact, including email addresses, and the link to ArticleBlast.com at the bottom
- In doing so you agree to indemnify the article's author, and ArticleBlast.com and its directors, officers, employees and agents from and against all losses, claims, damages and liabilities which arise out of its use
- It is also recommended that you provide a courtesy copy of your publication to the author of the article
