Have you ever wondered why you are inundated with so many options when you are trying to find something to protect your skin from the sun? Here is some information that may help you clarify the difference between a sunscreen and a sunblock and may make your decision easier.
Sunblock.- many ask how it is different from sunscreen. Well the answer is simple. It is just that, a block. It contains minerals from the earth such as Zinc or Titanium. These minerals have the ability to reflect all of the ultra violet radiation rays (UVA, UVB) that we are exposed to everyday.
UVB - are the rays responsible for burning the skin.
UVA - are the rays that we get and do not know we are getting them. They penetrate the skin at a deeper level. They are less likely to burn the skin, but they can age the skin prematurely as well as change the skin cells DNA - increasing the risk for future skin cancers.
Sunscreens are usually man made chemicals that block UVB rays and very few block UVA rays effectively.
When you are looking for something to protect the skin, look for a sunscreen/sunblock that contains the minerals Zinc or Titanium. They provide a physical barrier against UVA and UVB rays.
Today, we have much easier access to these mineral than ever before. You can also find several lines of makeup that contain these minerals, so getting them on your skin everyday is much easier than it used to be.
The sun is stronger than ever. We need to protect our skin everyday.
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