Which sunscreen?
Basically, there are two broad categories of sunscreens. They are classified as chemical and physical, depending on the active ingredients  they contain and the way they protect the skin. The range of chemical ingredients is quite extensive and they act by absorbing the UV radiation. The physical sunscreens are based on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and they work by reflecting the sunlight. Although there are many reliable products available online, the choice of a suitable sunscreen is quite complicated. In order to make things easer, we have tried a significant number of preparations and we are in a position to recommend some of them. First of all, a sunscreen must provide a comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. Apart from that, we advocate the use of physical ones, since the safety of the chemical sunscreens is controversial. For instance, the later have been banned in Europe, apart from the sunscreens that contain Avobenzone. Since 1992 there has been a speculation that chemical sunscreens have the tendency to behave as free radical generators and although they protect from sunburns, actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma, it is very doubtful, whether they do the same thing for melanoma. Recent studies have shown that in areas where the chemical sunscreens are popular, the incidence of melanoma is in increase. However, it remains unclear, whether this happens because of the usage itself or because of the fact that people, who ware high-factor such sunscreens, feel protected and tend to stay out in sunlight far longer than they used to. Apparently, more investigation is needed about this matter.
At the present time, we will stick with the physical sunscreens, in order to be on the safe side. Below, we recommend products with different SPF. Remember the fairer your skin is the higher protection you need. Try the following links to find the sunscreen that is suitable to you.
 SkinCeuticals Daily Sun Defense SPF 20 Physical Sunscreen
DDF Organic Sunblock SPF 30 Physical Sunscreen
SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30 Physical Sunscreen
Menscience TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30 Sunscreen
SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 45 Physical Sunscreen
Philosophy Supernatural Air Brushed Canvas SPF 15 Physical Sunscreen
Disadvantage of physical sunscreens.
The main drawback of the physical sunscreens is that they are visible and produce a white shade after they are applied. This can be minimized by the decrease of the size of the zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particles contained in the material. When used in nanoparticle form, they cannot be noticeable but they still retain their protective properties. |
