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.
|