Sunblock : What is it?
| Sunblock, also known as sunscreen, is a skincare product that protects the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. It comes in the form of lotion, spray, or other topical products. A good sunblock reduces the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer– all harmful effects of long-term sun exposure. It is a popular anti-aging product as it also prevents the other effects of prolonged sun exposure such as wrinkles, age spots, freckles, dilated blood vessels, and changes in skin texture.
Active ingredients are usually aromatic molecules conjugated with carbonyl groups. This chemical structure absorbs high-energy ultraviolet rays and releases it as lower-energy rays, preventing the ultraviolet rays from reaching the skin. The laboratory measure of the effectiveness of a sunblock is called sun protection factor or SPF. A sunblock with a high SPF offers more protection. |
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Kinds of Sunblocks include the following: |
Sunblock that blocks UVB
This is the traditional sunblock. It is consists of some or all of the following chemicals: padimate O, homosalate, octyl salicylate, octyl methoxycinnamate, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, benzophenone, and octocrylene.
Broad-spectrum sunblock
A broad-spectrum sunblock has added mexoryl (a chemical that blocks UVA) and oxybenzone or avobenzone. It usually has a very high SPF factor.
Physical sunblock
A physical sunblock is a chemical-free sunscreen. It usually contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. It reflects UVA and UVB and is ideal for those who are allergic to chemical sunblock products |
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Blocking: The sun produces both visible and invisible rays known as UVA and UVB, respectively. Make sure you purchase a sunblock that protects against both.
FDA approval: Choose a sunblock with ingredients approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
SPF: Choose a sunblock with the highest SPF you can find to get the most effective sun protection.
Waterproofing: Look for a waterproof sunblock that would not dissolve with sweat or water.
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