To protect your face from aging prematurely, or getting skin cancer, you are going to need to use sunblock for the face. Of course, that is not all you should do. Staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day is wise. And don’t make the mistake of thinking you are safe from sunburn when it is overcast, because you aren’t!
There are a lot of different ingredients in the many brands of sunscreens out there, so learn something about what they actually do to protect you before you decide which one you want and need. There are physical blockers, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that the rays simply cannot penetrate. If you are old enough, you surely remember that zinc oxide, which is very inexpensive, used to be used (with no additives whatsoever) to combat diaper rash. All you had to do was smear the white cream over your baby’s butt and nothing could get in there to irritate him!
There are chemical blockers, like avobenzene and mexoryl. Avobenzyne breaks down when the suns rays hit it, and causes free radicals that will age your skin. The newer sunscreens may add helioplex to the formula, which keeps it stable a little longer. One other problem with the chemical blocker is that it may cause allergic reactions in people with very sensitive skin.
If you are wanting full protection . . . meaning no tanning or freckles from being in the sun, you need to use products with zinc oxide in them. It protects against UVA/UVB (broad spectrum protection against both types of ultraviolet rays), wrinkling and skin cancer. Of course, even if the product states that it is waterproof, you need to reapply it upon leaving the water, and also every couple of hours that you are out in the sun. If you perspire, put it on again.
Be aware that certain medications can make you burn more easily. Take precautions if you are on Accutane, the pill, certain antibiotics, or retinoids. Your prescription drugs will have a warning on them if you will need to stay out of the sun while taking this prescription. Sometimes you have to extend the waiting period for days or months after you stop taking the medication…don’t guess! Discuss it with your pharmacist or your doctor!
Don’t just slap on some lotion and dive into the pool or stretch out in the sun. Start applying your sunblock thirty minutes before going out in the sun. Yes, it will take a few minutes to apply your sunblock properly, but the half-hour rule is primarily to allow the sunblock to penetrate your skin and start working; that is, if you want it to do its job.
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Tags: Accutane, retinoids, sunblock, sunblock for the face, sunscreen
