What Kind of Sunblock are You Using?

By Marji Soofi

UV rays are responsible for 90% of photo-aging and an increase in the risk of cancer.  Most people think that all sunscreens are equal and getting the higher the SPF the better.  Well this is a misconception.

All Sunscreens are designed to prevent the transfer of energy from solar rays to the skin.  There are two groups of sunscreens; chemical absorbers and physical blockers.

Notice the two key words? Absorbers vs. Blockers?

Chemical Absorbers: work by absorbing the energy of UB radiation before it affects or damages your skin.  Most chemical sunscreen ingredients are colorless, odorless and feel light on the skin, but can also cause allergic reactions, irritation, and inflammation of the skin.  If you see any of the following ingredients in your products then you should know that they are chemical absorbers; octinoxate, avobenzone and oxybenzone.

Physical Blockers: when the sun hits these physical blockers, such as titanium oxide, or zinc oxide, it is reflected and bounces away from the skin.  These rarely cause allergic reactions or irritations because they are natural ingredients and don’t get absorbed into the skin.  Physical blockers have been found to be more effective in protecting the skin against UVA and UVB rays.

The higher the SPF is not better.  I usually recommend SPF 30 and SPF 50.  The consistent application of adequate amounts of sunscreen lessens the damage to the skin and skin cancer risks.

Come into Tavoos Spa and pick up the right sunscreen for you!