There are two distinct types of Sun Screen, Chemical Sunscreens and Physical Sunscreens. Since sunscreens are labeled with 'Active' and 'Inactive' Ingredients, they are easy to identify. Of course, it is the 'Active Ingredients that we will be talking about.

Chemical Sunscreens- these are the ones found in moisturizers, and they are labeled as:  Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate,  Benzophenone, ect…  These chemicals penetrate into the skin.  When UV rays enter the skin there is a chemical reaction that causes a heating of the skin, and stops the further penetration of the rays.

Physical Sunscreens-these are not mixed with moisturizers, and they are labeled as: Zinc Oxide, and Titanium Dioxide. These ingredients sit on the surface of the skin and they work like shingles on a roof. The rays hit these particles, and are reflected away.

Benefits of Chemical sunscreens:

*Ease of use because it is usually part of a daytime moisturizer.

*Ease of application- glides evenly on skin, without the white residue of Zinc Oxide.

Disadvantages of Chemical sunscreens:

          *Chemicals can cause irritation

          *The heating up process can flush the skin

          *Pigmentation can be triggered because of this heating process

          *New studies are claiming that the skin is being damaged due to this chemical reaction                               

Benefits to Physical Sunscreens:

          *No chemicals to irritate skin

          *Keeps skin from triggering pigmentation production, and free radical damage

Disadvantages of Physical Sunscreens:

          *Can leave a white residue on skin

                               (improvements in formulation have reduced or ended the white residue problem)         

           *Not part of a day cream, must use on top of a moisturizer

           *Not quite as easy to find from all manufactures

Facial sunscreens have been perfected over the years. It used to be that they all had a strong smell, and were thick, and greasy.  Many lines now carry 'oil free', 'matte', or 'light textured' options as well as better smelling or fragrance free choices.  So even the oiliest, or the most sensitive skin types can use sunscreen. 

Remember the benefits to using sunscreen, are to prevent skin cancer, and to prevent the skin from aging prematurely.  You will be so glad that you protected yourself. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure!

 Catherine Sir, Master Esthetician and Educator

As always let me know if you have any questions, or comments on this blog. 

Watch out for the next Bog entry explaining what SPF ratings mean.

You can always reach me at... www.believableskincare.com   

See you next time!!! Catherine