How Sunscreen Really Works: Tips To Save Your Skin

By Author: Ethan Luke
Total Articles: 45
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Millions of people use sunscreen everyday, but few truly understand what it actually does to protect your skin. The explanation is simple: Sunscreen absorbs, reflects, and scatters UV rays. But there is a little more science involved. Active chemical ingredients in sunscreen absorb UV light and prevent it from damaging your skin. While powerful compounds, Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which started the white-nosed lifeguard trend, physically reflect or scatter light, directing it away from your skin.

Here are a few tips to save your skin from harmful sunscreen side effects this summer.

What is Paraben-Free?

The phrase, PARA-free or paraben-free, is appearing on sunscreen labels more frequently in the last few years, and for good reason. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is an ingredient once commonly found in all sunscreens, but it is removed from many of today's new scientific formulas. It was found that PABA caused photosensitivity, allergic reactions and potentially stained your clothes. That sounds like a lose-lose situation. When purchasing sunscreen this summer, make sure to check the label to ensure ...
... that it is paraben-free.

Is Sunscreen Really Waterproof?

There is a multitude of sunscreens that claim they are waterproof, but that is not quite accurate. All sunscreens lose a certain threshold of effectiveness when skin is submerged in water. Sunscreens that are labeled as waterproof, sweat-proof, or extreme include ingredients that help lotions bond more closely to the skin. But even those brands will lose effectiveness with prolonged exposure to water or abundant sweating. It is recommended by experts to reapply sunscreen regularly. Renewed application every 90 minutes is a good habit to form.

What SPF number should I use?

The higher the SPF number, the better protection you gain from the harmful effects of UVB rays. The SPF number only refers to a sunscreen's performance against UVB rays, as there is no current rating system for protecting UVA rays. The SPF number on a sunscreen label is typically between 2 and 50. Scientists claim that SPF 30 sunscreen absorbs approximately 97 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 15 absorbs about 93 percent.

If you are planning on an outdoor activity that is four or more hours, you need a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. SPF 30 is an excellent general-purpose sunscreen for all activities and conditions, and contains fewer sun-blocking agents so that the skin can breathe and perspire more freely. Even with the high SPF, you should reapply your sunscreen about every hour and a half.

If you need maximum protection, choosing a sunscreen with SPF 40 or 50 will help fair-skinned individuals stay protected. SPF 40 or 50 is also recommended for use against winter wind burn and people who spend a lot of time in higher elevations.

Sunscreen labels can be misleading, so it helps to understand how your sunscreen really works to protect you. When choosing a sunscreen this summer, find something that protects your skin from the harmful effects of both UVA and UVB light. This type of sunscreen is known as full-spectrum and is effective against both types of sun rays.

The future of beautiful skin is here. Advanced technology and traditional wisdom has allowed skin care products to evolve to new levels of productivity and customization. iDerma offers scientifically advanced skin care products ranging from anti-aging products, moisturizing creams, cleansers, mineral makeup and more. iDerma's selected brands are those recommended by leading dermatologists and beauty experts, such as Baby Quasar, Neocutis, Skinmedica, EltaMD, iS Clinical, Glominerals, and Cosmelan 2. We seek out the latest items to complement your comprehensive skincare regimen.

You can find full-spectrum sunscreens and other anti-aging products mentioned above at www.iderma.com, where professional grade anti-aging skin care products are available to all consumers via the Internet. iDerma's goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to select the items that fit your skin's needs.

Ethan Luke. skinmedica - For younger, smoother, and healthier skin, try skinmedica products at iDerma.com.