Chemical Free Sunscreen Formulas Can Effectively Block Out UVA And UVB Radiation From The Sun
Sunscreen has become very popular over the last few decades, since overexposure to the sun has caused many different skin problems. Sunburn, premature aging of the skin, and skin cancer are some of the conditions resulting from the sun’s harmful rays. Other studies have shown that it is beneficial to get 20 minutes of sun exposure a day. But before going out into the sun, we should always apply sunblock with at least an SPF of 15.
The mechanism of how sunscreen works is that it absorbs ultraviolet light and thus will prevent free radical damage to the different layers of our skin. For those who avoid the sun entirely, it is important to take a Vitamin D supplement in order to prevent a deficiency of this fat soluble nutrient. Our body makes Vitamin D from the sun, and this is important since this nutrient is beneficial for our bones.
Another condition that results from sun overexposure is wrinkled skin. Most women and an increasing number of men are concerned about the appearance of their facial skin. Because they are trying to preserve the youthful appearance of their skin, sales of sunscreen have increased dramatically.
Also, the field of anti-aging skincare has emerged since many people already have wrinkled skin. Botox and collagen injections, skin creams with Vitamin C, and green tea are some of the treatments available for this problem. Argereline, herbal and botanical extracts, laser resurfacing, and plastic surgery are some other optional treatments available.
It is very important how we dress if we’re going to be out in the sun for prolonged periods of time.
Hats with a wide brim should always be worn during the summer months and throughout the year, if necessary. These hats extend over the face and can help block out ultraviolet light. Light, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs should also be used to protect those areas from direct sunlight.
If you are going to exercise, try not to do it during the peak hours of the day when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you are out during the hours from late morning until about 4:00 PM, it is best to reapply the sunscreen every two hours. Our perspiration will wash away the sunblock that was applied, and our skin will be left unprotected from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. If you go swimming, it is absolutely necessary to reapply it after you come out of the water.
The most effective sunscreens are those that are full spectrum and protect us from UVA and UVB radiation.
Most sunscreen products on the market today have synthetic chemicals added to their formula, but there are a select few available that are organic and chemical free. It is important to know which chemicals are found in conventional formulas and to determine if they have any side effects.
Some chemicals that a sunscreen formula will contain are oxybenzone, benzophenone, and Parsol 1789. The chemical oxybenzone has been shown to cause dry skin, rashes, irritation, and contact dermatitis. If you have sensitive skin or experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use of that particular product. Consult with your dermatologist to find a more suitable sun protection product.
Another chemical which is added to sun protection formulas is avobenzone. This drug is also known as Parsol 1789, and is claimed to absorb the entire spectrum of UVA radiation. However, it does not shield us from UVB radiation and therefore cannot be considered a full spectrum sunblock. The claims made about this drug’s effectiveness in protecting us from ultraviolet light are controversial since some studies show that it breaks down when subjected to sunlight.
Some sunscreen formulas do not contain the various chemicals found in the conventional formulas on the market. One ingredient that is used in these sunblocks is zinc oxide. The mineral zinc, which has been shown to be beneficial for the prostrate gland, is also added to sun protection formulas since it reflects UVA and UVB light. It is considered a full spectrum ultraviolet light protector and may even help prevent skin cancer.
Another very famous herb that is consumed by millions of people throughout the world is green tea. This natural compound is not only found in skincare formulas, but is also added to sunscreen formulas. This herb possesses compounds known as polyphenols and its main antioxidant is called epigallocatechin gallate. Most sunscreen formulas either absorb or block ultraviolet light. Green tea, on the other hand, does not block ultraviolet light but rather protects our cells from radiation damage. In some formulas, I have seen it combined with zinc oxide which is beneficial since it will further protect us from the sun’s radiation.
Another natural compound that is used in sunscreen formulas is buckthorn oil.
This substance is produced from the orange and cherry colored berries found on the buckthorn shrub. The amazing discovery of this oil is that it contains over 100 natural compounds. It is rich in various antioxidants, such as beta carotene and Vitamin E. If you apply this substance to your skin before going out in the sun, it will help prevent free radical damage from the sun’s ultraviolet light. You can also apply this oil after being out in the sun in order to help repair any damage from the elements.
There are other alternatives to getting a suntan without being out in the sun, and one of these is to visit a tanning salon. Many dermatologists advise us against this because the tanning machines emit UVA and UVB radiation. In the northeast where I live, the winter months are long and cold and since most people have a pale complexion, they flock to tanning salons. What most people don’t realize is that some of these machines emit more ultraviolet radiation than the sun.
Many times, these salons do not have the proper equipment and some of them do not provide protective goggles for the eyes. This is a problem because the light emitted from these machines may cause cataracts in the long term. Also, the staff may not be educated enough about the length of time that is safe for a person to stay in these machines. Additionally, they may not know what the long term health risks are from continual exposure on a regular basis.
The most deadly form of skin cancer is melanoma, and is attributed to being exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
Of all the different types of radiation, UVB is claimed to be the most dangerous. This type of shortwave radiation is said to burn the outer layer of the skin. UVA radiation is longwave and will penetrate deeper into the lower layers of our skin.
If you decide to get an artificial tan by using this method, you should limit the amount of time that you will stay in the tanning bed. Also, you should wear protective goggles and apply sunscreen 30 minutes before entering the tanning bed. Studies are showing that this form of tanning is dangerous and, by continued exposure, you may significantly increase your chances of developing skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.
There is a safer alternative to getting a suntan and many have called it the “tan in a bottle.”
There are two types of products available for self tanning. One is known as a bronzer, and the other is a self tanning lotion or spray. The main benefit of a bronzer is that it will give you an immediate tan, but its down side is that it will wash off immediately.
The first bronzers that came out on the market were available in powder form. Today, they are manufactured in the form of a lotion. Before applying one, it is necessary to first cleanse your skin then afterwards apply an exfoliator. Make sure you apply the bronzer evenly throughout your face and neck; otherwise you will get an uneven tan.
Before purchasing a bronzer, read the list of ingredients in the formula to see if it contains fragrances. Most of the time, these chemicals cause allergic and skin reactions, and if so, they should be avoided. These products do not offer any UVA or UVB protection so therefore it is necessary to apply a sunscreen if you are going to be out in the sun.
You will find many different varieties of sunless tanning lotions available at your local pharmacy and department stores. Presently, since these formulas don’t require you to be out in the sun in order to be effective, they are proving to be the safest way of achieving a suntan. These products contain a chemical known as DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and this sugar will stain the skin causing the tanning effect.
I personally have used this type of product and in my case; it resulted in an orange colored tan. I have fair skin, and it would seem possible that these lotions will not achieve the same results for different types of complexions. Those people that have medium or olive complexions will more likely achieve a more natural bronze appearance after applying this type of product. After applying a self tanning lotion, you would need to allow 2 to 4 hours to achieve the desired tanning effect. I have found in my experience that the tanned appearance will last anywhere from 3 to 5 days.
I have seen a few different self tanning formulas sold in health food stores, and one ingredient that is added to these products is derived from walnut shells. This particular ingredient is responsible for giving the skin a tanned appearance. Some of these products contain a sunscreen, while most of these formulas contain chemicals and should be avoided by those who have sensitive skin and have had allergic reactions to them. I have found a natural chemical free bronzer made with organic essential oils which will achieve a natural tanned appearance. Since skin cancer is directly related to overexposure from UVA and UVB radiation, this alternative will give you a natural tan without risking your health or damaging your skin.
The content presented here on this website is for informational purposes only. These products have not been approved by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
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