What does SPF mean? What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock? All questions answered in this post! With a hot and sunny summer approaching, sunscreen/sunblock is a absolute must.
What is sun protection?
The most common forms of sun protection are sunscreen and sunblock. Natural oils are also popular for the vegans out there too. The sun gives off multiple types of harmful rays causing early aging, skin cancer, and multiple side effects. All forms of sun protection prevent the damage from the sun! The most effective way to prevent sun damage is covering up with protective clothing and staying in the shade! But for frequent beach-goers, sunblock, sunscreen, and oil is an essential.
Benefits of SUN PROTECTION
-reduced aging of skin
-prevention of skin cancer
-no burns
-avoidance of leathery skin
-many many more!
Frequently Asked Questions...
What is SPF?
SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor." The higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen or sunblock provides against UV radiation. There is a misconception about SPF determining how long one can stay in the sun without burning. This is false because everyone's skin type, reapplication and frequency of use, activities done, change of sun's level of radiation, and much more is different! So do NOT think that because you have one layer of sun protection you are covered from the sun's harmful rays.
What is the difference between sunblock and sunscreen?
There is a difference! Sunscreen is a chemical resistant that filters UV radiation from the sun. It is known to block UVA and UVB radiation. Sunscreen is recommended for daily use because of the lightness. Sunblock has a slightly different chemical mix. Titanium oxide and zinc oxide are normally found in sunblocks, and work as an actual physical block form the sun's harmful rays (UVR) instead of filtering it like sunscreen's purpose.
Is water-resistant and water-proof the same?
Nope! "The FDA considers a product "water-resistant" if it maintains its SPF level after 40 minutes of water exposure. A product is considered "waterproof" if it maintains its SPF level following 80 minutes of exposure to water" (American Melanoma Foundation).
Sunscreen: Dangerous chemicals?
There have been studies that sunscreen accelerates the growth of skin tumors! "The EWG report raised concerns about retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A compound found in about 40 percent of sunscreens. The group says that chemical could accelerate skin damage and increase skin cancer risk when applied to skin that's exposed to sunlight... Tiny cracks in the skin of people with eczema could allow these compounds to enter the bloodstream. 'Since the body can't metabolize these compounds, they can collect in the body over time,' with unknown effects, says Lim. For this reason, he says it might be a good idea for those with skin problems to avoid those compounds or use sunscreens without them." (health.usnews.com) Scary, huh? Now, there will not be any extreme effects to your daily life if you do wear sunscreen when going on an outing, BUT do pay attention to the chemicals you are putting on yourself and family!!!!
Can I get sunburned on a cloudy day?
OF COURSE! The clouds barely do anything whatsoever! Sun radiation is so powerful that the clouds do nothing! 80% of UV radiation passes through clouds, so make sure to lather up if you are going to be in the sun for the majority of the day.
Vegan Sunscreen/block Options:
If you are nervous about these forms of sun protection, use these all natural products!
-MelanSol (List of Retailers here)
-Alba (Whole Foods)
-Any type of Coconut Oil!
-Soleo Organics (Amazon)
-Jason Mineral Sunblock (Whole Foods)
-Badger All-Natural Sunscreen(Whole Foods)
-Earth's Best Mineral Sunblock (Gelson's)
-California Baby (Target)
**Image is not mine
Hope this was helpful! Please follow and comment what you think!
*If you are company interested in contacting moi, email me at dreamingofbeautyx@gmail.com. Thanks
No comments:
Post a Comment