Fragrantly Beautiful

Shedding Some Light on Sunblock Facts

By Angie L

What is the largest and heaviest organ of the human body? No, it’s not the stomach and it isn’t our brains, either. It’s our skin and it is definitely one of the most important parts of our body.

Listen to these facts: The average adult skin weighs 101 lbs. and measures 20-sq. ft. when stretched out. While it may be our largest organ, it is often time our most neglected when it comes to care. No where else is this more evident than our lackadaisical attitude towards protecting it from the sun.

We all know how important it is to apply sunblock, but do we really know all of the truths concerning sunblock protection? The following are a few of the most misunderstood misconceptions we have regarding sunblock protection, followed with the correct facts we should all know.

MYTH - The SPF of a sunblock determines how well it offers protection.
FACT - The SPF relates only to UVB frequencies and nothing with UVA radiation, which is the cause of more long-term damage. The key is to find a broad spectrum sunblock that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Look for the very important protective ingredients of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

MYTH - Sunscreens and sunblocks prevent skin cancer.
FACT –Sunscreens help reduce the risk of additional UV damage more than anything but they do not prevent it. The damage from sun exposure is collective. Skin cancers can form even with and after use of sunscreens due to previous UV exposure.

MYTH – You cannot burn on cloudy days.
FACT - On a cloudy day, your skin is exposed to fewer UVB rays, but 65% of the sun’s damaging UVA rays penetrate both clouds and glass. You can unknowingly become severely burned while driving a car on a cloudy day.

MYTH –Wearing foundation make up with SPF’s of #4 or #8 won’t require an additional sunscreen or sunblock.
FACT - The FDA states that a minimum of SPF 15 is needed to protect you from the sun. There are very few make-up foundations which contain higher numbers than an eight. If you do happen find one that does have an SPF 15, then jump on it. If by chance you can’t find one, then be sure to wear an SPF 15 sunscreen under your foundation.

MYTH – Only sunblocks and sunscreens protect from sun damage and premature aging.
FACT – True, sunblocks and sunscreens are essential, but there are other products which canincrease the effectiveness of your sunblock. Topical Vitamin C Serum is one that works great.

Any skin care products containing the ingredients hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin protect the skin from the sun. Any anti-aging treatments that contain Vitamin A, Alpha Hydroxies, and Beta Hydroxies also help combat premature aging of the skin caused by the sun.

If you don’t feel comfortable with any of the above listed suggestion in protecting your skin from the sun, there are a few other things that can protect you even more than the best sunblock on the market. Sunblocks like long-sleeved shirts or a nice, shady tree work wonders and have been used to years.

For more information on makeup subjects such as this, be sure to visit the experts from MakeUpTip at www.makeuptip.com. When they’re done, your face will look like you just left an expensive salon. They offer tips on how to achieve a velvety, natural finish and keep your eye makeup lasting longer.

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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 7:35 AM