Whats the Difference Between Sunblock and Sunscreen?

Sunblock is different than sunscreen. An organic sunblock physically blocks the sun’s UV radiation of the skin, both UVA and UVB. Examples of natural sunblock are clothing, umbrellas, and trees. Chemical sunblock scatters, reflects, and physically blocks UV radiation. The most well-known physical organic sunblock is zinc oxide. Other commonly used organic sunblock is talc, titanium dioxide, and red vetenary petrolatum.

Sunblock does have some disadvantages. Many older chemical sunblock is opaque, the skin can not be seen through the sunblock. This may not be cosmetically acceptable for many people. They can also be greasy and clog pores, a problem for people with acne-prone skin.

A new organic sunblock formulation has been developed that contains micronized titanium dioxide. The advantage of this formulation is that it is almost invisible and still has good UV blocking capabilities.

How To Choose the Best Sunscreen

Sunscreen is quite effective in protecting the skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays when the proper SPF is used. Yet we see more and more sun damage and skin cancer mainly attributed to a lack of protection in early years of life. That is why it is very important to use sunscreen from the beginning.  It can be confusing because consumers have a such a choice between sun skin care – traditional sunscreen, organic sunscreen, natural sunblock that use all natural ingredients, and even sunless tanning lotions with SPF protection. Any time we hear the words “all natural,” we know that it is good for us. However, we also realize that there must be a reason why some of the same types of products do not contain all natural ingredients. Is it because they are better or because they are more cost-effective for the manufacturer to make? We have to take into consideration that there was a time in which our ancestors only had natural means to treat and prevent disease. Somewhere along the line we found more cost-effective ways to make products by creating man-made chemicals that got the job done. This happened with sunscreen.

People love to sunbathe and with the continuing reports that the sun is becoming more and more dangerous, the sunscreen market is booming. More people are protecting their children and themselves from the harmful rays that can cause skin cancer. No one wants to think of their children having to contend with such an awful disease, no matter how minor it may be if caught on time. But we love to go to the beach and we love to swim in our pools, so we have to take care of our skin in the process.

The truth is that you shouldn’t really have any more than 15 minutes of sun exposure each day in order to receive the necessary amount of Vitamin D. Any more than 15 minutes is what causes damage, so you need to use a sunscreen. A good organic sunscreen is going to be just as effective as a regular sunscreen and without any of the man-made ingredients. All of the ingredients are all natural, which means they are derived from plants. In other words, the ingredients are extracted from the wonders of nature that actually work.

The main difference between an organic sunblock and a regular sunblock aside from their ingredients is that organic sunblock will break down over time. However, if used consistently over the summer months, that shouldn’t matter because you’ll easily be able to use a majority of what is in the bottle if not all of it. However, when you look at the bottle of a regular sunscreen, you will notice that there are both organic and inorganic ingredients, so eventually regular sunscreen has to be disposed of anyway.

So if you want to spend more than 15 minutes in the sun, be sure to invest in a good organic sunscreen and apply it to all skin areas that are exposed to the sunlight. That way, you can still receive the benefits of the sun while protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays. You are also not putting inorganic ingredients on your skin. Everything that is inside a bottle of organic sunscreen is just as natural as you are.

Sunlight Does Wonders For YOur Health and Remember the Organic Sunblock

Numerous studies have shown that sunlight prevents cancer and gives plenty of natural, non-toxic Vitamin D, which is good for the immune system and for bone density. The Vitamin D supplement found in milk and other food products is actually toxic and can cause liver failure and eventually death. The sun also acts as an anti-depressant; it is believed that places that receive the least amount of sunlight have a higher percentage of depressed people.

It is a necessity in our daily lives and not getting enough sunlight every once in a while has been linked to poor digestion, weight gain, high cholesterol, body odor and bad breath, poor sleep, lack of energy, and much, much more. Our skin is the largest organ of our body. Anything we put, spray, rub, or massage into is immediately absorbed into our bloodstream. So why is it that we are so willing to put chemicals on our skin? Take a look at the ingredients on the bottle you can’t even pronounce half of the ingredients listed on it!

There is a growing trend of conscious companies who are providing better products. Many natural and organic skin care products take into account the unique organic nature of human skin and develop products to interact without harm. Organic sunblock can help reduce damage caused by UV rays and other environmental toxins which could hurt a persons well being.

Chloasma is a Common Skin Condition for Pregnant Women

Chloasma or the “Mask of Pregnancy” can cause blotchy discoloration on your face and splashes of darkened skin that may appear on the forehead, nose, and cheeks in a mask-like configuration on some pregnant women – more often in dark-skinned women.

What causes chloasma: Those mischievous pregnancy hormones are toying with you again, causing hyperpigmentation on many parts of your body. You might have noticed your freckles and moles are darker now, there’s probably a dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra), and your areolas are probably a deeper shade as well. (You might as well decide this is sexy.) Dark-skinned women usually notice such hyperpigmentation more, but light-skinned women aren’t off the hook completely – they too will get their fair share of darkening skin, though it may not be as noticeable.
Despite have clear skin most of their lives, many women find another “new experience” awaiting them once they discover a pregnancy. The beginning stages can be small and unnoticeable pimples – usually showing around the jaw line or forehead due to hormonal fluctuations.

Three main factors contribute to acne: increased oil production, clogged pores, and a bacteria called P-acnes. First, oil causes the dead skin cells to stick together, leading to a clogged pore, which is called a blackhead or a whitehead. Bacteria then moves into the pore, producing inflammation, which manifests as redness and pus. Addressing acne requires medications or treatments that decrease oil secretion, unclog pores, and kill bacteria.

As the pregnancy progresses, the acne will worsen. It is at this point, many women may frantically search for cures in their local drugstore or try home remedies. Perhaps they feel overwhelmed by the choices or confused by the long list of ingredients and decide to give up finding a solution. In some cases, the acne can grow to included pigmented or “age” spots as well.

All of these changes typically last the duration of the pregnancy and are due to hormonal changes and increased oil production, resulting in acne, while higher estrogen levels will activate skin color cells to make dark spots. This occurrence is so common in pregnancy that it’s been given the name “mask of pregnancy.” Sun exposure will exacerbate the issue further without a good sunscreen or sun protection, try to use organic sunblock.

Like many others, when facial skin suddenly becomes oily, the first reaction is to take away all moisture or anything ‘greasy’ that can increase the feel of oil on the skin layer.

Never fear, these again are temporary problems with easy fixes. First, stop using anything oil-based and switch to gel-based or water based sunscreens and lotion for the time being. Treat you skin as if it were the acne-prone, pigmented type and finally ask your doctor or dermatologist for a baby-safe acne treatment if the situation is really uncomfortable. Your skin should return to its previous condition soon after your baby is born.

• In the meantime – Eat foods that contain folic acid (you’ll also get plenty in your prenatal supplement), since studies have shown that a folate deficiency can be related to hyperpigmentation. Good choices include green leafy vegetables, oranges, whole-wheat bread, and whole-grain cereal.
• Stay out of the sun as much as possible and wear a natrual sunscreen of at least SPF 15 (sunlight can also intensify hyperpigmentation). A hat and long sleeves are a good idea if you’re fair-skinned, headed to the beach, or have a historically sensitive complexion.
• If you like, use a good concealer to cover particularly pesky spots, but skip bleaches or other chemically based lightening treatments until after you give birth. No peels or lasers, either.

Baby Sun Care Guidelines from the AAP

The best way to protect your baby is to keep your baby out of direct sunlight as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Routinely dress him in a hat, lightweight pants, and a long-sleeved shirt for outings during the middle of the day. Tightly woven clothing protects better than loosely woven fabrics (to see how tight the weave is, hold the fabric up to a light – the less light that shines through, the better). Add UV-protective sunglasses if your baby will wear them. Use an umbrella, stroller canopy, or sun-protective tent to protect your baby while he’s outside.

Until August 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended against using any type of sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months, because their skin’s ability to metabolize and excrete chemicals may not be fully developed. This recommendation has been revised somewhat.  You can use sunscreen on babies under 6 months if adequate clothing and shade aren’t available, but check with your pediatrician first.  If you use organic sunblock you can avoid chemical interaction altogether.  That doesn’t mean you should slather your baby in sunblock, though. Just apply a small amount of lotion to exposed areas.

For babies over 6 months, use a waterproof sunscreen designed for children. Choose a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum,” which means it protects against both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens are good to use on particularly sensitive spots, such as the nose and lips.

The AAP and American Academy of Dermatology recommend an SPF of at least 15, but many experts recommend SPF 30 or higher for babies, and many baby sunscreen formulas have even higher SPFs. If possible, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it at least every two hours, especially if your baby has been playing in the water or has been sweating (even if the sunscreen is waterproof).

When trying a new sunscreen, do a patch test on your child’s back to make sure he doesn’t have a reaction to it. If he does develop a rash or redness at the test site, choose a hypoallergenic formula instead.

Sun Care Tips for Taking Your Baby in the Sun

When you take your bay outside you should understand how to keep them safe from the sun. Their skin is so delicate that the sun and wind can burn them easily. If there is any tanning on your baby’s skin it means that there is some skin damage. The mildest of sunburns is very painful for the baby and studies have shown that skin cancer is related to sunburn in childhood. Here are some tips to protect the baby from the sun:• Dress your baby up in long-sleeved T-shirts and pants made of cotton. This will be cool and protect the skin from the sun.
• Do not let your baby out in the sun especially at noon, as the sun is the strongest at this time.
• Use a sunblock every time you take the baby out. The sun protection factor SPF should be at least 15. You should reapply if your going to be out in the sun for over a couple hours
• Use a wide rimmed hat when you take the baby out. Sunshades and umbrellas are a great tool also.
• If your baby does get sun burnt give him a cool bath and apply an aftersun lotion. It is always safer to consult your doctor first.
• Ensure that your baby is drinking a lot of fluids. Whether it is breast milk or water especially if it is very hot so that he doesn’t get dehydrated.
• Sometimes babies can have a heat stroke due to over exposure to the sun. The common symptoms are vomiting, listlessness, headaches and drowsiness. Give your baby plenty of fluids and consult your doctor immediately.
• Remember to protect your babies from the wind too. Harsh wind can damage their delicate skin as well.

Sun care if your skiing or in high altitude

Higher altitude means increased levels of harmful UV exposure compared to sea level areas. UV exposure increases 8-10 percent with every 1,000 feet above sea level. At an altitude of 9-10,000 feet, UV may be 45-50 percent more intense than at sea level. In addition, snow reflects about 80 percent of the UV light from the sun, meaning that you are often hit by the same rays twice. This only contributes to the problem, further increasing the risk for skin cancer.The combination of higher altitude and ultraviolet (UV) rays reflected by the snow puts skiers and snowboarders at an increased risk of sun damage and ultimately, skin cancer. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. It’s easy to associate winter with frostbite and windburn, but most people are unaware that UV rays can be even more damaging on the slopes than on the beach,it’s important to take proper precautions while on the slopes.

Both snow and strong wind can wear away natural sunscreen and reduce its effectiveness, so you have to take extra precautions. To protect your skin from the bitter cold, heavy winds and winter sun, follow these important sun protection tips:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors. Apply 30 minutes before hitting the slopes.Be aware that the sun’s reflection off the snow is strong even on cloudy days.
• Apply sunscreen liberally and evenly to all exposed skin – most skiers and snowboarders do not use enough sunscreen and therefore do not get the maximum protection.
• Use a more moisturizing sunscreen. Winter conditions can be particularly harsh on the skin.
• Be sure to cover often-missed spots: lips, ears, around eyes, neck, underside of chin, scalp and hands.
• Read the ingredients to learn which active ingredients are protecting you. Try to use Zinc or Titanium and organic inactive ingredients. Organic sunblock can prevent complications some chemical sunscreens may cause.
• Reapply at least every two hours, and more often after sweating or exposure to wind and snow.
• Carry a travel-sized sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 15 on the slopes. Reapply on the chairlift, especially after a long, snow-blown run. Lips are very sensitive.
• Wear items like ski masks, which will cover most of the skin, leaving very little exposed to the wind and sun.
• UV-blocking sunglasses or goggles that offer 100% UV protection and have wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, common sites for skin cancer and sun-induced aging. The sun’s rays and glare can impair your vision, so it’s important to wear sunglasses or goggles to clearly see the terrain. Plus, it will increase your enjoyment and performance while skiing.
• Keep track of the time you spend in full sunlight. If possible, ski early in the morning and later on in the day, before 10AM and after 4PM. This helps avoid long lines and decreases the amount of time spent outdoors in the most intense hours of sunlight.
• If you are on the slopes for most of the day, take a few breaks indoors to reapply sunscreen.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration from the sun.

Enjoy the winter season, but be sure to take care of your skin to avoid the damage the cold season can cause.

A Couple Myths About Sunsceen and SPF

Sun protection has become a way of life for individuals, who are intent on keeping their skin healthy, and avoiding wrinkles and leathery skin. Getting sunburn repeatedly can increase your chance of getting skin cancer. Melanoma in children has been increasing each year! So it is important for us all to take a practical approach and properly use natural or organic sunscreen and develop healthy skin care habits. Surprisingly, not everyone knows how to apply sunscreen. Only a small percent of the population uses sunscreen protection and only half of those people apply sunscreen correctly. In addition, regardless of the SPF or what the label says, sunscreens must be reapplied every 80 minutes or less. Sunscreen users mistakenly believe that high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen products will protect them all day with one application, when in fact; all sunscreens must be reapplied regularly.Two Sunscreen Myths

Myth: Sunblock provides total sun block.
Truth: No sunscreen blocks 100 percent of Ultra Violet (UV) rays. SPF 15 can protect against 93 percent. SPF 30 protects against 97 percent. SPF 50-60 shuts out 98 percent. The higher the SPF the more harsh chemicals are in the product.

Myth: An SPF 60+ sunscreen provides double the protection of an SPF 30 sunscreen.
Truth: This is exactly why the FDA is putting a cap on high SPFs. SPF 30 provides skin with 97% protection, where as SPF 60 provides skin with 98-98.6% protection. There is less than 1.6% difference in protection factor. A SPF 60+ needs more chemicals to achieve a higher SPF, potentially putting more toxins in your body.

The real confusion to consumers has been what a product can do and can’t do. There are a number of natural sunscreen products are available on the market today. The trick is to become educated! Do you believe that just because sunscreens are labeled “sweat proof” or “waterproof” that they are? Currently, the FDA is banning the word “waterproof.” Now the term, “water/sweat/perspiration resistant” is accurate, however; this only means the sunscreen offers SPF protection after 40 minutes of water exposure. The term, “very water resistant” gives 80 minutes of protection. So to be safe, use this basic rule of thumb: re-apply, re-apply, and re-apply!For people who don’t have a lot of time, especially parents, a trend today has been to use aerosol sunscreens because they find them easier to apply. However, people may not be effectively protecting their skin! While being applied, aerosol sunscreens can lose much of their protection during the transfer from the bottle onto the skin. This is because not all of the molecules land on your body.

Chemical Free Sunblock is Best

As humans, we are naturally meant to be in the sun. That been said, most of us have skin so it is better to protect our skin with sunscreen but also to be cautious not to allow too much exposure. It’s also ideal to choose a “physical” or “chemical-free” sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – look for one of those ingredients on the label.  You can try to find one that uses natural or organic ingredients too.Unlike chemical sunscreens, which may cause irritation or allergic reactions because the skin absorbs the active ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin, forming a barrier against the sun’s rays. There’s no evidence chemical sunscreens are dangerous or toxic, but we just don’t know enough yet about how young children react to the ingredients. Also, sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide start protecting as soon as you put them on, whereas chemical products need to be slathered on 30 minutes in advance so the skin has time to absorb them. Also make sure any sunscreen you use is labeled “PABA-free.” PABA was once widely used in sunscreens but now has been linked with skin irritation. Parabens have recently been exposed as a poor choice of synthetic ingredients as well. 

You may have heard you should look for a “broad-spectrum” product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Any sunscreen that contains the physical blocker zinc oxide or titanium dioxide will do this.

The sun protection factor (SPF) should be at least 15, but you generally don’t need to go above 30: Higher than that and you’re getting smaller and smaller amounts of added protection – which, in a chemical sunscreen, means a higher dose of unwanted chemicals. It’s fine to use a “children’s” sunscreen, but don’t go out of your way to buy one of these, since they’re usually no different from the adult versions.

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