Best Sunblocks

There are thousands of different sunblocks on the market, Which is the right sun block for me?

Yes, it is not easy to trust everything that is on the bottles of sunblocks. The only way you can choose the right product for your individual need is to know more science behind sun block and remember to consult with us in our office so that we can help you to choose the right sunblock for your need.

The picture above shows how damaging the shorter wave lengths are.

What are Radiations and Electromagnetic Spectrum?

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all possible frequencies of radiation. This spectrum extends from low frequency used in radios to highest frequency used in radioactive energy. Different types of radiation differ in their frequency of waves of radiations. The higher frequency the shorter wave length which is measured in nanometer.

What is Ultraviolet – UV – Radiation?

Sunlight is a broad spectrum of light radiation given off by the sun. The sun emit ultraviolet radiation or UV rays which are radiation with the wave length between 200 to 400. UV radiation are the damaging part of sunlight, however fortunately the earth ozone layer blocks 97-99% of the UV radiation.

What is the difference between UVA , UVB and UVC Radiation?

UV radiation differs in the UVA, UVB and UVC bands

UVA wave length 320 to 400 nm

• Makes up to 95% of sun rays.
• The least powerful of UV rays.
• Present all year and can penetrate through windows, cloud and cloths.

UVB wave length 290 to 320 nm

• Make up 5% of sun rays.
• UVB damaging power between UVA and UVC. most common cause of sunburn and skin cancer.
• Strong at the equator, high elevation and during summer.

UVC wave length 200 to 290 nm

• Most of it absorbed in ozone layer.
• The shortest and most powerful UV rays.
• Most likely to cause cancer if it reaches the skin.UV emission spectra of tanning beds:
  • UVA ranges 10 – 15 times natural sun.
  • UVB equivalent of UV index of 13.
  • (0.33W/m2) (stronger than noon in Hawaii in June).
  • Conclusion:
    • UV radiation exposure leads to skin cancer.
    • UV radiation in tanning beds much higher than in natural sunlight.
    • Tanning beds are NOT safer than natural sunlight.
    • Gerber et al, Photochem Photobiol.

UV Radiation of sunlight is the cause of Skin aging and Skin Cancer

Sunlight consists of two main types of harmful UV radiation: UVA and UVB both contribute to skin damage, sunburn, aging and skin cancer.

UVA: The “Aging” Rays

UVA causing skin aging and recent research has found that UVA also contributes to skin cancer formation as well.

UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin therefore it causes long term deep tissue damage such as elastin and collagen breakdown and leads to wrinkles, age spots, and lost of skin firmness. It results in signs of premature aging.

UVB:The”Burning” Rays

Causing skin burn and skin cancer. UVB radiation is known to cause damage to the DNA of skin cells. Skin cancer develops when this damage affects the DNA of genes that control the growth and division of skin cells.

What is SPF (Sun Protection Factor)?

The SPF of a sunscreen tells you how long a product will protect your skin, if you apply the sunscreen correctly. For example, when using sunscreen with an SPF of 30, you get the equivalent of 1 minute of burning UV rays for each 30 minutes you spend in the sun. So spending 8 hours in the sun wearing SPF 30 sunscreen is the same as spending 16 minutes unprotected. Remember, sunscreen does not give you total protection.

What is” Broad-Spectrum” sunscreen?

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects from both UVA and UVB rays. SPF is a measure of UVB protection only not UVA protection. The SPF of a sunscreen relates only to the protection you receive from UVB rays. That is why you need a sunscreen labeled “broad-spectrum” so you can make sure to protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.

Why should you use sunscreen?

Sunscreen protects against your skin to be exposed to damaging UVA and UVB rays of the sun. This diminishes the chance of:

• Painful sunburn and possibly skin break down and skin infection.
• permanent brownish discoloration of the skin called PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
• Premature aging called photo aging leading to increase in fine lines, wrinkles and dry uneven tone development of skin cancer.

Facts you must know about sunscreen use

• SPF: higher SPF protects your skin for longer period of time when exposed to sun. Use sunscreens with an SPF factor of 15 or more.
• Areas: use it on areas of skin exposed to the sun, particularly when the sunlight is strong.
• Cloudy days: use it also on days that look overcast too, since clouds are able to block only 20% of radiation.
• Prolonged sun exposure: sunscreen should not be used to allow you to sit in the sun longer. Remember that although sunscreens may help reduce your exposure to UV light they will not prevent melanoma if you get too much exposure, particularly if you have other risk factors.
• Apply properly: Remember: Sunscreen Only Works When Applied Properly.
• Apply before sun exposure: Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outside. Many sunscreens don’t become effective for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Reapply: most sunscreens need to be reapplied about every 2 hours or after perspiring, swimming or toweling off.
• “Waterproof”: or “very water-resistant” labeled products provide protection for 40 to 80 minutes when swimming or sweating.
• Expiration date: After expiration date products are less effective.
• Amount used: An average adult should use about one ounce of sunscreen to cover arms and legs, and a teaspoon each for neck and face. And don’t forget to protect your lips with an SPF 15+ lip balm.
• Most common mistakes: are using too little sun block and waiting to long to reapply.

Practicing sun safety to help prevent skin cancer

It’s important to spend time outdoors, but by incorporating some common-sense protective measures, we can play outside while still minimizing our exposure to UV radiation.

Sunscreen is just one part of a sun-healthy lifestyle

The best ways to lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time.

• Learn facts about sunscreen. (see above).
• Avoid the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Seek shade: Look for shade,us umbrella, especially in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Liquid intake: stay well hydrated in the sun.
• Practice the shadow rule and teach it to the children. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
• Slip Cover up with protective clothing to guard your skin as much as possible when you are out in the sun. Choose comfortable clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that you cannot see through when held up to a light.
• Use a hat: Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.
• Wear sunglasses with 99-100 percent UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.

Protect your kids: Skin cancer risk increases with life long accumulative effect of sun exposure.