More about Sunscreen and Sunblock

I was recently asked about which sunscreen or sunblock to use. In checking into this, I discovered that the FDA in still in the process of revising recommendations on the effectiveness and safety of sunscreens. They have been working on this since August 2007 and not a word on it since. We are in the middle of summer now, and for those with the hottest part of their summer yet to come, I have looked into this subject more deeply.

An important first question that needs to be answered is this one: what exactly is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock? Sunscreen is UV (ultraviolet light) protection by absorbing the UV so these rays don't reach your skin. Sunblock literally and physically blocks the UV rays -- in addition to UVA and UVB, making it the better choice as I see it.

On my face, I personally use Bullfrog SuperBlock Lotion SPF 45 which contains the necessary ingredient, titanium dioxide (a naturally occurring mineral), that makes it a block instead of a screen. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are one of the two items you should look for in the ingredients list to ensure you are really getting a sunblock product. The Bullfrog web site is www.bullfrogsunblock.com and they have a range of products. I apply lightly twice and then reapply during the day. Also, I use this without foundation and frankly, I prefer the slightly pale white effect I achieve then applying Bullfrog lightly twice. Next, I just use eye makeup. Then, apply to your hands as well. That and a big hat will help protect your face from damaging sun radiation. Yes, it is actually radiation.

UV light is also called UV radiation by researchers. Scientists believe that both UVA and UVB light causes skin cancer. In the past, scientists thought that only UVB caused skin cancer, but recently they discovered that UVA radiation penetrates even deeper into the skin than UVB -- which is one of the major causes of skin aging.

A little more about the sun, sunblock and sunscreen. Many people have an issue with using the term sunblock. It is true that sunblock doesn't "block" all of the sun radiation, but as a marketing term, it does describe a virtue that I seek in the best sun protection. Keep in mind that some sunscreens "block" UVA rays as well. Check the ingredients list to see if the sunscreen contains one of the following: aveobenzone, oxybenzone, and octocrylene.

Remember, make sure your loved ones, especially your children use sun protection too.

PS: the following is an excerpt from a New York Times editoral published July 4, 2008: "...the Environmental Working Group, a Washington research organization, issued its own warning about sunscreens. After collecting studies on sunscreens, the group recommended only 15 percent of those on the market with S.P.F. ratings of 15 or higher. The others either did not protect skin enough from some radiation that can cause skin cancer or included ingredients linked to possible health hazards. Major producers of sunscreens and some dermatologists were alarmed about televised versions of this report. Manufacturers protested that their products are safe and effective. Dr. C. William Hanke, president of the American Academy of Dermatology, reiterated his organization’s recommendation that sun worshipers still use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a S.P.F. rating of at least 15 as part of a skin-protection program. But Dr. Hanke added that dermatologists, like the rest of us, rely on the F.D.A. to confirm the safety of these lotions."