Getting to Know the Different Types of Sunscreen

You've seen them all in TV commercials, different brands of sunscreens claiming to be the best sunscreen in the world. Since you love staying under the sun, swimming, running, jogging, and playing almost every sport, you need to pack up some sunscreen. But should you buy a waterproof sunscreen? SPF 15? SPF 30? How about one that's made with zinc oxide? Or is it titanium dioxide?

If you are confused with the various types of sunscreens available over the counter and you can't understand the labels of them all, then welcome to the club. You are just one of the millions of people who are confused by sunscreens. It is recorded that a great number of people opt not to use sunscreens because they do not know its importance or they have no idea how to use it or why they even need to use one.

Sunscreens come in different forms. You can choose from creams, lotions, moisturizers, sprays, sticks, and gel. Aside from their forms, they can also be categorized according to how they protect your skin from the sun and the ingredients they are made of.

Physical Sunscreens

There are two types of physical sunscreens namely zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical sunblocks protects the skin by reflecting or scattering the sun's UV rays before it even penetrates in the skin. They are not absorbed by the skin so they last longer and can work as soon as they are applied. Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are known to be gentle enough for everyday use, safe for babies as well. They only stay on top of the skin hence they rarely cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. It can be applied three times a day like in the morning, noon, and afternoon.

Chemical Sunscreens

Unlike physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin and are made of several active ingredients. Several chemicals are combined and each one blocks a different region of UV ray. A sunscreen is labeled as "broad spectrum" when it has all the chemicals needed to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Most chemical sunscreens work against UVB and UVA rays and may also contain a physical blocking agent like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or Avobenzone.

Water Resistant Sunscreens

Since the sun's UV rays can still pass through water, you still need sunscreen when you go swimming. Water resistant sunblocks are especially designed for those who are involved in water sports. There is however a difference between a water resistant sunblock and a waterproof sunblock. The first can maintain its SPF level after 40 minutes under the water while the latter maintains the SPF level after 80 minutes of being immersed in water. A waterproof sunscreen stays and protects longer than a water resistant sunscreen. Check the labels to ensure that you got what you want.

Whatever type of sunscreen you choose to keep your skin sun protected, remember to use a sufficient amount to cover your arms, legs, neck, face, and other parts of your body that you know will be exposed to the sun.