Sunblock

Not all sunblock products are created equal. Quality lotions for protecting the skin from sunburn by harmful ultraviolet rays contain both sunblocking agents and sunscreen agents. Sunblocking agents include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, oxybenzone and/or azobenzone - components which block the skin-damaging UV-B rays which can cause skin cancer. Sunscreen agents, on which the SPF rating of a sunscreen product is based, do not block UV-B rays. The SPF rating is based solely upon the UV-A blocking ability. For this reason, when you buy a product to protect your skin, you need to inspect the product for the presence of sunbocking agents. You may also want to avoid sunscreen products that have avobenzone, oxybenzone and fragrance for babies and sensitive skin. A review of sunscreen / sunblock products is given below to help you make an informed choice.

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The SPF rating is a measure of how long you can be protected. As you move up in the SPF ratings past an SPF of 15, several trials indicated that you don't get much more protection from UV-B rays. However some recent tests, indicated that significant improvement of protection is seen with SPF 30 sunblocks vs SPF 15. A "broad spectrum" sunblock is recommended by the American Association of Dermatology recommends that a "broad spectrum" sunblock. Reapplications are recommended every 2 hours. http://www.dermatology.ucsf.edu/skincancer/General/prevention/Sunscreen.aspx

The rating scale for SPF at 15, 30 and 40 are 92%, 97% and 97.5%, respectively for UV-B protection. http://www.gosunsmart.org/yourskin/yourskin_protection.shtml You should not choose a sunscreen solely based on its SPF rating because it does not reflect its ability to reflect skin damaging UV-A rays. Iit is better to look for products that advertise "broad-spectrum protection," which means it protects against both types of rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreens have avobenzone or sun-blocking minerals such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These minerals are considered the best for protection against sunburn. http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/skin-care/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-product-with-spf/

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 - has avobenzone and oxybenzone for blocking UV-B rays. It is non-oily but stngs the eyes if it gets in them. Called "lightweight. Costs about $3 per ounce.

• No-Ad Sunblock Lotion SPF 45 - contains avobenzone sunblock for blocking UV-B rays. Gives similar protection to the Neutrogena product and maintains the SPF in water for 80 min. Has aloe and fragrance. The most economical sunscreen at 60 cents per ounce.

• Blue Lizard Suncream Sensitive SPF 30 - recommended for baby or sensitive skin. Has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for protection against UV-B rays. It is thicker and creamier than other brands, so it takes longer to apply. About $2.40 per ounce.

• Banana Boat Sport Performance Dri-Blok Sunblock Lotion SPF 30. Has a matte finish and does not sweat off as easily. Dries to a powder. Has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for blocking UV-B rays. Can take longer to apply due to its consistency. About $1.50 per ounce.

• Source: consumersearch.com