
The best sunscreen protects us from both UVA and UVB rays.
Summer is almost here, and that means that more and more people will head to the beach or public pools, exposing their skin to cancerous skin rays. However, that’s why sunscreen was invented. The market is filled with such creams, some promising more protection, other guaranteeing a smooth skin or a pleasant perfume.
The offer on the sunscreen market meets the demand. There are thousands of companies, creating various creams that protect from sun rays, dehydration, help you get an even tan, and much more. However, there are a few things that you must keep in mind when looking to buy a new sunscreen.
Don’t Trust “Waterproof” or “Sweat-proof” Creams
The FDA is very strict when it comes to the terms “waterproof” or “sweat-proof”, that being said, some companies advertise their products as being “suited for sports enthusiasts,” or “water resistant.”
Dermatologists are advising people to steer clear from such products, or at least follow the basic rules of sunscreen use (re-apply as soon as you get out of the water and once every two hours).
The Best Sunscreens Protect You from both UVA and UVB
Most of the creams on the market are designed to protect the wearer from UVB rays due to the fact that they are the ones who cause burns. However, UVA rays are as dangerous as UVBs because they are the ones responsible for wrinkles, sun spots, and lack of firmness.
According to dermatologists, sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are efficient against both UVB and UVA, while Mexoryl and Avobenzone offer the best UVA protection.
In This Case, Don’t Opt for Products that Contain Vitamin A
Even though vitamin A is one of the most efficient ingredients in skin moisturizing creams, it doesn’t have the same benefits when it comes to sunscreen.
According to several studies that were sponsored by the Government, when used in sunscreens, vitamin A interacts with the sun rays in such a manner that it could trigger the development of serious disorders like tumors or skin lesions.
The ingredient is usually listed as retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinyl acetate, or retinyl linoleate.
Most importantly, no matter the type of sunscreen you end up buying, you must keep in mind that dermatologists recommend people to put on an ounce of cream every two hours so that our skin is protected from the harmful radiation emanated by our sun.
Image source: Wikipedia