Sunscreen:
The Difference between Sun Block and Sun Screen
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen, also known as Sun Block
or Sun Screen, is one of the most popular and widely used skin care products.
It is an essential step in any skincare routine and is available in a variety
of forms, including creams, sprays, lotions, and powders.
With the increasing risk of skin
exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to the depletion of the ozone layer,
it has become essential for people to use sunscreen to protect themselves from
its harmful effects.
It is recommended to apply sunscreen
to the skin and face in all seasons of the year to protect the skin from the
harmful effects of UV radiation, such as sunburn, pigmentation and tanning,
allergies, premature wrinkles, and the most serious of all, skin cancer. In
this article, we will address the most common questions about the importance,
types, and methods of use and action of sunscreen.
How does sunscreen work?
Sunscreen protects the skin from
harmful rays in one of two ways:
- Absorbing UV rays before they reach the inner layers of
the skin and cause damage.
This is called sunscreen.
- Reflecting UV rays off the skin. This is called sun block.
Why should you use sunscreen?
There are many reasons why
individuals should use sunscreen, including:
- Preventing skin cancer. Sunscreen helps protect against various types of skin
cancer caused by exposure to UV radiation. Skin cancer can be very serious
in many cases and can even be life-threatening.
- Preventing sunburn.
Sunburn weakens the skin and makes it more prone to bruising and spots.
The skin may peel as a result of sunburn, and it may appear moderately to
severely red and swollen in some cases due to exposure to the sun on very
hot days for long periods of time. Therefore, it is important to use
sunscreen to protect the skin from sunburn.
- Preventing premature skin aging. Sunscreen protects the skin from the appearance of
signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation. Sunscreen
reduces the chance of signs of aging appearing on the skin by about 24%,
especially for those under the age of 55.
Protecting
against pigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Sunscreen cream helps
protect against pigmentation caused by prolonged sun exposure, discoloration,
and the appearance of small red veins on the skin. It also protects the skin
from acne and other skin problems caused by the sun. It is important to choose
a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 and preferably
50, especially when going to the beach and being exposed to the sun for long
periods of time. You can rely on the best protection with sunscreen for the
skin, which is Valdo Sunscreen Lotion with the highest protection factor + 50
using Canadian technology for double protection, not only from harmful sun rays
but also from blue rays from mobile phones and computers that cause
pigmentation and wrinkles. Valdo Lotion is also a sunscreen for the face and
body for adults and children, and for those with oily skin because Valdo sun
screen with soft, non-greasy rapid absorption formula. It is important to note
that there is no specific age to start using sunscreen; it can be used from the
time a child is first exposed to the sun. There are various types of sunscreen
available for children on the market.
Does sunscreen expire?
All types of sunscreen have a
specific expiry date, typically two to three years from the date of
manufacture. Therefore, sunscreen can be used for approximately three years
from the date of production if stored correctly.
Physical Sunscreen vs. Chemical
Sunscreen:
- Chemical Sunscreen:
Absorbs UV rays before they reach the deeper layers of the skin. Some of
the most important ingredients include Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, and
Para-Aminobenzoic Acid.
- Physical Sunscreen (Sun Block): Provides a physical barrier to protect the skin by
reflecting UV rays off the surface. Key ingredients include Zinc Oxide and
Titanium Oxide. It is worth noting that many sunscreen products use a
combination of both physical and chemical sunscreen, like Valdo Sunscreen,
to provide broad-spectrum protection and suitable for all skin types, while also being a soft
sunscreen for sensitive skin.
Both types of sunscreens protect
against harmful UV rays. However, choosing the right one depends on your skin
type and its sensitivity to the ingredients.
How to choose the right sunscreen
for you?
There are several factors to
consider when choosing sunscreen, including:
- Lifestyle and occupation: This will help determine the appropriate Sun
Protection Factor (SPF) as mentioned earlier.
- Skin type:
Choose a sunscreen that contains moisturizing ingredients for dry skin and
a water-based sunscreen for oily skin.
- Water resistance:
This is especially important if you will be swimming or sweating.
Side effects of sunscreen
Despite the significant benefits of
sunscreen, there are some potential side effects, including:
- Some types of sunscreen, particularly those containing
Para-Aminobenzoic Acid, can leave stains on clothing.
- Certain sunscreens can make the skin more sensitive,
especially if the sunscreen is not suitable for your skin type. Therefore,
if you experience any allergic reactions on your skin after applying the
product, such as itching, redness, or a rash, wash it off immediately and
consult a doctor.
- Some ingredients in sunscreen can irritate acne and
worsen its condition. Therefore, it is essential to choose a type suitable
for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Accidentally getting a small amount of sunscreen in the
eyes can irritate and redden them, so be careful when applying it to your
face.
