Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Each sunscreen tends to have several chemicals that protect the skin from the sun .
Note: Most importantly, one must find a sunscreen that is tolerated well so it is used often. A sunscreen is of no use if it is not used often!
- A zinc oxide or titanium dioxide containing sunscreen is recommended as zinc and titanium protect the skin by reflecting sun light from the skin back into the atmosphere.
- Most other active sunscreen ingredients protect the skin by absorbing the sunlight before it can affect the skin cells. While this is effective, each ingredient may only absorb sunlight of specific wavelengths.
- An important ingredient is called Parsol 1789 or avobenzone, which absorbs the longer wavelengths of sunlight.
Note: Most importantly, one must find a sunscreen that is tolerated well so it is used often. A sunscreen is of no use if it is not used often!
