Brenda Berndt

Brenda Berndt
esthetician and owner of glo facial spa & skin center

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Be Choosy about your Sunscreen!


When Choosing a Sunscreen, Be Smart, Think Physical
There is a huge difference between physical and chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb UVA UVB, which causes more of a heat reaction, which increases tissue inflammation and makes your skin more susceptible to damage. You will often see more dark spots, sun freckles, wrinkles, and fine lines because inflammation stresses your skin and reduces immunity activity.
Physical Sunscreens are reflective; Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide are reflectors so light may bounce off the skin. This is the best protection for skin, to maintain a cooler skin reaction. Physical sunscreens reduce skin stress and potentially minimizes the long term effects of sun damage.
Look on the shelf, you will notice the higher the SPF sunscreen the more chemicals you will see. Check out some of the chemical sunscreen ingredients below. Don’t forget to look at your active ingredients with the drug facts. Chemical sunscreens may not be the solution for your summer fun.
  • Octyl Methoxycinnamates
  • Benzophenones
  • Octylcrylene
Be Choosy when selecting your sunscreen - and remember, to keep your skin younger looking, it should be used year round, not only in the heat of the Summer!