Sunscreen or Sunblock, which is best to use to protect my skin?

Summer is peeking around the corner now. This will mean more time outside and we all know by now that we should be wearing something to protect ourselves from ultraviolet rays, however with so many out there, which is the best? Information to help with your decision:

* Be sure to select a Broad Spectrum, one that protects against UVA (aging ray, weakens the skin cells immune system) & UVB (burn ray, causes abnormal growth in cells) rays. Both are harmful.
This is more important then SPF which refers to “sun protection factor” as related to UVB only and is simply a measurement of how long it would take you to start burning based on individual skin types. (If you normally start to burn after 20 minutes in the direct sun, then if you wear a 15 spf product theoretically you should not start to burn for 300 minutes (20×15)) A SPF of 30 is about as high as it effectively goes.

*There are chemical Sunscreens and physical Sunblocks:

*When exposed to sunlight, chemical sunscreens can generate free radicals that increase the likelihood of developing cancer. Other chemicals have also been shown to mimic estrogen and disrupt the endocrine system. Chemical sunscreen ingredients include: avobenzone, cinnamates, octocrylene, oxybenzone, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), padimate-O, and alicylates. The chemical sunscreens are partially absorbed by the skin, not a good thing for obvious reasons.

*Physical blockers, on the other hand, contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. (Some studies state that titanium dioxide might also react with other sunscreen chemicals to further free radical production (i.e. cancer-causing cells)).
The best choice seems to be zinc oxide, and the latest advances virtually eliminate the white discoloration that used to be associated with using it. Sunblocks work by creating a physical barrier between the skin and the sun, reflecting sunlight away from the skin. Gaia Essentials Sensitive Skin Sunblock

* Other pointers: Reapply at least every 2 hours while is the sun. Wash off completely and apply a soothing moisturizer after-wards, do not leave this sitting on your skin unnecessarily or over night. Wear a Hat & Sunglasses and try to avoid exposure at peak hours of strong sunlight (10am-2pm)

Anti-bacterial Cleansers getting FDA’s Attention Again

The power of the media astounds me, but it does work both ways. Fear tactic marketing was used to sell chemical based anti-bacterial cleansers for personal usage & just about everywhere else in our lives with proof that they were no more effective then regular soap & water is. Now once again they are back in the eye of the FDA due to side effect health concerns caused by repeated exposure, particularly Triclosan.

I blogged about this over a year ago, the issue is not new, and the FDA has opened investigations again. Front page articles back in the news:
Listing of FDA investigation articles via Google News

Be safe, be simple, if you would not eat it do not use it on your skin surfaces. The pores in your skin absorb what you lay on it, get into your bloodstream and effect you internally. Think of your skincare regiment as you would your meals.

Spring Time means the Farmer’s Market!

It’s time to get out and spend some time browsing what the local Farmer’s Market’s are offering. Not to mention heading to the Spring Art Shows.

Fresh Produce

Fresh, vibrant colored produce, bursting with flavors. Amazing foods, breads, veggies, fruit, nuts, homemade chocolates, spreads, cheeses, the list goes on and on. Local artisans with jewelry, pottery, and of coarse handmade authentic soap & skincare products. This is a wonderful way to spend a half a day, not to mention get great ideas for your meals.

The Coastside Farmer’s Market opens in Half Moon Bay May 1st, with Pacifica starting the 5th. I am stocking up and will have a booth at both for the season. (thru mid December)

Also on April 11th there will be a Gaia Essential booth at the 1st annual North Bay Art Show with an amazing line-up of talented artists.

Winter hibernation is over, get up and get going!