Do you use sunscreen?

[lunacycles]

Zinc oxide can block against both UVA and UVB rays, covering the whole spectrum, while titanium dioxide only delivers protection from UVB rays.

Well now I am confused. BestBloc uses only titanium dioxide as its active ingredient, yet claims protection from both UVB and UVA. Given this info, wondering how that is possible?

[marni]

another thing to think about- especially thosse who have had sun poisoning- the consumpption of artificial sweeteners has been associate with increased sun sensitivity.

I do know that in the case of my daughter and myself it is absolutely the case which is why I have learned to drink lemon water and black coffee and avoid all pre sweetened foods. My daughter drinks something with artifical sweetner, goes out in the sun and ends up with a red and white splotchy wash after 15 minutes.

Just a thought, since artificial sweetners are in everything.

Doesn't mean you shouldn't worry about sunscreen but another factor to consider.

marni

[abejita]

Well now I am confused. BestBloc uses only titanium dioxide as its active ingredient, yet claims protection from both UVB and UVA. Given this info, wondering how that is possible?

So, one thing you have to understand is that there is a UVA/UVB spectrum. Titanium dioxide is very good in the UVB spectrum, but just covers a small portion of the UVA spectrum. Regulations in the US allow manufacturers to say it is broad spectrum. This is why you have to be so careful about picking a sunscreen. Here is part of an article that might explain the titanium dioxide better.

Titanium dioxide is a physical sun blocking agent that work primarily by reflecting/absorbing ultraviolet light. It bocks UVB and short UVA (320-340 nm, a.k.a UVA-2). Titanium dioxide is less effective against long UVA (340-400 nm, a.k.a UVA-1). Hence, in regard to the range of protection, titanium dioxide is inferior to zinc oxide, another popular physical sun block.

[HermitGirl]

Does anybody have the experience , or know if sunscreen goes bad from one year to the next? I actually think I've developed an allergic reaction to sunscreen on my face, as my sinuses get really sickly feeling and I just feel like I've got to wash it all off my face. Not breakouts, but beneath the skin, in sinus (behind eyes feeling) about a couple hours after applying it. I bought it fresh only last summer, Neutrogena brand, both the face moisturizer with 15, and the 45 sunblock. I really am quite freaked as I finally settled a couple years ago on thinkin Neutrogena was 'my brand', having never felt this reaction so severely before. But it's downright unbearable now.

[lunacycles]

So, one thing you have to understand is that there is a UVA/UVB spectrum. Titanium dioxide is very good in the UVB spectrum, but just covers a small portion of the UVA spectrum. Regulations in the US allow manufacturers to say it is broad spectrum. This is why you have to be so careful about picking a sunscreen.

Thank you, Mary--really valuable and helpful info...

[NoNo]

Just read this:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36832300...in_and_beauty/

Kind of scary that there's no regulation or standards. Also didn't realize that many sunblocks didn't work on UVA, which is what causes wrinkles. I admit I thought that the SPF numbers were exponential and was really surprised to see how small of a difference there was between 30 and 15.

[abejita]

Thanks for the article...I was about to look for something along the same lines.

The US historically has really only been concerned with UVB rays (the ones that burn you. That is all the SPF rating refers to. Many European sunscreens offer and additional rating system for UVA. There sunscreens have an SPF rating and a PA rating (the uva protection) it will be PA +, ++, +++ or ++++.

Also, there are many ingredients that are not photo stable (which is ridiculous in a sunscreen) So you either have to make sure there is something to stabilize the ingredients or it contains a sunblock that is photo stable.

My husband thinks that it is hilarious that for years, I had my friend ship me contraband sunscreen from europe (the fda hadn't approved the sunblock)

[Catrin]

Just read this:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36832300...in_and_beauty/

Kind of scary that there's no regulation or standards. Also didn't realize that many sunblocks didn't work on UVA, which is what causes wrinkles. I admit I thought that the SPF numbers were exponential and was really surprised to see how small of a difference there was between 30 and 15.

Thanks for the article, and I found that small difference between the SPF numbers enlightening. It sounds like I should go for a physical sunblock
This has confirmed my choice of a physical sunblock over a chemical one. It was quite a shock to read that there is no regulation on this in the US...

[snowroo]

http://www.canada.com/mobile/iphone/...f-e2db80d172b5

Don't have to get it in Europe. Canada has good sunscreen too. My Derm recommended ombrelle