Sunscreen – but I don’t like them!

My last blog talked about why you should wear sunscreens – you would not believe the reasons I have heard over the years as to why people wont wear them! Common complaints include that they can feel greasy, oily, or may irritate skin or eyes. This prevents many people from complying with daily use or repeat application guidelines. These symptoms are usually due to the multi-vowel/un-pronounceable chemical agents used in the manufacturing of many sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreen agents such as Aminobenzoic Acid or Benzophenanes are chemical absorbers of UVA/UVB rays and offer only partial protection. Other ingredients offer a physical barrier from the UV rays. These are seen on active ingredient labels as Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide and are responsible for the white or opaque coverage many are familiar with and don’t like.

Luckily, new technology has micronized the particles to be more cosmetically acceptable and less obvious. Most medical grade skin care lines offer many sunscreens that contain one or more of these new and improved ingredients and offer many application options such as creams, gels, powders, sprays and pads. There really is no excuse not to find a sunscreen that will work for you!