How to Choose a Good Sunblock

The selection of a good sunblock is important to optimize skin protection from the dangers of the sun. Basically, the use of sunblock is intended to dispel ultraviolet light so as not to damage the skin. Many conclude that choosing a good sunblock or sunblock depends on how much SPF it contains, even though the SPF content is only one of many other considerations. What is more recommended to do is to use sunblock regularly. In general, the ingredients of sunscreen products are divided into chemical and physical categories based on their working properties. Chemical sunscreens work by converting ultraviolet (UV) rays to heat, so they do not harm the skin. Conversely, physical sunscreen is able to reflect ultraviolet light so as not to damage skin cells. Wearing sunblock or sunblock should be done regularly, especially by people who have a lot of outdoor activities and are exposed to a lot of sun exposure. Changing the color of the skin becomes darker is the body's natural effort to prevent cell damage that can lead to skin cancer.

Observing the Sunblock Content

It is well known that long-term exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays can trigger skin cancer. Therefore, in choosing a good sunblock or sunblock product, you must pay attention to its effectiveness in blocking UVA and UVB rays at the same time. In order for a sunblock product to be more effective, usually the following substances will be added to it:

• Ekamsule

Sunblock with ekamsule material can block UVA or UVB rays, can be used to swim, and low risk to irritate the skin.

• Avobenzone

In choosing a good sunblock material it should be stable when sunlight hits it. If this is not the case, then its effectiveness in protecting the skin is questionable. One ingredient that belongs to that category is avobenzone. This material can block UVA rays, but is not effective against UVB rays. Although rare, this ingredient can cause dermatitis in some people.

• Benzophenone

Benzophenone is often mixed with oxybenzone and dioxybenzone, which are common ingredients used in sunblock. This material works by absorbing UVA and UVB rays and changing it. Besides being effective, benzophenone can also be used for swimming. Even so, sunblock with the content of this material can cause skin irritation in some people.

• Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide

The ingredients that are widely used in sunblock products are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Both are materials that have long been used as a constituent of sunblock. Another advantage of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide is their ability to reflect UV light on the skin. Both of these ingredients are proven to be safe and effective for the skin in preventing the negative effects of sunlight. However, because it is included in the physical sunscreen, the use of these two substances tends to leave a white stain (white cast) on the skin.

Other things to note

In addition to choosing the right sunblock support material, also consider the following:

• Minimum SPF 30

Be sure to choose a sunblock with an SPF (sun protection factor) content of at least 30. The SPF number refers to the level of protection against UVB rays. SPF 15 can block 93 percent of UVB, SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of UVB, SPF 50 blocks 98 percent of UBV, and SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB.

• Water resistant does not mean waterproof

There is no sunblock that is truly waterproof ', because after being exposed to water, the sunblock will be erased from the skin. The purpose of water resistant in sunblock packaging is that the product can be used for 40-80 minutes while swimming or sweating. But after rising from the pool or every two hours, sunblock must be re-applied.

• Sunblock for sensitive skin

For owners of sensitive skin, choose sunblock with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide content. Both of these ingredients are included in physical sunscreen, so it does not absorb into the skin. In addition, choose sunblock labeled hypoallergenic and without fragrance.

• Sunblock texture according to skin type

If your skin is oily, choose a textured sunblock gel because it is lightweight and dries quickly. Sunblock gel is also suitable for application on hairy skin. For dry skin, choose a sunblock that contains moisturizer. Avoid sunblock spray because it usually contains alcohol which makes the skin more dry. Creamy sunblock is suitable for dry skin and can be used on facial skin. However, if your skin is prone to breakouts, avoid creamy sunblock, because it will make the skin more oily, feel heavy, and cover the pores of the skin.

• Friendly for children's health

The level of skin sensitivity of infants and children is different from the skin of adults. Therefore, do not apply sunscreen for adults to children, especially in infants. For children, choose sunblock made from natural, without fragrance, without parabens, free of alcohol, free of PABA, and free of phthalate. Sunblock with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide can also be an option, because it is not easy to irritate the skin of children. Just like in adult skin, both materials can withstand ultraviolet rays and are not absorbed by the skin.

Remember that good sunblock products should be able to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. The ability of sunblock to block both types of UV rays is usually written on the packaging label in broad spectrum terms. When going to do activities in a wet place or if the activity triggers perspiration, select products labeled waterproof. However, it is still recommended to reapply sunblock every two hours.