I tell my clients the number one thing to use on their skin is sunscreen. If they are only going to do one thing, then sunscreen it is. Especially for those who live in sunny climates.
There are so many choices out there. Do you know the difference between a chemical sunscreen and a physical blocking sunscreen? Chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin and fight off the damage the sun's rays are doing while you are exposed. Chemical sunscreens can take up to 20 minutes to penetrate your skin after applying them. They may irritate your skin and have the potential to run into your eyes causing tearing. Chemical sunscreens are the ones that contain scents, avobenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate, bensophenone and oxybenzone. This does not mean they are bad for you or ineffective. It just means they are different than a physical sunblock or chemical-free sunblock. If you have sensitive skin, you should probably choose a physical or chemical-free sunblock.
Physical sunblocks do just that. They reflect the sun from your skin rather than just fighting off the damage of the sun's rays. Physical sunblocks are usually composed of micronized titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or a combination of both and usually contains no scent. Years ago surfers and beach volleyball players would apply colored zinc oxide on their noses. Not only did it totally block the sun from their nose it added a little pizazz. Initially zinc oxide was very white, very thick and hard to rub in. Now technology has made it much more user friendly. Find one that says it is micronized and it will rub in, no white left behind, and you will be protected.
Choose the sunscreen that works best for you so that you will wear it every day no matter what.
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