Sunscreen/Sunblock ... how much SPF?

[Reha]

@maroush

There is a common misconception that darker/Asian/black skin tones don’t require any form of sun protection. Just because you can’t see the damage, does not mean it’s not there; whilst sun damage such as discolouration, age spots and wrinkles may not show up as well on darker skin, a skin scan would show the damage underneath the skin and you’ll see what truly lies under your superficial skin layer.

**Sunblock **(known as a physical blocker)acts as a wall between your skin and the sun. These products are opaque in formulation and usually contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or as the main ingredient. Because sunblock does not absorb into the skin, it is recommended that you use this on children older than 6 months.

**Sunscreen **(known as a chemical blocker) contains chemical ingredients that are absorbed by your skin (hence why you should apply it 15 mins before leaving the house) and they protect the skin by absorbing and reflecting UV rays , yet still allowing a certain range of UV light to be absorbed into the skin.

So, which one to pick? that decision lies with the person using it. Some people are sensitive to some of the ingredients in sunblocks and sunscreens so it’s a matter of trying them out and seeing what works for you. Also, make sure you use protection that protects you against both **UVA **(ages the skin) and **UVB **(cancer causing) rays. Most importantly, make sure you use some type of sun protection every day… and making sure to re-apply throughout the day!

IMO, you should never skip sunscreen! Apply it everywhere where your skin is exposed…and you should not be using it just for when it’s sunny!!

Hope that helps!

:k:

@Muzna

I use dermaglow sunblock. It has an SPF rating of 70 and is recommended safe for facial application (where your skin is the most fragile and sensitive).

I use it on Noor’s face as well as mine every single morning and I have noticed a significant difference as compared to the Aveeno and Nutrogena ones that I had been using in the past.

Ive never heard of dermaglow but will look into it.

I currently use Clinique’s Cityblock SPF 40 and really like it. No funny residue as it is slightly tinted.