Summer is almost here. Do you know how to choose a sunscreen? Sunscreens come in several different forms, including lotions, creams, oils, gels, sprays, sticks, and aerosols.
There are two main categories of sunscreens: Physical and chemical.
Physical sunscreens literally get between your skin and the sun’s rays. Applying physical sunscreens is like draping an opaque, waxy coat over your skin to block light from entering. These sunscreens are usually pasty white when applied to the skin, although newer micronized versions are less pasty. The main ingredients are titanium and zinc.
Chemical sunscreens block the sun by causing complex chemical reactions that prevent light from penetrating the skin. This type of sunscreen has the advantage of blending into the skin without causing a white pasty coating, but the disadvantage is that the chemical reactions may be harmful. Chemical sunscreens should not be used in children under 2.
Which type of sunscreen is better? You can find out by purchasing Dr. Nakhla’s book, The Skin Commandments: 10 Rules to Healthy, Beautiful Skin, on Amazon.com. Or contact OC Skin Institute for an appointment with Dr. Nakhla today! (714) 547-6111.