SUN PROTECTION

You may have seen 'zinc oxide' or 'titanium dioxide' listed on everything from acne treatment, calamine lotion, makeup and sun protection, but what is it and what does it do for the skin?

The difference between UVA and UVB
• UVB rays have a short wavelength and affect the outermost layer of the skin. UVB radiation is responsible for tanning, burning and, in more extreme cases, peeling of the skin.
• UVA rays have longer wavelengths and can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin—the dermis and hypodermis. This type of UV radiation is responsible for 80% percent of the visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, deep lines, and discolouration.
It is essential to look for broad-spectrum protection against both UVB and UVA rays in any SPF product.

Physical sunscreens
There are two different kinds of sunscreen: chemical and physical.
• Chemical sunscreens are made of synthetic ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate. They work by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat which is realised before it can penetrate the dermis.
• Physical sunscreens are made of natural compounds that sit on top of the skin and block the sun’s radiation by deflecting UV rays like a mirror. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide fall into this category.

Benefits of using physical sunscreen
• Physical sunscreen protects skin as soon as it’s applied whereas chemical formulas need approximately 15 minutes to sink into the skin and begin to work.
• Because of their 'heat releasing' mechanism of protection, chemical protection wears off quicker when the skin is exposed to direct UV light and needs to be reapplied more often.
• Chemical sunscreens are formulated with ingredients that can cause irritation to sensitive and allergy-prone skin types, while physical SPFs are more gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Zinc oxide vs titanium dioxide
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only FDA-approved UV filters for sun protection. They come in a variety of forms— from powders for invisible reapplication to liquids for full body and face coverage.

Zinc Oxide Benefits:
• Non-comedogenic: Zinc oxide sun protection is great for people with congested and acne-prone skin as it's oil-free and doesn’t clog pores.
• Antimicrobial: Zinc oxide is proven to have antimicrobial properties that can help soothe irritation and heal wounds more quickly.
• Invisible protection: Unlike most chemical formulations, zinc oxide doesn’t leave a white cast or a greasy residue on the skin.

Titanium Dioxide Benefits:
• Gentle on the skin: Titanium dioxide is extremely gentle, making it a great choice for those affected by inflammatory conditions such as rosacea and eczema.
• Non-comedogenic: Just like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide is non-comedogenic.
• Invisible: Titanium Dioxide doesn’t leave an opaque layer on the skin which makes it a perfect match for all skin tones.