Beauty Information

What is the difference between synthetic and organic sunscreen?

Synthetic sunscreens usechemical ingredients to absorb the ultraviolet rays. Synthetic materials tend to break down easily after application and especially when exposed to water and sweat. The nanoparticles can also be easily absorbed into the skin and into the blood stream.

Mineral-based sunscreens use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (at least 7% for broad spectrum protection) to deflect the sun rays. These minerals form a physical barrier to protect the skin from absorbing UVA and UVB rays.

Understanding UVB and UVA...

The sun radiates ultraviolet rays consisting of UVC, UVB and UVA. UVC usually does not reach the earth surface as it is absorbed by the ozone layer. UVB is considered the “tanning ray”. Most Sunblocks only block the UVB rays which penetrate the epidermis. UVA is the most damaging and can be considered to be a light X-ray. UVA penetrates the dermis which consists of collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerve endings, and ground substances (gylco-amino-glcans, mucopoly-saccharides).

Wrinkles, Brown Spots and Dry Skin...

The dermis is the layer that provides firmness to our skin, and it stops renewing at the age 28yrs. Prolonged exposure of UVA cracks and shrinks the collagen and elastin resulting in a smaller sized area of the dermis. This results in the loosening of the epidermis creating wrinkles and dryer skin. The melanocyte cells in the dermis also becomes overly active from the UVA, leaving a brown spot. There are no laser or cosmetic procedures that can PERMANENTLY REMOVE these brown spots, and some procedures could even make them worse!

Do not leave home without a sunscreen!