All About Sunblocks 1: Faqs

I really prepared this topic, hence the partition of the posts. Summertime is here, and it's time again to bring out the most important product for this season: Sunblocks. I did this comprehensive post because a lot of people still think that sun protection is as easy as buy-apply-go. I want everyone to realize that there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to buying sunblocks, and a lot of things to know about sunblock application, types, and skin compatibility.

The term 'Sunblock' is not to be confused with 'Sunscreen', as Sunscreen is a term used to define anything that will prevent the sun's rays from coming into contact with skin. (e.g. clothes, umbrella, hats, etc.) Sunblock is considered as a type of Sunscreen.

A brief history about this miracle product: The first sunblock was believed to have been invented by Franz Greiter in 1938. It was called 'Glacier Cream', and has been estimated to have SPF 2.

The widely used sunblock (which inspired the concoctions today) was invented in 1944 by Benjamin Green, an airman-turned-pharmacist. It was called 'Red Vet Pet' (Red Veterinary Petroleum). It was developed by Green to address apparent signs of sun overexposure in soldiers and their families assigned to the Pacific. Red Vet Pet was a very unfavorable goopy, petroleum- like substance with a red tint. Coppertone has discovered the product, acquired the patent, and marketed it as 'Coppertone Girl' and 'Bain De Soleil' during the 50's. Sales have been consistently off the charts when it was first introduced in the retail market, and the rest is sunny, happy history for good ol' sunblock.

Most people dislike sunblock because according to them: It clogs pores, feels thick and hot on the skin, and is something that only vain people need. Unfortunately, a huge number of people are still not into the habit of slathering sunblock on their body. Surprise, surprise! Sunblock is no longer exclusive to the vain. People should know that Sunblock has already transcended its cosmetic use: It's now considered as a preventive treatment for skin.

Cosmetic and pharmaceutical technologies have gotten so much better over the years, and sunblocks are no longer goopy, thick, and annoying. So there's no excuse for you to skip it. You shall know more about sunblock types, brands, and products in part 2.

Sunblock is also the most powerful skin product you'll ever own. It prevents a ton of future skin conditions that will require A LOT of money. So before you conclude that sunblocks are expensive, think again.

Ultra Violet A- what? What are they?!

UV- stands for 'Ultra Violet'; term used to refer to the light emitted by the sun; a type of light ray

UVA- A stands for "Aging"; the type of UV ray that causes wrinkles, pigmentation, and age spots; damage caused by it becomes apparent after a period of time; cannot be blocked by windows and most sunblocks; can cause serious sun- related skin conditions

UVB- B stands for "Burning"; the type of ray that causes sunburn and skin darkening; can be blocked by sunblocks; cannot penetrate solid barriers (e.g. windows, umbrellas, clothing, hats, etc.); not as harmful as UVA, but can increase UVA's damage potential.

UVC- most fatal Ultra Violet Ray; doesn't reach the earth, as it is being absorbed by the Ozone Layer once it hits the topmost part of the atmosphere; recent written literatures tell us about the thinning of the Ozone Layer, and UVC's chances of coming into contact with the earth's inhabitants is slowly increasing; researches have shown that a brief exposure to it can cause sunburn. (think 5 minutes)

THE SPF HULLABALLOO

SPF stands for 'Sun Protection Factor'. It determines the efficacy of sunscreen. The higher the SPF, the more protected you are from UVB rays.

There are actually mathematical ways to know how much SPF you need, and how long your sunblock permits you to stay under the sun. When it comes to choosing the right sunblock, there are many factors to consider such as skin types, degree of exposure, and time of day, that's why I think we shouldn't fully rely on these calculations. Besides, it just makes everything too complicated. There are standard recommendations, and I'd rather list them down than let you guys find a calculator:

1. SPF 30 is good enough for your face and body, but only good enough for moderate sun exposure

2. If you have sensitive skin, choose sunblocks with higher SPF

3. Apply your sunblock 30 minutes before sun exposure to let the ingredients bind with your skin

4. Reapply sunblock right after exposure

5. Shake the bottle/tube/jar well to activate the ingredients

6. Do not skimp on sunblock

7. Use sunblock everyday. Cloudy and rainy days included.

8. For extreme sun exposure, use sunblock with at least SPF 50.

9. Apply sunblock liberally on face as it is the most prone to sun exposure

10. Use lip balms with SPF. Your lips have the thinnest skin, so protect them really well.

11. Use eye makeups/products with SPF. Your under eyes have thin skin too.

SUN DAMAGE

Here are sample pics showcasing serious sun damage. Hopefully, these will convince you to buy a tube of sunblock the next day.

SERIOUS SUNBURN

- Can cause very painful blister patches on skin

SKIN CANCER: BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

SKIN CANCER: SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

WHOOPS! You're only done with the scientific part! You must educate yourself on the technical aspect of sunblock as well! Read PART 2! :D

**Disclaimer: Pictures were taken from various websites.