Skin Care Tip: Sunscreen sense

We all know the importance of wearing a sunscreen to protect our skin against the damaging effects of the UV rays, but do you know how to select an effective sunscreen? There are too many choices on the market and not enough information. There are basically two types of sunscreens: chemical, (or absorbing) and physical blocks. The majority of sunscreens available are chemical, which still allow the UV rays to absorb but scatter them to diffuse the damage. The higher the SPF number, the more chemicals it contains. This might be a problem if you have sensitive skin, which might react negatively to all the chemicals, and you still are not getting the most effective protection.

The physical blocks will contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and will deflect the UV rays to provide the best protection. These formulations are no longer the opaque white zinc of the past so you can wear them everyday. The best anti-aging tool? Sunscreen.

My skin at age 51 has very few wrinkles and hyperpigmentation from sun damage.