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Sunscreen, Sunblock and Sunburn: What you should know.

Through this article you will find out what sunburn is; learn the differences between sunscreen and sunblock; understand what SPF is; and learn the distinctions of water-resistant and waterproof sun protection products.

What you should know about sunburn

Sunburn results when skin cells have been damaged and/or destroyed. The outer layer of the skin is comprised of dead cells on the surface and live cells directly underneath. These live cells continuously produce dead cells to revitalize the surface of the skin. When sunburn occurs, the live cells of the epidermis have been overexposed to the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) of the sun and have been injured or killed. The result is flushed skin, as the blood flow increases in the damaged area and white blood cells work to remove the affected cells. The associated burning pain is actually a reaction from the chemicals released from the damaged cells.

Who's at Risk?

Spending long periods of time in the sun with non-protected, exposed skin is a recipe for disaster. And while fair skinned people are more susceptible to sunburn than those with darker skin tones, this doesn't mean that dark skin is immune. The truth is that tanned skin has a natural SPF of about 4, while dark skin has an SPF of 8. In addition, certain medications like oral contraceptives and antibiotics may cause increased sensitivity to UVR. Children are also at great risk for sunburn due to their thin, sensitive skin. Dermatologists recommend keeping infants out of the sun, and providing sunscreen for children six months or older; applied to areas not likely to be inadvertently put into their mouths, or that can drip into their eyes. Remember that repeated exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer in later years.

The difference between Sunscreen and Sunblock

There are two types of products that protect the skin from the sun's damaging ultraviolet radiation: chemical and physical products. Sunscreen is classified as chemical, while sunblock is physical.

Sunscreens actually absorb the ultraviolet radiation, thus and reducing the amount of radiation that penetrates the skin. There are two types of ultraviolet light, UVA, often called the "aging ray" which weakens the immune system of the skin cell, and UVB, called the "burn ray" which causes changes to DNA that can cause abnormal growths in skin cells. While older sunscreens were only effective on UVB, newer formulations are effective on both UVA and UVB. Even people with sensitive skin can find highly effective sunscreen designed to be non-irritating. For example, Pharmaceutical Specialties Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 35 is excellent for those with sensitive skin.

Sunblocks, on the other hand, are classified as physical. As the name implies, they physically block both the UVA and UVB radiation from the skin. Sunblocks used to be thick, white, greasy creams made of either titanium oxide or zinc oxide, but they've become much more user friendly. Consider trying Cotz Transparent Sunblock SPF 58 or Neutrogena's Active Breathable Sunblock , which is available in an SPF of 30 or 45; it's a waterproof, sweat proof, non-greasy sunblock made for an active daily life.

What's an SPF?

Sunblocks and sunscreens are rated with SPF numbers. SPF refers to the "Sun Protection Factor" for UVB rays only. A sunscreen with a SPF of 15 will delay sunburn from occurring for 15 times (in minutes) longer than normal if using no protection at all. For example, if it takes someone 20 minutes to sunburn and they applied a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, they would be able to remain in the sun for 300 minutes (15x20). SPF's are rated typically from 1 to 60, although there are some products with an even higher rating. While most suggest an SPF of 15 for everyday use, the activity, time of day, time of year, and the duration should all be considered.

What's the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?

If you're out playing in the water, or perspiring heavily, determining how long a sunscreen or sunblock remains on the skin is very important. The FDA considers a product to be water-resistant if it maintains its SPF rating for at least 40 minutes of water exposure. To secure waterproof status, the FDA states that a product must maintain its SPF rating for more than 80 minutes of exposure. Two highly recommended products are Waterproof Sunblock by Murad and Foundation #4 and #5 by Dermalogica are great choices for your daily regimen. Don't be afraid to mix it up either. Blending a lighter or oil-free sunscreen with a sweat proof, waterproof, or rub proof sunblock could be a winning combination for everyday wear.

When choosing your moisturizer, why not try one formulated with SPF? Excellent examples include Extra Protective Moisture Lotion by Eucerin, Dermalogica's Sheer Moisture SPF 15, or All-Day Moisture Defense Cream by Peter Thomas Roth. Each one provides a minimum SPF of 15, provides great sun defense, will keep your skin supple, hydrated, and will provide you with a product that pulls double-duty for your busy lifestyle.

After the fact

Don't be dismayed if despite the best of intentions, sunburn occurs anyway. This may happen as the result of a missed reapplication, an unexpected outing sans having sunblock or sunscreen on hand, or a forgotten patch of skin. Whatever the reason, After Sun Repair by Dermalogica is just what the doctor ordered for relief and repair after over exposure to the sun. Also, remember that the tops of the feet, the back of the hands, and the back of the knees are the most commonly under-protected or forgotten areas.

Article posted 7/02/2004.

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Extra Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 30 by Eucerin $11.99

Sheer Moisture SPF 15 - Untinted - Untinted by Dermalogica $39.00

COTZ SPF 58 by Fallene $26.99