Are you blocking the UVA?

Are you blocking the UVA?

While we have all heard of the benefits from using a daily sunscreen (anti-aging, avoiding skin damage and cancer), it is good to note that not all sunscreens are created equal. Many sunscreens are good at blocking the long UVB rays, however most do very little to block the damaging short UVA rays.

Ingredients that absorb UVA/UVB rays, such as avobenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate, are known as absorbers or chemical based sunscreens. In contrast, physical blockers of UV radiation have ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

In a recent post from SkinTour.com “Are You Blocking UVA, Too?” Dr. Brandith Irwin explains,

“Remember that SPF refers only to UVB protection and doesn’t help you on UVA. And buying a sunscreen that says “broad spectrum” or “UVA Protection” won’t necessarily protect you much. Some of those have only a tiny amount of zinc or titanium for UVA blocking.”

To read her entire article including a list of affordable UVA sunscreens for the body and face, go to: http://www.skintour.com/tips/Are-You-Blocking-UVA-Too-.html.

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