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Fun in the Sun Protection
August 11, 2010
Choosing the right sunscreen for you and your family can be very confusing. Like most skin care products, sunscreens may also contain chemicals. We cover our body and face with them each time we are going to be out in the sun, hoping to protect ourselves from harmful UVB and UVA rays. Actually the chemicals may cause deeper damage.
SPF measures only protection from the burn caused by UVB light not from UVA rays which penetrate deeper than UVB, causing skin cancer and wrinkles. To protect you from both UVB and UVA rays, look for an all natural mineral sunscreen made with a concentration of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or a combination of the two. Mineral sunscreens physically block and reflect sunlight. Be sure to apply every two hours because no sunscreen is truly waterproof and none last all day!
Non-mineral sunscreens contain active chemical ingredients including oxybenzone, octisalate, and octinoxate. These chemicals raise many health concerns and none block the harmful UVA rays. Oxybenzone, which the body easily absorbs, has been linked to low birth weight babies and altered hormone levels.
Please read the labels on all your sunscreen products before covering your body with them! Remember, hats, clothing and shade are still the most reliable sun protection. Find that beautiful shade tree in your yard that Mother Nature has so graciously provided, sit down, rest and enjoy the summer weather!
Linda Blackburn
Linda is licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio and has been a massage therapist since July 2002. She acquired her esthetician license in November 2007. Her specialties include Swedish massage, organic facials, reflexology, hot stone massage, chakra balancing, reiki master, and certified practitioner for massage cupping. She also has had additional training in body treatments, including lomi lomi, body wraps, sugar scrubs, and herbal wraps.
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