Understanding Sunscreen Labels: Information about the Ingredients

A bottle of sunscreen.

Source: comedy_nose | Flickr

Some of the ingredients you might find in a bottle of sunscreen are:

• Zinc oxide
• Titanium dioxide
• Avobenzone
• Oxybenzone
• Mexoryl SX (ecamsule)
• Retinyl Palmitate or Retinol

The purpose of sunscreen is to absorb or scatter UV radiation. Both types of UV (A and B) should be avoided. Older sunscreens don’t offer that. That is why we should look for labels with broad spectrum, wide spectrum, or UVA/UVB spectrum. Ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, mexoryl SX (ecamsule) and oxybenzone offer broad-spectrum protection. But according to the Environmental Working Group or EWG, oxybenzone is a “hormone- disrupting” compound as shown in a study of mice, and should therefore be avoided. The group recommends zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as safe and effective UV blockers. Ecamsule is also safe but very few sunscreens has this forumulation, while avobenzone should be limited to only 3%.

Skincare Product Ingredients that Won't Clog Pores

I have an acne-prone skin and a very oily face. I guess it runs in the family. In the morning after washing my face, my skin becomes rejuvenated, clean, and glowing. However, as soon as midday arrives, my face starts to become very shiny. The sebum that appears of course makes my skin even more prone to acne breakouts.

How to Choose Sunscreen

It sure is fun to play outdoors, but be sure to wear proper sun protection. Choose the right kind of sunscreen for better protection.
Source: Photo by africa via Freedigitalphotos

It's summer already! Time to hit the beaches and have some outdoor fun. But beware of the sun. Don't forget one very crucial step to your skin regimen: applying sunscreen.

Sunscreen blocks the sun's harmful rays that damage the skin. Stores offer a wide range of sunscreen products and it might be confusing to us which products to choose. Here are some tips for choosing your sunscreen:

Frugal Shopping and Reading the Labels

Choose your products wisely.

Photo by Ambro 

I came from a frugal family. Going to boutiques has been a challenge to us. When we choose products, we not only consider the quality but also the price. I remembered going to a boutique with my mom many years ago. I was so happy to find a very cheap bottle of lotion. It was a buy one take one commodity. I quickly showed it to my mom, but soon after

My Dermatologist

I used to have a lot of pimples. My lack of knowledge on skin care had worsened my acne condition. I rubbed and scrubbed my face and overused topical medications. My skin was peeling so badly. But I endured all these unsightly marks thinking that acne is normal for teenagers. High school passed then came college. My skin became a bit better, as a friend suggested me to use Likas Papaya Soap which has salicylic acid ingredient. However, my skin was still flaky and dry. Breakouts would still occur from time to time as college life was quite stressful. Now that I’m way beyond those teen years, I still get breakouts. It was only a few years ago that I decided to see a dermatologist.