Protecting Your Skin From the Sun, Naturally

By Sam Saliba

(NUI) - Ultraviolet light has increased worldwide with the thinning of the ozone layer. More than 90 percent of UV radiation is UVA, which is most intense during the morning hours and present in cloudy and clear weather conditions.

UVA passes through window glass, penetrates into the dermis, and causes tanning and wrinkling. UVB, which is more pronounced during midday, does not penetrate glass and is associated with sunburn and tanning.

According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Just one blistering sunburn raises the chances of developing a melanoma by about 50 percent. More than 40 percent of Americans who live to 65 will have skin cancer at least once.

Sunscreens and sun blockers are classified according to SPF, an index indicating protection against skin erythema. SPF index quantifies UVB protection only.

Physical sun blockers, made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are opaque formulations that reflect both UVA and UVB. Chemical sunscreens are not opaque and usually absorb UVB only. An SPF 15 sunscreen filters 92 percent and an SPF 25 percent filters approximately 96 percent of the UVB. SPF ratings higher than 30 are primarily used by sun care companies as a marketing tool and take advantage of the public's misperception of what the protection ratings mean.

Caribbean Pacific Sol Cremes represent four sun blockers with varying levels of protection: SPF four, eight, 15 and 25. The only difference between the different Sol Cremes is the quantitative amount of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide used to provide either greater or lesser degrees of protection.

Consequently, the inert physical sun blockers provide significantly more protection against the damaging effect of the sun by reflecting UVA and UVB and are much healthier skin care agents. A preventive measure for limiting sun exposure is the regular application of Sol Cremes.

Caribbean Pacific's products are natural-based, eco-safe and derived mostly from renewable sources. The use of ingredients such as aloe vera, rosehip oil, squalane, tea tree oil, natural vitamin E, and other natural extracts and oils diminishes the potential for carcinogenic, allergenic and toxic effects that accompany the use of other chemical-based products.

About the Author:

Sam Saliba serves as director of research and development and president of CP SunCoast Manufacturing Inc. He holds a doctorate in chemistry and mineralogy.

Article courtesy of www.newsusa.com.