How Does Sunscreen Work for Cancer Prevention

How does sunscreen work? Basically, a sunblock lotion protects your skin from burning when it is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. It creates a barrier between your biggest organ and the sun's ultraviolet radiation. It protects you by either absorbing or reflecting the radiation.

The best sunblock lotion has ingredients that can prevent damage that leads to different types of skin tumor such squamous cell carcinoma.

What you probably don't know is how a good sunblock lotion can also work to prevent the other types of cancer and other diseases that are triggered by a weak immune system.

The immune system can become weak when you are always exposed to harmful UV radiation. That's why it is imperative that you always use a good sunblock lotion. If you intend to stay long or you work under the sun, get more protection by wearing sun protection clothing in addition to putting on the lotion. By the way, keep in mind that children are the most vulnerable to the dangerous effects of radiation coming from the sun. They need the most effective sunblock lotion that is specially suited for their skin.

How does sunscreen work? Through the active ingredients they contain. So make sure you get the ones with the best ingredients.

The best sunblock ingredients

Chemicals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the most essential sunblock lotion ingredients for skin cancer prevention.

Some ingredients like parabens, glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone and petrolatum are also used. These are synthetic ingredients which are not considered healthy. For one, parabens are preservatives. Petrolatum is a petroleum by-product which speeds up aging.

The best sunblock lotion ingredients are those that can work perfectly both for your skin and the environment.

How does sunscreen work?

There are 2 ways an effective sunscreen lotion can work.

First, it stays on top of your skin forming a physical barrier which reflects UV rays. A sunblock lotion that will work this way has titanium dioxide as its main active ingredient.

Second, it penetrates and bonds with your skin instead of just staying on top of your skin.

What is a chemical-free sunscreen?

A chemical-free sunscreen does not contain harmful chemicals such as paragons, SLS, petrochemicals, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone and phthalates.

Oxybenzone is a questionable ingredient in sunblock lotions because it is found to cause allergic reactions and can possibly upset hormone levels in your body. This is a concern because oxybenzone can penetrate the skin. Retinyl palmitate is a type of vitamin A that may cause harm when exposed to the dangerous rays of the sun. SLS is carcinogenic.

So, when you go and buy your next bottle of sunblock lotion, do yourself a favor and read the label.

Does sunscreen expire?

Yes, sunscreen lotions do expire. An expired sunscreen lotion won't work against UV radiation. It is always a good habit to check your sunblock lotion for its expiry date. Toss it into the garbage bin if it's already expired and get a new bottle.

How else can you know the sunblock lotion you have is expired? It smells and looks awful.

What sunblock lotion should you buy?

I recommend Smart Shield sunscreen for you and your family. Please read on why I do.

It has zinc oxide, which provides broadspectrum protection for both UVA and UVB radiation.

Its other active ingredients are avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocylene and padimate. These are also the active ingredients in the sunblock lotion they make for children, which are approved by pediatricians.

How does Smart Shield sunscreen lotion work against UVA and UVB rays? It provides superb protection by penetrating into your skin. It uses aloe vera as its penetrating agent.

Aloe vera shares the same Ph condition with human skin. This allows your skin to stay cool and sweat naturally even with the sunblock. It is also an excellent moisturizer.

Smart Shield sunscreen is biodegradable and environmental friendly. It is preferred by those who indulge in water sports as it doesn't get transferred to the equipment they use or to the clothes they wear. Even those who work as fishermen or who fish as a hobby choose it over other brands. Why? Because It can't harm or pollute marine life since the lotion stays off the water and on their skin.

It is especially good for those who have oily skin (just like me!) and who live in a humid climate (just like me again!). My husband who loves the outdoors so much always resisted using most sunblock lotions because of the white film they leave on his skin, especially on his face. He has tried those made by popular brands like Neutrogena and Aveeno. This was until he discovered Smart Shield sunscreen.

What is the most effective sunblock for children?

Smart shield sunscreen for children is one. It won't clog pores or cause any allergies. It is PABA and DEET free. Since your child's skin is far more delicate and sensitive than yours, she/he requires a sunblock lotion that can safely work for her/his skin. It provides full protection against the sun's UVA and UVB rays even if your child is in the water because it isn't washed off by the water.

How does sunscreen work? It starts to work as soon as your skin fully absorbs it so make sure that the lotion is applied 20 minutes before going out in the sun.

Related Pages You Might Like:

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer | How to Prevent Skin Cancer | Types of Skin Cancer

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