Physical sunscreens are important in the process of ensuring healthy and youthful skin. Physical sunscreens, also referred to as mineral sunscreens, are made with active ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which physically block and reflect damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays on the surface of your skin. Physical sunscreens offer an instant protection against sun damage unlike chemical sunscreens which absorb the UV rays and convert them into heat.
Reasons of Sun Damage
Sun damage is mostly caused by excessive exposure to UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays go deep into the skin and cause premature aging like wrinkles and fine lines whereas UVB rays cause sunburn. Both kinds of rays have the ability to make one develop skin cancer over time. Your skin may be damaged even on cloudy days or when you are exposed to the sun during short periods.
Effects of Sun Exposure without Protection
The lack of skin protection against the sun may cause a number of short-term and long-term symptoms, such as:
- Redness and sunburn
- Pain and inflammation
- Dry or scaly skin
- Dark spots or hyperpigmentation
- More fine lines and wrinkles appear
- Increased chances of developing actinic keratosis and skin cancers
When your skin tends to get irritated when exposed to the sun, burns easily, or exhibits photoaging, all these may be indications that you require a more dependable type of protection such as a physical sunscreen.
The Reason to Use Physical Sunscreens.
Physical sunscreens are usually recommended to people with sensitive skin, rosacea, or melasma, because they are less irritating. They start working as soon as they are applied unlike the chemical sunscreens which take time to absorb. And physical sunscreens are more photostable, which means they are not as easily broken down by the sun, so they provide you with longer protection.
Skin Care with Professional Guidance
We are here to assist you in selecting the most appropriate sun protection depending on your skin type and lifestyle at Heights Dermatology. Prevention is better than cure, so do not wait until you have sun damage, act today.
Book your appointment at Heights Dermatology and allow our dermatologist in Houston to help you find the ideal physical sunscreen.
