Chemical Free Sunscreen

Considering the skin is our largest organ, it is critical to protect it from the harmful effects of UV rays year-round. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays results in damage to the skin's underlying elastin and collagen fibers leading to sagging, fine lines and wrinkles. Excessive exposure to the sun can also lead to hyper pigmentation and increased risk of several skin cancers. In reverence to our body's largest and most protective organ, sunscreen should be the first line of defense in an individual's arsenal.

Selecting the right daily facial sunscreen can be tricky, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Traditional sunscreens are likely to contain synthetic chemical substances that absorb into the skin, and can be unsafe and irritating. Many people find chemical free sunscreens to be a better choice. Chemical free sunscreens contain inert mineral particles that create a physical barrier against the damaging rays of the sun, instead of absorbing into the skin. Chemical free sunscreens most often contain the ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are not absorbed into the skin, but instead lay gently on the surface of the skin, reflecting or scattering harmful UV rays.

There are multiple benefits of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the two main ingredients of chemical free sunscreens. Zinc oxide is a natural anti-inflammatory, a mild antimicrobial and has shown to sooth and restore the skin. Titanium dioxide is a highly reflective white mineral that is listed in the FDA monograph as one of the most effective active ingredients for sun protection. Additionally, both of these ingredients are non-irritating and non-comedogenic, making chemical free sunscreens ideal for everyday use - for all types of skin.

Some chemical free sunscreens can leave your skin looking white and pasty. For a smoother, lighter chemical free sunscreen; look for one of the new formulations of physical blocks that contain micronized particles of zinc or titanium oxide.

Beauty Cosmedics has a unique product called Oil Free Moisture SPF 15 that has micronized particles and is ideal for daily sun block (www.beautycosmedics.com). This chemical free sunscreen is a blend of moisturizer and UVA/UVB protection that is at once paraben free, oil free and chemical free. In addition, it is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it a smart choice for healthy, protected skin.