What is SPF or Sun Protection FactorSPF refers to protection received from UVB radiation, and is an
indication of the amount of time you may spend outside before your skin becomes pink. If it takes ten minutes for someone's skin
to turn pink after sun exposure without sunscreen or any sun protection, then when they apply SPF 30+, they will be able to stay
out in the sun for 300 minutes(that is 10 multiplied by 30) before the skin will go pink.
It is important to be aware that all of these types of calculations are approximate guides omly, as sunscreen testing is based on 'average' adult person. It has never been tested on children.
It is a common misconception that an SPF 30 sunscreen will offer double the sun protection of an SPF 15.It merely increases the time one can stay out in the sun. In Australia sunscreens are not allowed to display a SPF factor higher than 30. Sunscreen Ingredients Sunscreen are classified as either 'physical blockers' or 'chemical absorbers'.
Physical blockers work by either reflecting or scattering incoming UVR, while chemical absorbers, as the name implies, absorb UV radiation. Physical Blockers
Zinc is one of the most widely used physical blockers. Zinc is great for applying to the nose, ears and lips, and is potentially less irritating around the eyes.
The other popular blocker used is titanium oxide. both zinc and titanium oxide scatter or reflect UV light.
Sunscreenpackaged specifically for children are not necessarily different from those for adults in terms of active ingredients they contain, often these are based on zinc oxide and titanium oxide, rather than on chemical absorbers.
Chemical Absorbers
One ot the earliest sunscreens used was PABA(para amino
benzoic acid), however, it is a good sunscreen, it is
no longer favoured as it has been associated with a number
of adverse side effects. sunscreens for children are often
labelled 'PABA" free.
Other chemical absorbers include benzophenones, salicylates and cinnamates what does 'dermatologist tested' means
In actual, it does not provide any information on the type of testing being conducted and by whom, and what the results were. This claim by manufacturrers is just a promotional tactic to make you believe that the product is probably superior to others on the market.
Hypoallergenic
It gives the impression that probability of an allergic
reaction is very low. In actual fact, there isn't any
official definition for this word and isn't a medical
term.
Sodium laurel sulfates(SLS)
SLS is a surfactant, or foaming agent, that is added to many personal care products, including soaps, shampoos and toothpaste. SLS refered to as 'carciogenic' but there is no legitimate research-based evidence to support the argument.
Fragrances Fragrances are prominent in babies range, although they smell sweet, still can cause
irritation to babies with sensitive skin. Fragrance free is definitely best for babies.
PreservativesPreservatives are added to minimise bacterial growth in a product, preventing it from contamination for the shelf life of the product.Phenoxyetanol is considered to be fairly safe and
less irritant preservative available. Some manufacturers claimimg to be preservative free use certain antioxidants and/or
botanicals to act as preservatives for the product, but avoid the use of word preservative. |
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