What are the Different Types Of Natural Sunblock

You’ve seen them all in TV commercials, different brands of natural sunblock claiming to be the best natural sunblock in the world. Since you love staying under the sun, swimming, running, jogging, and playing almost every sport, you need to pack up some natural sunblock.

But should you buy a waterproof natural sunblock? SPF 15?
SPF 30? How about one that’s made with zinc oxide? Or is it titanium dioxide?

If you are confused with the various types of natural sunblock available over the counter and you can’t understand the labels of them all, then welcome to the club. You are just one of the millions of people who are confused by natural sunblock. It is recorded that a great number of people opt not to use natural sunblock because they do not know its importance or they have no idea how to use it or why they even need to use one.
Natural sunblock come in different forms. You can choose from creams, lotions, moisturizers, sprays, sticks, and gel. Aside from their forms, they can also be categorized according to how they protect your skin from the sun and the ingredients they are made of.

Physical Natural sunblock

There are two types of physical natural sunblock namely zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical sunblocks protects the skin by reflecting or scattering the sun’s UV rays before it even penetrates in the skin. They are not absorbed by the skin so they last longer and can work as soon as they are applied. Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are known to be gentle enough for everyday use, safe for babies as well. They only stay on top of the skin hence they rarely cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. It can be applied three times a day like in the morning, noon, and afternoon.

Chemical sunblock

Unlike physical natural sunblock, chemical sunblock penetrate the skin and are made of several active ingredients. Several chemicals are combined and each one blocks a different region of UV ray. A sunblock is labeled as “broad spectrum” when it has all the chemicals needed to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Most chemical sunblock work against UVB and UVA rays and may also contain a physical blocking agent like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide.

Water Resistant Natural sunblock

Since the sun’s UV rays can still pass through water, you still need natural sunblock when you go swimming. Water resistant sunblocks are especially designed for those who are involved in water sports. There is however a difference between a water resistant sunblock and a waterproof sunblock. The first can maintain its SPF level after 40 minutes under the water while the latter maintains the SPF level after 80 minutes of being immersed in water. A waterproof natural sunblock stays and protects longer than a water resistant natural sunscreen. Check the labels to ensure that you got what you want.
Whatever type of natural sunblock you choose to keep your skin sun protected, remember to use a sufficient amount to cover your arms, legs, neck, face, and other parts of your body that you know will be exposed to the sun.