Sunscreen, designed to protect the user from sun skin damage might actually cause sun skin damage if applied incorrectly and infrequently. University of California Riverside chemists examined the effects of sunscreen lotion on the skin and found that after a period of time, the lotion or cream is absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. If more sunscreen is not applied to block ultraviolet radiation (UV), the sunscreen that has been absorbed into the deeper layers of skin creates additional oxidative damage as UV rays are able to penetrate through to the deeper layers where the sunscreen has been absorbed. When sunscreen is applied often, this does not happen. There is only one practical solution at this time and that is to apply sunscreen lotion or cream often, about every two hours or after sweating or swimming. Researchers suggest another potential solution would be for sunscreen makers to mix sunscreen with antioxidants because antioxidants have been shown to reduce UV-induced damage to the skin. UC has published an in-depth explanation with photos of effects to the skin following the sunscreen experiments here.
1. All of the cosmetic products that I use (moisturizers and liquid makeup) have suncreens as an ingredient. I apply them early in the morning and do not redo my makeup at all during the day or evening. (I do not go out in the sun without a cap as I had a basal carcinoma removed from my face 30 years ago and was warned about sun exposure.
My questions: Is there oxidative damage that may occur simply by being on the skin without sun exposure. (My skin has not shown any appreciable aging in at least the last 20 years.) Also, how can I tell which brand, if any, is using either titanium oxide or zinc oxide as a sunscreen. Or, are there any other safe sunscreens. The products just mention the spf number.
Thank you.
Posted at 4:12PM on Sep 3rd 2006 by francine miller