Sunscreens for Fitness

Want to look after your skin, prevent premature ageing and sun cancers? 

Sunscreen, also known as sunblock or sun cream, is a photoprotective topical product for the skin that mainly absorbs, or to a much lesser extent reflects, some of the sun 's ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thus helps protect against sunburn and most importantly prevent skin cancer. 

Here is an image of a truck driver's face where one side shows the effects of exposure over 30 years compared to the other side which would represent normal ageing. 

So now I have your attention about the importance of using a quality sunscreen lets talk about the different types! 

Did you know there are two types of sunscreens?

1. Physical sunscreen, or sunblock, contains natural minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that cover the surface of skin to physically block or reflect broad spectrum of the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Unless you're using high-end physical SPF products, sunblock can be thick and messy to apply, sometimes leaving a white sheen and residue that can clog pores and require scrubbing and rubbing to remove.

2. Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, contains synthetic ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are absorbed into the skin to filter and absorb UV rays, effectively protecting deeper layers of skin. Because it is absorbed, chemical sunscreen can lead to skin irritation and other adverse reactions. Plus, the ingredients can generate cell-damaging free radicals when exposed to the sun.  

What are the common ingredients? 

Sunscreen is a topical preparation that absorbs or reflects ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It can be in the form of liquids, creams, lotions, gels or sprays.

The most common active ingredients in sunscreens are:

- Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide: These two ingredients are physical blockers that reflect UV rays away from the skin. They are often used together because they have complementary properties.

- Avobenzone: This ingredient is a chemical blocker that absorbs UV rays before they reach the skin.

- Octocrylene: This ingredient is a chemical blocker that absorbs UV rays before they reach the skin and also stabilizes avobenzone so it doesn't break down as quickly on exposure to sunlight.

- Oxybenzone: This ingredient is a chemical blocker that absorbs UV rays before they reach the skin and also stabilizes avobenzone so it doesn't break down as quickly on exposure to sunlight.

Which one is for you? 

So, when it comes down to sunscreens the type is very personal and depends on your skin type, if you wear makeup and your lifestyle. I am a normal skin type and exercise so my reviews are focused around on what works for me with honest feedback so that it may assist you with finding a sunscreen. 

The winner was Mecca To Save Face 50+. The product is a light weight and hydrating cream that absorbs fully into the skin for a great pre makeup base or non greasy finish. 

Second place goes to Naked Sundays Mist. This was easy to apply and dried without leaving much residue. The only downfall is you need a lot of mists from the spray bottle to get full cover so the bottle will get used up quickly. 

The issue with sunscreen is you need to reapply every 4hrs. This essentially means you require an spf for your handbag or something that’s good to carry and transport. Then comes the handbag awards! Here I have chosen La Roche-Posay and Naked Sundays for your handbags. Secure lids and compact sizes with exceptional wear. 

Review Results 

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