The country of Uganda is situated right on the equator in east Africa. This is fantastic for weather and climate, but it creates a scary situation for the concentration of the sun’s rays on the skin. For this reason, the use of sunscreen is extremely important to stay healthy and happy! Skin cancer is relatively prevalent in my family, and with a very fair complexion, I am particularly at risk, so the most effective use of sunscreen is really important to me!
I talked to my dermatologist about the types of sunscreen that will be the best for me in Uganda. Most sunscreens can be classified into two main types: chemical and physical.
- Chemical sunscreens contain special ingredients that act as filters and reduce ultraviolet radiation penetration to the skin. These sunscreens usually contain UVB (rays responsible for causing sunburn and most skin cancers) absorbing chemicals and now contain UVA (rays responsible for the signs of aging; contribute to the development of skin cancer) absorbers as well.
- Physical sunscreens, usually referred to as sunblocks, contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that physically block ultraviolate radiation; they provide broader protection against both UVB and UVA light.
She said that most of the sunscreen products sold in the US are made from chemicals that don’t protect the skin as well as formulas made with metals. These metals provide more effective physical blocks from harmful UVA and UVB, so these types of sunscreens are the ones I will want to stick with. The chemicals typically feel lightweight on the skin and are relatively non-greasy, which makes them pretty desirable for most people that hate the feeling of oily sunscreen on their skin.
She had three main recommendations for products to use:
- Blue Lizard (from Australia; sometimes found in stores; really effective)
- Soleo Organics (the best on the market; REALLY heavy, yet doesn't make you break out!; must order online)
- Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby (found in stores!!)
I went to the store to read the ingredients of (literally all of) the sunscreens I found on the shelves. Most sunscreens in stores do not contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. This certainly does not make them bad or ineffective, just not as effective as those that do contain those metal compounds. I actually found a Banana Boat baby sunscreen that had titanium dioxide, but not many others contained metals.
While sitting in the dermatologist's office I read something that stated that a person's risk for melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns. Yikes! So, slather on that sunscreen, I know I will!
