123 BLOCK MYSELF with SPF 20 sunscreen

When answering this question we need to look at:
SYNTHETIC VERSUS NATURAL SUNSCREENS-
Properly shielding the skin is important when spending time in the sun, but there has been a recent focus on the benefits of natural skin protection.

Weighing the options:
SPF 20 blocks 94% of UVB rays while SPF 50 blocks 98%.

IN SYNTHETIC SUNSCREENS:
High SPF products require higher concentrations of sun-filtering chemicals than low SPF sunscreens do. Some of these ingredients may pose health risks when they penetrate the skin and have been linked to tissue damage, potential hormone disruption and even skin cancer. Some may also trigger allergic skin reactions.
IN NATURAL SUNSCREEN:
High SPF products become thick and are difficult to apply, leaving a sticky white residue on the skin;

SPF 20 is a reliable method of sun protection that extends your sun exposure time by 20 times compared to not using any sunscreen, potentially providing over 3 hours of protection. To ensure maximum effectiveness, take into account factors like the time of day, level of activity, and sweating, which may reduce the effectiveness of SPF 20. For optimal protection, remember to regularly reapply sunscreen.

PHYSICAL BARRIER: Physical barrier is not absorbed by your skin, it just sits on the skin’s surface. Light is either absorbed into the sunblock material or reflected away from the body back into the atmosphere similar to a mirror or tin foil. Physical protectors, such as zinc oxide, reflect UVA rays.
Physical sunblock ingredients (UVA and UVB protection, non-irritating, non-allergenic)
• ZINC OXIDE:
Recognized as a mild antimicrobial, wound healing and sunscreen agent. Primarily absorbs UVA light rather than scattering or reflecting, non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and micronized by forming many small micro particles for cosmetic use.
• TITANIUM DIOXIDE:
Derived from Titanium, a highly reflective white chalky mineral, non-irritating, non-comedogenic, micronized by forming many small micro particles for cosmetic use, listed in the FDA monograph as one the top and most effective active ingredients for sun protection.
CHEMICAL BARRIER:
A chemical barrier has the ability to be absorbed by the skin, sunlight is invalid upon contact. Most chemical protectors absorb UVB rays. Meaning: the chemicals absorb the UVB rays. None of the chemicals absorb the whole spectrum of UV rays (like physical barriers do), so several different chemicals are needed to make a protective chemical barrier. The challenge with these chemicals: your skin absorbs them; when heated they become reactive and toxicity levels rise.

When we are describing the pigmentation of the skin, we are referring to changes to the colour of your skin. The pigment responsible for the colour of your skin is called Melanin, which is made by the melanocyte cells in the skin. Melanin is produced due to a signal from the enzyme Tyrosinase and this message can be “over triggered” which can cause the melanocyte to create more melanin than usual. The melanin will flood into the cells causing the skin to darken. This condition is called Hyperpigmentation.
In a normal healthy skin, the melanocytes produce melanin when the skin is exposed to UV light as a way of protecting itself. This is what gives us a suntan but excessive exposure to the sun can cause an increase in melanin production.
Pigmentation can take on many appearances when caused by over exposure to the sun. Some people may be covered in lots of pigmentation patches and some will have a few small patches of pigment appearing like freckles. You will be recognized it most on areas that are exposed to the sun, e.g., you will notice that the top of your arms will always look darker, but the inside will always be lighter.

What causes pigmentation?
It can be a combination of internal and external factors. The sun generally is often the biggest cause for most people. However, age, hormonal imbalances, stress, diet and environmental attack, such as pollution, can also lead to dark patches appearing.
You do not only have to be sunbathing to be at risk as UVA rays are present all year round. Just being outside in the daylight continuously can in some cases give equal damage as to those who sit in the sun once a year on holiday. The best way to prevent dark patches is to wear an SPF on the skin daily.

Look for products which contain Vitamin C as this helps to reduce the Tyrosinase activity which therefore slows down the production of melanin. It will also brighten the skin and help to even out the skin tone. Products that contain ingredients which have antioxidant or anti free radical properties will also help as they can protect the skin from environmental attack and help prevent skin rust. There are many treatments available which can help from facials, peels, and microdermabrasion to laser or micro-needling. Speak to your skin care expert for advice.
The sun is a key player when it comes to your skin which is why it is so important to remember to apply daily SPF to keep your skin protected. Don’t forget, your skin pigmentation can still be targeted by using key ingredients like Vitamin C and other Anti-Oxidant rich substances. Just so you know: 123 blockmyself has all of these.

HYPERPIGMENTATION - is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin.
MELASMA - Melasma, Chloasma or also referred to as the mask of pregnancy. Here you will see large patches of darkened skin.
POST INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION -spots or patches of darkened skin that appear after skin inflammation such as eczema or acne.
FRECKLES - these can appear when melanin builds up under the skin. Freckles may look brown, red, or tan. Sun exposure and genetic factors make some people more likely to develop freckles than others, often more common in fairer skins.
AGE/ LIVER OR SUNSPOTS - are flat and dark on the skin and can vary in size. They usually occur on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands and arms. They normally years to develop and can appear like a liver shape.

The demand for natural, organic and vegan skincare is higher in Europe which means that the competition is bigger. We also want to fall under international standards and want to compete with those in the same playing field. South Africa is awakening to the damages of synthetic/chemical ingredients and we are working hard to educate clients. We are sure a movement will start soon following us towards healthier skincare.

While burning is bad, not all exposure to sunlight is harmful. It is important to be sun wise but remember that the sun's UV rays help the body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for health. Moderate exposure to sunlight is good for us and it actually boosts the level of serotonin, helping to improve the mood. It also provides vitamin D to the skin which is essential for binding calcium in bone. It does also give that beautiful sun kissed look where skin flaws like cellulite and stretch marks are not as obvious.
There's no getting around the fact that sunlight is hard on your skin. Age gets blamed for wrinkles and rough, dry skin. But the real culprit is a combination of age and sun that dermatologists call photo-aging. The short UVB wavelengths that cause sunburn can also damage DNA and suppress the skin's immune system. The longer, more penetrating UVA wavelengths may create
highly reactive oxygen molecules capable of damaging skin cell membranes and the DNA inside.