A sunblock is stronger than a sunscreen. A sunblock contains chemicals that block the sun’s rays by reflecting and scattering them. In other words, a sunblock acts as a physical barrier. Previously, only titanium dioxide was used; it was responsible for the white noses of lifeguards. Now, manufacturers distribute smaller particles of titanium dioxide throughout the sunblock so that it does not create a “white shield” or they use other ingredients that also effectively block the sun.

Sunscreens protect the skin because their chemicals absorb UV rays, thereby preventing them from penetrating the skin. UV rays are not visible to the human eye. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are recommended because they protect against both types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper than UVB rays and cause skin damage that results in premature aging and wrinkling. UVB rays are mainly responsible for sunburn and long-term skin damage. A sunburn is usually a first or second degree burn. Protection from these rays is important as they can disrupt the skin cells’ genetic material and cause skin cancer.

Mists and accelerators can achieve a tan without burning your skin. You can do this by protecting your skin at the beach with a sunblock or strong sunscreen and then applying a self-tanner.

A self-tanner may be a spray, creme or gel. These products give you varying degrees of the tan you always wanted without harming your skin. These products are applied to the skin and leave a smooth “tan” in as little as two to three hours. A key phrase in the promotions of these products is “non-streaking.”. Be aware though that a self-tanner does not protect you from the sun unless it also contains sunscreens.

Erythema Toxicum

This skin condition sounds rather serious, but it commonly affects up to 50% of all newborn babies. This skin condition is characterized by red flat blotches that appear on the trunk and face of newborns, generally before they are five days old, and it does not require any special treatment. These harmless blotches usually disappear on their own within seven days.