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N Skin Care Alert |
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Broad-spectrum sunblocks provide
broader protection
When shopping for sunscreen,
 you
may have noticed that some products say "broad-spectrum" on their
labels, aside from the usual
SPF indicator. Broad spectrum means that it can filter out both of the sun's
harmful rays -- UVA and UVB radiation.
UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and skin
cancer. UVA radiation, which causes wrinkles, freckles and photosensitivity, has
also been linked to skin cancer in the past couple of years. There are 10 times
more UVA rays than UVB rays, and the UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the
skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using
a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 or greater, depending on your skin type,
all throughout the year.
 But
while sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher blocks out the sun's UVB rays, SPF
alone cannot protect you from UVA and even UVC rays, potentially the most
damaging to the skin. A broad-spectrum sunblock which contains specific
ingredients help protet against the sun's rays. These ingredients are zinc
oxide, titanium oxide, oxybenzone and avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789).
It therefore important that you, as a well-informed
consumer, choose the right type of sunblock that can provide your skin with
broad-spectrum protection. Unfortunately, most chemical sunscreens block
only UVB rays and provide limited protection against UVA rays. None is effective
against UVC rays. Chemical sunscreens, especially those that work against UVA
rays, are also known to cause skin irritation for many skin types.
The good news is that
zinc oxide,
nature's original sunblock, is a safer and more effective alternative to chemical sunscreens
which works throughout the UV spectrum.
It acts as an invisible barrier that scatters UV radiation away from the skin
rather than allowing its harmful energy to be absorbed. With Godiva's new
technology, zinc oxide is now available in ultrafine transparent form called
Z-block, which you can experience with the
Godiva Green Tea Sunblock Cream. It comes in
two variants:
R
20g Godiva Green Tea Sunblock Cream SPF15
UVA++
R
60g Godiva Green Tea Sunblock Cream SPF25+
PA+++
In addition to using a broad-sprectrum sunblock, you
must practice good sun protection by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and protective
clothing when outdoors, and staying in the shade during peak sun hours which is
from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
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G
Think About This |
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Long-term sun
damage
 The
initial damage of a sunburn might seem only temporary, but sunburn can cause
permanent harm. Scientists now suspect that even a single episode of
very severe sunburn, especially affecting a child, may be enough to trigger the
development of skin cancer later in life. It is thought that skin cells are
permanently affected by a severe burn, which can alter their DNA. When the cells
come to repair themselves, errors in the process may occur, and this is what
reappears years later as skin cancer.
As a precaution, apply
sunblock on your child
before going outdoors. Doctors agree that it's safe to use sunblock even on
babies as young as 6 months. However, you may start teaching your child
to make sunblock application a part of his morning ritual as soon as he starts
playing outdoors.
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