in labyrinths of the sun’s rays01/06/2009

Summer is here, and finally we can let the warm rays of the sun gladden our hearts and caress our skin. But the sun also has a dark side - the ill effect of UV rays, from which we should protect ourselves. It's impossible to completely avoid the sun's rays. If you wish to protect yourself, choose products that contain natural sun filters.

Titanium dioxide is a physical barrier of the sun, which blocks UVA and UVB rays, as well as UVC rays. It is a natural inorganic pigment that, when in a cream, coats the skin with a reflective and protective layer. Anyone that wants to protect the skin entirely from the sun should look for titanium dioxide in the ingredients labels of sun blocks. Moreover, thanks to its inorganic origin, titanium dioxide is one of the most inert and antiallergenic sun filters. This is an important aspect, taking into account that many synthetic, organic substances can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. In comparison with other filters, the allowed maximum amount of titanium dioxide in a product is 25%, while the larger part of chemical substances are limited to 2-10%.

Another popular substance, equal to titan dioxide, is zinc oxide. Check the labels of sun blocks - if Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide is mentioned, you can be certain that this cream protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Alongside inorganic pigments, other great UV filters can be found in nature. Carotenoids (red and yellow pigments) found in plants have a dual effect: they block the sun's rays and also, as an antioxidant, lessen the damage already done. For example, sea buckthorn, which is one of nature's more powerful antioxidants and contains all forms of vitamin E, was lauded in ancient Greece as a wonderful agent to keep skin looking young. The extract from the yellow berry not only protects the skin, but also facilitates the renewal processes of cells and eliminates free radicals created by the rays of the sun. Other plants that are well known to contain carotenoids are calendula, sweet briar, and tomatoes. A popular antioxidant from far-away lands is green tea. Combining these and other plants together with inorganic pigments, a powerful sun-protection and anti-aging cream is made. And all the better - it's completely natural.