What’s The Difference Between Sunblock And Sunscreen?

The sun radiates life-giving energy, but it also comes with harmful UVA and UVB rays that can cause serious damage to our skin. To protect ourselves, we often turn to sun protection products such as sunblock and sunscreen.

Although these terms are frequently used interchangeably, they actually have some noted differences. To understand how they work, it helps to become acquainted with the nature of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.

Understanding UVA and UVB Radiation
Before diving into the differences between sunblock products and sunscreen protection, it's essential to have a basic understanding of the types of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. UVA rays account for 95% of the UVB radiation that reaches the ground.

These rays absorb deep into our skin layers, causing premature aging, wrinkles, or potentially skin cancer after ongoing exposure.

UVB rays make up a much smaller percentage of the solar radiation that hits the planet’s surface, but are more intense, resulting in sunburns and reddening of the skin.

While UVA radiation is associated with skin aging, UVB radiation is connected with sunburns.

Sunblock Products
As its name implies, sunblock creates a physical barrier between your skin and  the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB light. It accomplishes this by using active ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect or scatter sunlight away from the skin's surface.

Because these minerals don't allow UV rays to penetrate your skin, you’re protected from both UVA and UVB beams of light.

Pros of Sunblock:
Offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB radiation
Less likely to cause allergies or irritations
Can be effective as soon as applied
Cons of Sunblock:
May leave a white cast on some skin types
Can feel heavy or greasy on the skin
Not recommended for water-based activities due to reduced water resistance
Sunscreen
Contrary to sunblock's physical barrier, sunscreen contains organic chemical compounds that absorb UV radiation and convert it into a minimal amount of heat. The heat is then released from the skin.

Common ingredients in sunscreens include avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. Sunscreens often provide protection against either UVA or UVB radiation; however, many formulations today offer broad-spectrum coverage to shield against both types of radiation.

Pros of Sunscreen:
Absorbs easily into the skin for a virtually invisible appearance
Lightweight and suitable for daily use under makeup
Can provide water-resistant protection for swimming and outdoor sports
Cons of Sunscreen:
Takes about 15-30 minutes to become effective after application
Requires reapplication more frequently than sunblock
May cause irritations or allergies in some people
Making the Right Choice
When selecting the best sun protection for your needs, consider factors such as your skin type, sensitivity, exposure duration, and the specific activities you'll engage in while wearing the product.

If you have sensitive skin or prefer instant protection, opt for a sunblock with physical barriers that prevent UV rays from penetrating your skin. Alternatively, if you are looking for a lightweight solution that blends seamlessly into your skincare routine, sunscreen, with its protective formulation, is an excellent choice.

Ultimately, both sunblock and sunscreen are essential allies in our ongoing battle against harmful UVA and UVB radiation. Choose a sunscreen or from one of the featured sunblock products that work the best for you. Always apply the product liberally to ensure you're fully covered and protected from the sun's damaging effects.

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Is It Better To Use A Higher Spf Sunscreen When You Ski?

People in Arizona must protect their skin from the desert sun. But they also need sunburn protection when they ski in the winter time. While most people think of Arizona in terms of its warm and even scorching temperatures, it also is home to winter activities like snowboarding and skiing.

When you ski or take part in winter sports, you need the right gear - a warm jacket, gloves, and boots. However, just because it’s cold outside does not mean you’re still immune from the sun’s burning rays. Safeguarding your skin is essential. So, you need sun protection of a certain number.

Why Is Sun Protection Important for Skiers?
At first glance, it may not seem obvious why protecting yourself from the sun’s beams is so critical when you’re skiing or spending time on the slopes. After all, it’s cold outside and the sun isn’t as strong as it is in the summer months. However, a few factors contribute to an increased risk of sunburn while skiing or snowboarding:

1. A Higher Altitude
UV radiation exposure increases with altitude. In fact, for every 1,000-meter (3,280 feet) increase in altitude, UV levels increase by 10-12%. Ski resorts are often situated at high altitudes with a thinner atmosphere, thereby offering less protection from damaging UV rays.

2. Snow Reflection
Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays compared to around 25% from sand or water. This means that you’re not only exposed to direct sunlight but also to the harmful rays bouncing off the snowy ground.

3. Penetrating Rays
Even when it's cloudy or overcast, up to 80% of the sun’s radiation can penetrate through clouds and reach your skin. So, you can get burned and not even realize it. The rays also penetrate your windows while driving, so you can never be too safe.

Using the Right Sunscreen Product
Now that we’ve established the need for sun protection while skiing, let’s address whether using a higher sun protection is better in this scenario. For most people, an SPF of 15 is sufficient for regular day-to-day outdoor activities.

However, given the high altitude, snow reflection, and increased exposure to UV radiation during skiing activities, skin care experts recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

An SPF of 30 offers approximately 97% protection. When it comes to skiing and spending an extended time outside in the cold, every extra bit of protection counts.

You can get what you need from Arizona Sun, which offers an SPF 30 sunscreen product that you can easily order online.

Tips for Sun Protection on the Ski Slopes
You can have fun in the sun, whether on a winter or a summer day,  in the desert or on the ski slopes. Just make sure you have the adequate amount of solar protection. Otherwise, your fun in the sun will turn into a painful memory.

1. Apply Sunscreen:
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen - again, with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors. Don’t forget areas like your ears, nose, and the underside of your chin. Reapply every two hours or immediately after sweating or wiping your face.

2. Wear Protective Clothing
Opt for ski clothing designed with sun protection in mind – this includes long-sleeved shirts and pants made from tightly woven and moisture-wicking fabrics.

3. Use a Lip Balm
Don’t forget your lips. They can chap easily in cold and dry temperatures. Apply a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 to protect them from drying out and burning.

4. Wear Sunglasses or Goggles
Invest in quality sunglasses or goggles that offer complete UV protection for your eyes as well as the sensitive skin around them.

Using a higher sun protection is indeed better when you’re hitting the slopes due to the unique sun exposure risk. By following the above sunscreen protection tips during your winter adventures, you’ll safeguard your skin from potential harm without an agonizing sunburn hampering your fun.

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Can Too Much Lip Balm Chap Your Lips?

You've probably heard the phrase "everything in moderation," and that might leave you wondering if using lip balm products too often can actually be detrimental to your lips' health.

The following information will give you everything you need to know about using lip balm and keeping your lips soft and moist.

Understanding Chapped Lips
Chapped lips, also known as dry or cracked lips, are a common condition caused by various factors ranging from weather changes, dehydration, and allergies to excessive licking or the use of certain medicines.

When your lips become dry, it's natural to reach for some lip balm to replenish the much-needed moisture and softness. However, some people have raised concerns about the potentially negative effects of using lip balm too frequently.

The Lip Balm Conundrum
There's an ongoing debate about whether overusing lip balm actually worsens the state of your lips or makes them better. On one hand, it's true that some ingredients found in certain lip balms can be irritating to sensitive skin or have a drying effect.

Such ingredients include menthol, camphor, phenol, or even artificial fragrances and colors. In these cases, using these lip balms excessively can chap them or dry them.

So, it’s important to look at the ingredients in your lip balm before you buy it. Some may have substances that act as irritants.

On the other hand, when you're using a high-quality, hydrating lip balm formulated with gentle and nourishing ingredients, it's unlikely that overuse will lead to chapped lips. In fact, it usually makes your skin healthier and your lips more luscious and beautiful.

Use a Balm with Natural Ingredients
For instance, Arizona Sun’s lip balms feature a sunscreen and ingredients like aloe extract, beeswax, sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil, and prickly pear fruit extract. They also have a pleasant prickly pear flavor along with apricot kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, and tocopherol acetate (vitamin E). Many of these substances protect against the effects of solar radiation, so you need to have them in a lip balm product.

Arizona’s lip balms come with a rope, so you can wear the balm around your neck and apply it whenever your lips need some moisturizer and nourishment.

So, using the right lip balm allows you to apply it as needed without worrying about overdoing it.

How to Moisturize Your Lips Safely
To protect your lips and keep them moisturized without causing harm, follow these essential tips:

Choose a high-quality lip balm like Arizona Sun. Scan product labels before making a purchase. Opt for balms with natural ingredients and avoid those containing potential irritants.
Address underlying cause.: Examine your lifestyle and daily habits to identify any triggers leading to dry lips. Be mindful of staying hydrated and protecting your lips from harsh weather conditions.
Give your lips a break. Allow your lips to breathe and let them maintain their natural moisture levels from time to time.
Don't overdo it. Apply lip balm only when you feel the need for it rather than following a set schedule unnecessarily.
While using lip balm excessively might not be the primary source of chapped lips, overusing certain types of lip balms can aggravate or perpetuate the issue. To keep your lips healthy, hydrated, and chap-free, always go for high-quality products with beneficial ingredients and listen to your body's unique needs.

Lip Balm Benefits
Also, look at the benefits lip balms provide.

1. Hydration and Protection:
The primary benefit of lip balms is their ability to moisturize and protect your lips. Formulated with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, aloe, and prickly pear, they provide a barrier against the elements and help prevent chapped, dry lips. On the other hand, many lipsticks contain pigments and ingredients that may be drying, leaving your lips feeling parched after use.

2. Low-Maintenance:
Lip balms are incredibly easy to apply — just swipe it on your lips without using a mirror. They're perfect for on-the-go situations or when you don't have time for the precision required in applying lipstick.

Additionally, lip balm doesn't need frequent touch-ups throughout the day as they typically don't leave a noticeable color residue.

3. Natural Look:
If you prefer a more natural makeup look or want to give your lips a break from heavy pigments, lip balm is ideal.

4. Wearability:
Lip balms with natural ingredients feature lightweight formulas that provide comfortable wear throughout the day – you may even forget you have it on!

5. Lower Price Range:
While high-quality lipstick often comes with a hefty price tag, many excellent and effective lip balms are available at very affordable prices. You’re likely to spend less while still achieving the desired effect.

6. Minimal transfer risk:
Unlike lipsticks, lip balms have less transfer risk, meaning you can kiss, sip, and talk without worry.

Check the Lip Balms Featured on the Arizona Sun Website Now
Keep your lips in the best condition possible. You can use Arizona Sun lip balms whenever and wherever you wish. Check them out now.

Why Lip Balm Is Better Than Lipstick

In today's beauty world, the debate between lipstick and lip balm is a hot topic. Both products serve different purposes and have their respective fan bases, but there are several reasons why SPF lip balm is considered better than lipstick. Reach for the lip balm to keep your lips from getting burned or chapped.

Let’s explore the advantages of lip balm over lipstick, demonstrating why you might want to reach for a trusty balm more often than lipstick.

Taking Care of Your Lips With SPF 15 Lip Balm
Lips are one of the most delicate parts of our body, often exposed to the elements and easily prone to damage.

One common issue many people face is the formation of blisters on their lips. These unsightly and uncomfortable sores happen for various reasons. However, one of the major reasons they develop is  due to the sun. That’s why it’s important to use an SPF 15 lip balm. Make sure it has soothing and natural ingredients, such as prickly pear and aloe. Both soothe and moisturize, if not comfort, the lips.

Lip balm can be worn underneath or over lipstick. While you can wear lip balm alone for protection, you can’t wear lipstick alone to safeguard your lips.

Reasons Why Lip Balm is the Best Lip Care Solution
Let’s look at some reasons why lip balm comes in handy. You can even get lip balm on a rope, for Moisturizing your lips and keeping them protected.

1. Sunburn
Extended exposure to sunlight without any form of protection can lead to sunburned lips, just like it does on your skin. UV rays can damage the lip's outer layer, leading to inflammation and the formation of blisters. To avoid this problem, always wear a lip balm with SPF 15 protection when spending time outdoors.

2. Cold Sores
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters or oral herpes, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). These painful blisters typically appear around the mouth area and can be highly contagious. There is no cure for herpes; however, antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.

3. Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction to certain ingredients found in oral care products, cosmetics or food can result in lip blisters. If you notice a recurring issue with blisters after using specific products or when consuming certain foods, consider eliminating them from your routine to determine if they are the cause and the reason.

4. Lip Licker's Dermatitis
Excessive licking of the lips can lead to a condition called lip licker's dermatitis. The constant wetting and drying process weakens the lip's protective barrier and makes them more susceptible to irritation and swelling. To combat this habit, consider using a fragrant-free lip balm for moisture and protection.

5. Infections
Bacterial or fungal infections on the lips can lead to blisters as well. This often occurs when there is a break in the skin from a previous injury, allowing pathogens to enter the site. If you suspect an infection, consult a healthcare professional for the appropriate course of treatment.

6. Contact Dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis can occur when your lips come into contact with harsh substances that cause irritation and inflammation. Common culprits include certain lipsticks, detergents, and even toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate. Identifying and avoiding the offending irritants can help alleviate symptoms.