Today’s blog post is about another sunscreen called Spectrum Max Cream. It is manufactured by a pharmaceutical company named Crystolite Pharmaceuticals, based in Islamabad, Pakistan. The sun’s rays are harmful, but they are something that we cannot avoid. By choosing, a good quality sun block, you can protect your skin from the sun’s damaging effects. Especially people with oily & pimple-prone skin struggle a lot to find the right fit for their skin.
What is UV radiation and its effect on your skin?
UVA rays have the longest wavelengths, followed by UVB, and UVC rays which have the shortest wavelengths. The ozone layer absorbs most of the UVB & UVC.
UVA : The UVA rays penetrate deep inside and cause ageing, long term tanning and skin cancer.
UVB: These rays cause immediate damage in the form of sunburn and instant tanning.
UVC : People who work with welding torches or mercury lamps may be exposed to UVC rays.
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for oily skin?
There are many different types of sunscreen available in the market. Choosing the best sunscreen for oily skin can be a difficult task because there are many factors to consider before you make a purchase. Oily skin produces a lot of sweat and needs a light weight, non-greasy formula that offers maximum protection without causing pimples on the skin. Therefore, the best sunscreen for oily skin is chemical and organic sunscreen.
Pros and Cons of Using the Spectrum Max Cream Sunblock
Spectrum Max Cream Sunblock is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. It is water-resistant, making it suitable for use at the beach or in the pool. One of its best features is that it also provides protection against UVC rays, which can be harmful to individuals working in welding.
Since it is a chemical sunscreen, it offers maximum protection, especially for oily and pimple-prone skin. However, it can cause excessive sweating and leave a white cast on the skin. Additionally, being cream-based, Spectrum Max Cream Sunblock may not be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.
What are the Different Types of Sunscreens That Are Available in The Market
There are many different types of sunscreen available in the market. The following are the primary categories ;
Physical Sunblock:
The physical sun reflects UV rays and disperses them. Physical sunblocks are made up of titanium or zinc oxide and offer immediate protection. Usually, they leave a white cast and are considered ideal for sensitive skin.
Chemical Sunblock :
Chemical-based sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. Its main components are Avobenzone, Octyl Methoxy Cinnamate, Octinoxate, Benzophenone, and Homosalate. It needs to be applied 20-30 minutes before sunlight exposure. It is ideal for water sports and oily, pimple-prone, or acne-prone skin.
Natural Sunblock :
These are natural ingredients that don’t contain chemical sun protection like Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Homosalate. These sunblocks include Sandalwood, Shea butter, Aloe vera, Coconut oil, Papaya, Propolis, and Caffeine. Thanaka bark paste, a type of sandalwood tree native to Burma, is also a great natural sunblock.
Is Spectrum Max Cream Sunblock safe?
It’s important to know whether Spectrum Max Cream Sunblock is safe to use. As a chemical sunblock, it has active ingredients like Octyl Methoxy Cinnamate and Avobenzone (Parsol 1789). These two ingredients are potential carcinogens and known endocrine disruptors.
Carcinogens are elements that can cause cancer in the body. Although the FDA has not banned them, they are still considered potential carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Endocrine disruptors are elements that can disrupt hormones in the body as they are absorbed by the skin and enter the bloodstream. Hormonal disruptors can cause unwanted hair growth, improper adrenaline function, thyroid issues, weight gain, and many other problems.
There is no regulation in place. Although the FDA has not banned these ingredients, they are still considered potential carcinogens by the IARC.
Do you have to use Sunblock/ Sunscreen ever day?
Sun screens are extremely beneficial, but if you don’t have to go outside in sunlight or not in a room where sunlight is coming in directly, then skip those chemical or physical sunblocks altogether.
Is the Spectrum Max Sun Protection Worth the Price?
Spectrum Max comes in a simple packaging and costs around Rs 875 (now 1,158) rupees, rupees, making it quite affordable for its size.
While it is a chemical sunblock based on its ingredients, it also contains physical sunblock ingredients like micro-fine Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, which can also be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Chemical sunscreens are beneficial for blocking UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. However, the ingredients they contain, if not micro-encapsulated, can be potential carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. In particular, they can degrade in sunlight and penetrate the skin.
Aicha’s Recommendation:
The primary job of any sunblock is not only to provide protection against harmful UV rays but also to include ingredients that are human-friendly and, as much as possible, natural.
Better alternatives to chemical sunscreens are those that have plant-based ingredients and are designed for baby skin. Natural sunblocks, especially those that contain local ingredients, should be formulated in Pakistan as they are popular worldwide and considered safe. If you must choose a chemical sunscreen, then opt for those that are “micro-encapsulated” as they prevent the components from entering your bloodstream.
The sun’s rays can be harmful, but they are something we cannot avoid. By choosing a good quality sunblock, you can protect your skin from the sun’s damaging effects.