Elta® Sunblock Coverage

Sunscreens Vs. Sunblocks

Sunscreens are chemicals which absorb the ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunscreens mostly protect against UV-B rays.

Sunblocks are physical blocks which absorb some rays and reflect back the rest. The most effective one, zinc oxide, is now available in finely micronized form, which makes it transparent on the skin.

Zinc oxide in particular blocks the full spectrum of rays all the way up to 400 nanometers (nm), covering very dangerous rays not stopped by sunscreens. Therefore, zinc oxide, is much more effective than chemical sunscreens in blocking UV-A rays and should be an important component of any sunblock.

Premature Aging, Skin Cancer - What's the Problem?

Skin cancer is going up, even while sunscreen use has been increasing. Some scientists believe one reason is the sunscreens stop UV-B rays from burning, so people stay in the sun longer, thinking they are protected. This leads to UV-A exposure and long-term damage, especially in areas of "photo aging" and skin cancer.

While both UV-A and UV-B rays are likely to contribute to skin cancer and aging, research indicates the UV-A rays may be the greater source of damage. By penetrating to the dermis/epidermis junction where skin cells are formed, the UV-A rays appear to damage chromosomes during cell division and trigger cancerous cell production. In addition, the UV-A rays harden the collagen fibers which support the skin. These fibers then break, contributing to wrinkles and sagging.

The Solution: Broad Spectrum UV-A & UV-B Block

Use a suncare product which combines chemical sunscreens for adequate blocking of UV-B rays, plus the physical block zinc oxide, for broad spectrum UV-A protection. Apply on a daily basis.

Elta® Block SPF 30, For High Activity Super waterproof! Will not drip or run into eyes and sting when perspiring. Non-comedogenic. Can be applied to wet or dry skin. Many other waterproof blocks will not stick to wet skin. Virtually no sensitivity for children or adults. Great for children because it stays on skin well. Sport block applications include swimmers, golfers, cyclists, runners and snow skiers. No slippery residue on hands.
Elta® Block SPF 32, For Daily Use Combination block and light moisturizer for daily use on face (non-comedogenic), chest, hands, and arms. Excellent for daily use alone or under makeup. Non-comedogenic. Use in conjunction with Retin-A therapy, with photosensitive medications, and after plastic surgery, to protect and moisturize. Strong UV-A coverage to help stop photo-aging from sun rays.
Elta® Lite Lighter lotion formula for daily moisturizing of face, hands, and body. Especially effective immediately after shower or bath. Elta® Lite moisturizer adds water to the skin and then uses the unique Elta® Creme base to provide a watertight moisture barrier. This barrier substitutes for the skin's natural oils, delivering twice the long term moisturizing of other leading brands.