Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

Sun-weedsA recent news report state 60% of all sunscreens are ineffective!! There is a dark side to the sun. The government has placed ultraviolet radiation (UVR) both from the sun and from tanning machines on its list of known human carcinogens. UVR produces DNA damage that may lead to mutations in genes involved in the pathogenesis of skin cancer. Therefore, along with other sun safety strategies, sunscreens that absorb or block UVR serve an important protective function. Photoaging is another long-term result of sun exposure. While not threatening to life, it is threatening to quality of life. Excessive unprotected time in the sun leads to premature wrinkling, sagging, a leathery texture and hyperpigmentation.

One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence doubles the risk of melanoma later in life; five sunburns by any age doubles the risk as well.

There are two different types of UV rays in sunlight: UVB light causes surface sunburn, while UVA light penetrates and causes deeper connective-tissue damage -- even when the skin surface feels cool. UVA light is the culprit for premature aging and cell-level damage. With the number of sunscreens on the market, it's important to know which ones will protect you from both UVB and UVA rays. There are actually two kinds of UVA rays -- short and long waves. Avobenzone protects against long-wave rays. Several ingredients, including the commonly used oxybenzone, can only protect against short-wave UVA rays. Many sunscreens contain oxybenzone, but don't contain anything to protect against long-wave UVA. By including oxybenzone, companies are allowed to say their product protects against UVA, but unless it also contains avobenzone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or Mexoryl SX, you are not protected against long-wave UVA rays. That's why skin-care experts say you should look for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

If you do nothing else for yourself this summer, invest in a sunscreen that actually works! Look at the ingredients. If your sunscreen does not list either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, it is NOT a true sunscreen. It MUST go on white and STAY white until completely massaged in.

WHAT IS SPF?
The SPF (sunscreen protection factor) in sunscreen is frequently misunderstood; many people think that an SPF 30 sunscreen offers double the protection of an SPF 15. However, reviewers say SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97 percent. Experts say that SPF ratings higher than 30 don't offer any further UV protection, and let the same 3 percent of UV rays through as SPF 30. However, a higher SPF means you may not have to reapply as often. Furthermore, SPF only applies to UVB rays. For that reason, it's just as important to look specifically for UVA protection.