Making Sense of Sunscreen Products

Most people are understandably confused when it comes to choosing a sunscreen because of the baffling array of available choices. Common questions about sunscreens include

* How high should the SPF be?

* Should it block UVA or UVB?

* Does it matter whether it is a gel, cream, or spray?

* Should it be water-resistant or waterproof?

SPF stands for sun protection factor. The SPF numbers on a product can range from as low as 2 to as high as 60. These numbers refer to the product’s ability to screen or block out the sun’s burning rays. The SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce sunburn on protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. The higher the SPF, the greater the sun protection. However, it is a common mistake to assume that the duration of effectiveness of a sunscreen can be calculated simply by multiplying the SPF by the length of time it takes for him or her to suffer a burn without sunscreen, because the amount of sun exposure a person receives is dependent upon more than just the length of time spent in the sun. The amount of sun exposure depends upon a number of factors including the length of exposure, time of day, geographic location, and weather conditions.

The sun’s rays contain different wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light. The two types of UV rays that pass through the earth’s atmosphere and cause damage to the skin are UVB and UVA. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and affects the outer layer of skin.

The strength of UVB radiation depends upon the time of day, season of the year, and geographic location. UVB rays are most intense from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are stronger in summer, at higher altitudes, and closer to the equator.

Unlike UVB rays, which do not penetrate glass, UVA rays can travel through window glass and damage the deeper layers of the skin. Both UVA and UVB light contribute to age-related changes in the skin such as wrinkles, freckles, age spots, and prominent blood vessels. Both UVA and UVB exposure raise the risk of skin cancer.

Sunscreens can be broadly classified into two categories: chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation while physical sunscreens act by physically blocking it. Chemical sunscreens can be UVA or UVB absorbers. Many sunscreens have a combination of ingredients and may contain both physical and chemical sunscreens.

Physical sunscreens are good blockers of both UVA and UVB radiation. The two most common physical blockers of UV radiation are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Examples of chemical sunscreens include:

* PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid): Rarely found in modern preparations, PABA was an early chemical sunscreen that often induced sensitivity reactions.

* PABA esters (glyceryl, padimate A and padimate O): These newer preparations have fewer side effects than the original PABA.

* Salicylates (homosalate, octyl salicylate)

* Cinnamates (cinoxate, octyl methoxycinnamate or octocrylene): Octocylene is a cinnamate with both UVA and UVB absorbing properties.

* Benzophenones: These can absorb both UVA and UVB rays.

* Ecamsule (Mexoryl) is a potent UVA blocking compound.

Since both UVA and UVB radiation can be damaging, an ideal sunscreen provides protection from both types of radiation. The SPF system measures only the degree of protection from UVB rays. No rating system exists that measures the degree of protection from UVA exposure.

Most experts recommend reading the list of ingredients in a sunscreen to see if it has broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) coverage. Many products labeled as “broad spectrum” or “UVA blockers” do not adequately block UVA rays. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen should contain avobenzone, ecamsule (Mexoryl), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide for significant UVA protection.

Whether you choose a lotion, stick, gel, or cream sunscreen depends largely on your skin type and personal preference. Oil-free gels are good solutions for facial skin prone to breakouts, and sprays may make application to the back and shoulders easier.

“Water-resistant” sunscreens should retain their protective ability for at least 40 minutes in water. Those labeled “waterproof” should protect the skin for 80 minutes in water.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on a daily basis throughout the year. An important note is that no sunscreen can be effective unless it is properly and frequently applied. About 1 ounce (5-6 teaspoons) of sunscreen is recommended to cover the entire body. Further, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours when staying outdoors for a prolonged period of time.

Choosing a Perfect Sun Hat for Kids

We all know it is important to have healthy skin. Since more than 1/3 of all skin cancer appears on the face and the number one culprit for wrinkles and premature aging is the sun, wearing a good sun protective hat is a preventative measure too important to miss. A sunburn is never good , but remember sun damage is also cumulative. In other words, UV injury upon injury adds up over time to cumulate into major skin damage. The earlier sun protective measures are started, the better.

Let me say up front that kids can be tough when it comes to hats. Not that they are hard to fit but that getting a child to wear a hat can be a challenge. If you start them off wearing hats from infancy, like a car seat, they may come to expect wearing a sun hat is just a way of life. But even then, we often hear that most kids go through the “There is no way I am wearing a hat” stage. But fear not! As fellow conspirators in your child’s well-being, we think we may have some ideas that make wearing a hat fun!

So let’s start with getting a good fit, and we will end with suggestions that might help you get your children interested in wearing their sun hats.

Getting a good fit: The best way to get a good fit is the old fashion way of measuring the circumference of the head. For some of our hats we include age equivalents but beware! Head size varies dramatically for both adult and children with no regard to age or gender. We have seen 8 year olds with adult size heads. So measure around the head (above the eyes and ears… where the hat brim sits) with a soft measuring tape or use a string and then measure the length of the string to take the guess work out of sizing.

As we all know, kids grow at an alarming rate. Most of our hat measurements are within a range, but if your child’s head measurement is very close to the next larger size, you may want to consider choosing that bigger size.

Our brim sizes are all child appropriate, but you will most likely have insights as to the width of the brim that is best for your child. We would suggest you go with your gut feeling on this one, remembering that the wider the brim, the more sun will be blocked. Additionally, a brim with a downward slope will increase the sun protective ability of the hat.

Unless you know your child has a problem with a chin strap, we would suggest a chin strap to keep the hat on in the wind and when at play. If the hat you choose comes with a unwanted chin strap you can always cut it off or remove it.

So now, how do we get your child to wear a protective sun hat?

Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Young kids want to be like you … just like you. So, one of the best ways to get a child to wear their sun hat is to wear one yourself. Day in and day out don’t go outdoors without your sun protective hat and your child will get the message. And just think of all the benefits your own face will receive!
2. Talk to other parents about the benefits of having their kids wear a hat. Make wearing a hat the “IN” thing to do. When everyone else is doing it, arguments often vanish.
3. Here is our FUN idea – Have your child “design” his/her own hat, and maybe even hats for the rest of the family. Put out paint, fabric cut in daisy shapes, and other fun materials that could augment a hat. We even have a “Paint Your Own Hat” kit if you are tight on time. Another idea is to have a hat painting party and get everybody into it. I’ll bet you did not think sun protection could be fun!

Pick Up A Sun Visor For A Great Way To Protect Yourself From Harmful Uv Rays!

A sun visor can come in a wide variety of styles and designs. Designed to protect your face from the sun’s harmful UV rays, these great looks in a sun visor will protect you and keep you looking stylish while you keep your beautiful skin free from premature aging!

The Adidas Grandslam Visor is a great option to wear when playing tennis or soccer to protect you from the sun and also keep you cool. Designed with X-Static antimicrobial silver fibers that conduct heat away from skin and ClimaLite fabric technology to keep you cool, this visor also has UV protection is built into the hat with an SPF of 25. The ClimaCool provides 360 degrees of cooling and increased ventilation. A great option to wear that will not break down despite multiple wears. The anti-microbial technology that this hat offers will extend the life of this visor.

If you are a lifeguard and need a sun visor to block the sun, but you also need some waterproofing technology, pick up the Nike Swim Lifeguard visor. This hat is constructed in 100% recycled Polyester taffeta. The lightweight and quick adjust back closure will provide a perfect fit and will not weigh you down when you need to think or act quickly. The sweat wicking technology will extend the life of this visor while the Dri-Fit material will dry quickly without staining and without damaging the fabric.

For a great look in a beach inspired visor, pick up the Sun N Sand Bayside Visor for only $10.95. This is a great choice if you have swim lessons for your children and you will be sitting out in the sun for a long period of time. This hat features a cotton crown to promote ventilation while the sewn paper braid brim also highlights a 4′ wide brim to protect you from the sun. A wide brim is a great option for those women who often forget to reapply sunscreen. This wide brim will keep you protected from harmful UV rays.

For a great hat to wear that also acts as a visor, pick up the Pantropic Packable Visor. This is a beautiful hat to pick up that provides 360 degrees of visor protection. Hand-woven in Ecuador, this hat packing perfectly flat in your suitcase and comes equipped with a 50+ UPF. A great option to take with you to a tropical island where you know you will be loafing in the sunshine for a few hours. The spandex headband fits all sizes comfortably while the 4′ brim provides optimal sun protection.

For a great look in a winter visor, pick up the Polartec Powerstretch Beanie with a visor. This hat has the fit of a skull cap with the benefits of a more constructed design. The sun shading visor at the front also provides the ponytail hole at the back so you don’t have to readjust your hair when heading out for your activity. This is great for those who live in cold climates and understand that you can get sun exposure from snow and sun as well. A great fit that will hug your head comfortably while keep you warm.

These great looks in a sun visor will keep you protected through a variety of activities.

Play It Safe – Wear Sun Hats

The head must be protected from the heat and rays of the sun. If you happen to visit a beach or are out in the open country with a blazing sun, it’s advisable for you to wear a sun hat. A sun hat is not a fashion item, but required health protection. The sun’s rays can cause sun stroke and blisters on your scalp. If a person happens to be bald, their head can sweat profusely in the heat. Appropriate headgear is worn as part of the uniform by the defense forces of the world. This is to protect them from the rays of the sun. Sun rays can also cause skin diseases and skin cancer. Therefore, it is imperative to wear appropriate hats. If you are going to spend time outdoors in the sun, the hat you wear should have a wide brim so that the back of the neck, the forehead, and the ears, and sides of the face are protected from the sun’s rays.

When buying a hat, choose one that is made of a natural fiber such as cotton. There should also be small vents on the side of the hats. Natural fiber is cooler than synthetic fiber, and the vents will allow the flow of air on the scalp. When buying a sun hat, buy one that is of thick material and is white or some light color. White and light colored sun hats do not absorb the sun’s heat. So, they serve as additional protection for the head.

People who live in hot or tropical climates wear some form of headgear to protect their heads from the rays and heat of the sun. They wear it to safeguard their health. There are definite health benefits to wearing sun hats. One major health benefit is that your scalp will not get burnt, and also your chances of suffering from a sun stroke are reduced, and of course, your skin is protected from skin cancer, which may be caused by the ultra violet rays of the sun.

How long or thick your hair may be, it’s still advisable to wear a sun hat whenever you are out in the sun. Even if you are pottering around in the garden, or getting a sun tan, you must wear a sun hat. If you happen to have delicate skin, then it becomes all the more necessary to wear a hat.

So, wearing a proper hat that will protect your head and parts of your face is essential. The sun’s rays can cause serious skin damage. The skin takes a long time to heal from sunburn. So, why take a risk when wearing a hat will protect your head and is also beneficial for your health. In case you are going to a country where the temperatures are high and there is plenty of sunshine, remember to buy and take a sun hat. The biggest organ of the body is the skin and nobody wants to damage their skin.

Overexposure to the Sun Can Happen Indoors and Outdoors

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology article offers information about the recent development in sun protection provided by window and automobile glass, and sunglasses.

In the car, at work or walking to and from a store, you can’t escape the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, new research about the transmission of UV light through window and automobile glass and through sunglasses, has led to developments that can help protect people from the sun.

“People should realize that even during everyday activities they are receiving incidental sun exposure which harms the skin as it accumulates and can result in premature aging, wrinkles and even skin cancer,” said dermatologist Henry W. Lim, M.D., chairman of the department of dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Mich., and co-author of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology article entitled, “Photoprotection by window glass, automobile glass and sunglasses.” “Dermatologists and manufacturers of glass products and sunglasses are continually working to find better ways to decrease the amount of UV radiation being filtered through these items to the skin and eyes. These advances are helping to reduce the amount of UV exposure that a person receives on a daily basis.”

UV radiation from the sun comes in two forms: ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB has long been associated with sunburn while UVA has been recognized as a deeper penetrating radiation that contributes to premature aging and wrinkle formation. Both of these types of rays have been linked to the development of skin cancer. More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year.

Window Glass and Photoprotection

Window glass filters out UVB rays, but UVA rays are still transmitted to the skin through the panes. The type of glass and the type of coating on the glass can affect the percentage of UV radiation that is transmitted to the body.

Most residential buildings have one of three types of glass: clear, tinted or reflective. Of these three, reflective glass, the kind that eliminates the ability to see the interior of a building from the outside during the day, minimizes unwanted solar heat gain and reduces UV transmission to less than 25 percent. This means nearly one-quarter of the UV exposure, exclusively the longer wavelength UVA, is reaching the inside though, remarked Dr. Lim.

“Most Americans spend 80 percent of their day indoors at work or school,” stated Dr. Lim. “With the new trend in architecture toward more and larger windows in buildings, protection from UV exposure when indoors has become an important issue for not only the cost-effectiveness of cooling a building, but also for the health and safety of the employees who work within it.”

Recent developments in window glass include low-emissivity (low-E) glass which has a special surface coating between layers of antireflective glass. This type of glass reflects up to 70 percent of solar heat and reduces UV transmission through the panes to 20 percent.

To protect the skin from the damaging rays of the sun when working indoors, it is important to: arrange workspace so that the body is not in direct sunlight; and use blinds or shades on the windows during peak sun hours.

Automobile Glass and Photoprotection

In studies of UV exposure in cars, it was shown that the parts of the driver’s and passenger’s bodies closest to the window received the greatest UV exposure. Side and rear windows are usually made from non-laminated glass, allowing a significant amount of UVA to pass through to the passengers in the car. Most windshields are made from laminated glass, the type of glass designed to prevent fragments from shattering onto the occupants during an accident and which can filter both UVB and a large portion of the UVA rays.

Tinting automobile glass is an option that allows 3.8 times less UVA light to be transmitted to the interior of the car as compared to untinted window glass. In a 2004 study of UV transmission and color tint, grey tinted laminated glass provided the highest UV protection with only 0.9 percent of UVA light transmitted versus 62.8 percent transmitted through non-laminated clear glass. People who are considering tinting their windows should take their car to a professional auto detailing shop, in order to ensure that the tinting meets the federally mandated 70 percent of minimum visible light transmittance through the windshield.

“Obviously UVA exposure in a car is influenced by non-glass-related factors such as position of the individual in the vehicle, direction of travel with respect to the sun, and time of day,” stated Dr. Lim. “However, the more time a person spends in a car, especially at the same time of day such as during a regular commute, can greatly affect the amount of UV exposure their skin receives.”

To reduce sun exposure while driving, wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants, especially when the body is in the sun; apply sunscreen generously to any exposed skin before driving, especially the hands, forearms and face; and wear protective sunglasses to reduce glare and protect the eyes from UV exposure.

Sunglasses and Photoprotection UV radiation is potentially hazardous to the structure of the eyes, particularly the cornea, lens and retina, which is why the U.S. developed a “sunglass standard,” with the latest version published in 2001. Sunglasses are classified into three categories: cosmetic sunglasses providing minimal UV protection; general purpose sunglasses designed to reduce glare in bright light or when driving; and special purpose sunglasses for activities such as skiing or going to the beach.

“The ideal sunglasses should substantially reduce UV exposure of the cornea and the lens, including any UV coming from lateral directions, and should wrap around the eyes, thereby maximizing eye and eyelid protection,” said Dr. Lim. “For even better protection, wear a broad-brimmed hat which can help reduce the level of UV radiation reaching the eyes and the surrounding area.”

In addition, Dr. Lim recommended the following tips when purchasing sunglasses to maximize UV protection:

Look for neutral gray and amber brown lenses that give true color rendition, particularly to red and green stoplights. Seek glasses with a large frame and lenses that cover the entire eye and wrap around the side of the eye.

Look for the “100% UV Protection” sticker to ensure that the sunglasses meet standards for safe levels of UV protection.

Expensive sunglasses do not necessarily provide better UV protection, according to Dr. Lim. Darkly tinted sunglasses can make pupils dilate and increase lid opening, thereby resulting in increased UV exposure to the lens of the eye.

In addition to wearing sun protective clothing, including sunglasses, you should follow these sun protection tips and Be Sun SmartSM:

Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Protect children from sun exposure by applying sunscreen. Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.

Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

The Chemistry of Tanning

It’s no coincidence that the process of turning animal skins into leather is called tanning. When people tan, UV radiation from the sun breaks down protein in our skin cells and causes, over time, wrinkles and leathery-looking skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), most sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. With major summer “beach time” remaining, here’s some information from the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, on how consumers can protect themselves and their families from the sun’s harmful rays:

Perfect tan made in the shade: Everyone knows that too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer and premature aging. Everyone from Jennifer Aniston to your neighbor is using self-tanners to recreate that coveted bronze glow. But how do they work and are they safe? According to Chemical & Engineering News, self-tanners contain an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a nontoxic, simple sugar found in baby formula and fish oil. DHA turns skin brown in a process called the Maillard reaction, better known to food chemists for making beer golden brown. Proteins in our skin interact with sugars to create brown or golden-brown compounds. DHA doesn’t penetrate further than the outermost, dead layer of skin.

Making sense of sunscreens: From moisturizers to lipsticks, sales of personal care products formulated with sunscreen have exploded. The sun’s rays are more damaging now then ever because the earth’s protective ozone layer is depleted, but with 17 active sunscreen ingredients approved for use in the United States, how do you choose? According to Chemical & Engineering News, sunscreens with inorganic ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide reflect and scatter UV light. Sunscreens made with organic ingredients like OMC and avobenzone absorb UV light and dissipate it as heat. SPF (sun protection factor) measures how effectively a sunscreen protects against UVB rays that burn skin.

Newer sunscreens offer greater protection against sun’s rays: Craig Bonda, a chemist at the C.P. Hall Company in Bedford Park, Ill., has developed a longer-lasting sunscreen that protects wearers against both UVB and UVA radiation. Until recently, most sunscreens protected only against UVB — the ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn. The newest sunscreens absorb or reflect the full spectrum of ultraviolet radiation, including UVA, which causes skin to age and wrinkle prematurely and may also cause certain skin cancers. Avobenzone, a chemical used in many full-spectrum sunscreens, loses its effectiveness upon prolonged exposure to the sun. Bonda found that avobenzone breaks down more slowly when the chemical DEHN is added.