I last wrote about skin cancer and today I’d like to focus on sunscreens. Have you ever thought you or someone you knew were allergic to sunscreen? Research and experience have revealed that all sunscreens are not created equally and many of us do have allergies or sensitivities to sunscreen.
The good news is that some newer sunscreens do a much better job protecting us from UV light and are less irritating. The Skin Cancer Foundation is now addressing both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays and requiring labeling that tells consumers what they can expect from their sunscreens. Of course, if you don’t routinely apply sunscreen as directed it doesn’t matter. I tell my patients to think of sunscreen as UV screen. Here in the Pacific Northwest, our sunny days are sometimes few and far between. When I talk about sunscreen people often say, “It’s not sunny so I didn’t wear any today”. My answer to them is, “If you can read a book in the amount of light you are exposing yourself to, you need UV screen, AKA sunscreen”. It’s time we get serious and think of tanned skin as damaged skin. It is our body trying to protect us from UV light.
Did you know that UV screens are considered either organic or inorganic? I’ll bet your first thought is that an organic screen must be the healthiest. Actually, being organic doesn’t mean natural when it comes to sunscreens. It means it is made of carbon, hydrogen, and other ingredients. These organic or chemical sunscreens eliminate UV rays by creating free radicals or unstable molecules that can damage DNA, depress our immune system, age us, and increase our risk of skin cancer. There is growing research that organic sunscreens can effect our hormonal balance by mimicking the effects of estrogen.
For me, inorganic UV screens are a better choice. These are the rocks or foundation that I use for UV protection. Funny thing is……they really are made of rocks. Physical UV screens consist of microscopic minerals that work by reflecting and refracting UV rays away from our skin. People have very few allergic reactions to these inorganic screens. The main ones you will see are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. The rest of my weapons include: sun glasses, sun protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and basically seeking shade whenever I can.
When minerals have been micronized they are stable, fragrance free, and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). My favorite sunscreen, oops…UV screen is made by Colorescience and is powdered sun protection. It is easy to apply, doesn’t burn your eyes, is highly water resistent and offers full spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection. I love their Sunforgettable powdered product that comes in a convenient tube with a brush and is easy for men and women to carry and use.
I’ll be you never knew there was so much to know about sunscreen/UV screen and I’ve only scratched the surface. You will continue to hear more as people wake up and realize that it is up to them to protect their skin. Time to stop using excuses like, “I’m allergic to sunscreen” and “I don’t like it running in my eyes”. Call me today if you would like more information on the products we carry and ideas to help protect your skin. Come visit us at Puget Sound Cosmetic Laser or call me, Nancy @ 360-676-1111.
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