Green your Sunscreen

Green Your Sun Care!

No matter if you are nine or ninety, knowing the basics and following a good sun care routine is essential for a healthy body. With summer just around the corner, it is important to get your facts straight and pick the right product that will ensure proper skin safety all season long.

The Sun and Your Skin: The Facts

Everybody knows that the sun can cause irreversible damage to one’s skin or worse, potentially deadly illnesses like cancer. And regardless of how exotic it looks, suntanned skin is not healthy skin. In fact, our skin tans because it has already been damaged and is frantically scrambling to prevent further harm. When UVA or UVB light penetrate the skin and begin to break down tissues (like all important collagen), the damaged skin begins to stretch, sag, darken and form premature wrinkles. To boot, skin becomes extremely dry, rough and begins to look older than its biological age, a process known as “extrinsic aging.”

Not only does the sun epoch skin more rapidly than any other aging factor, it can also cause serious illness and possibly death. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation about 23% of sun exposure is accumulated from ages 1 – 18 while another 23% takes places from 19 – 40 and another 27% from ages 41 – 59.  So even though all of us know how bad too much sun exposure is, according to the stats, we get a pretty even dosage of it throughout each stage of our lives.

Let’s take a closer look at some *skin cancer facts.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and the most preventable.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

Teens who tan are the most at-risk group for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

They are also one of the least informed.

Tanning beds increase the risk of skin cancer by 75%.

In America, one person dies of melanoma each hour.

Up to 90% of visible aging are caused by the sun or tanning beds.

White men over the age of 50 are diagnosed with melanoma more than any other group.

*Facts provided by SkinCancer.org

Sun protection should be in the form of clothing, sunglasses, scheduling outdoor activity outside the peak sun hours of 10 am and 2 pm when possible and using correct sunblock. While it is true that no sunscreen can be 100% effective against cancer (read that again), taking the proper safety measures make a world of difference.

The sun gives off two basic types of ultraviolet (UV) rays that affect our skin. These are UVA and UVB. UVB rays are shorter and more easily burn our skin. They do not pass through window glass and the SPF or sun protection factor listed on sunblocks relates to the amount of UVB rays that are blocked by that sunscreen. The UVA rays are longer wavelength and not only go through window glass but pass deeper into the skin causing deeper damage. They are used in tanning beds to help tan the skin without the early burn from UVB rays, however, don’t be misled they are still very damaging to the skin.

Sun Care: Chemical vs. Natural

Even those that may think they’re using the right protection may actually be doing more harm than good. An SPF of 30 is the highest a natural sunscreen can be. Therefore, people think they are better protecting themselves by using a higher, chemically induced SPF. But they are wrong. Chemical sunscreens with a higher SPF actually allow the UV rays to penetrate skin and then proceed to neutralize them on the skin. Plus, of the 900 sunscreens available on the market today, only a very small percentage actually protects skin they way that the package claims.

Scarily, a very high percentage of high SPF sunscreens are also brimming with chemical agents that, once introduced to the body, can invade the bloodstream. Ingredients like benzophenone-3 are proven endocrine disrupters causing hormonal imbalance in children and even in infants who breast feed.

There is an entire laundry list of agents to avoid many of which cause allergies, skin irritation, can increase estrogen levels and disrupt hormonal levels within the body. Jena Thompson, Natural Cosmetics Chemist, shares some of her “yellow flagged” ingredients to look out for.  See for yourself:

Oxybenzone/Benzophenone-3: Causes skin irritation, allergies, and hormone disruption. Another one of the most powerful free radical creators known.
Oxtinoxate or Octyl-methoxycinnamate: Increases estrogen levels
Homesalata (HMS): Increases estrogen levels
PABA, Padimate-O, or ocytl dimethyl: Causes damage to DNA, may have estrogenic activity, and can cause an allergic reaction.
Propylene Glycol: An industrial antifreeze; can cause liver and kidney damage. This ingredient is also known to produce the contaminant 1,4-Dioxane.
Dioxybenzone: One of the strongest free radical producers known.

www.Ewg.com

While this is not the entire “avoid” list, it definitely gives you an idea of how harmful chemical products really can be.

The Way Nature Intended

Natural sunscreens on the other hand lie on the skin, forming a protective barrier that allows no rays to penetrate, period. And while many chemical sunscreens irritate skin and clog pores, natural sunscreens provide added beauty benefits. Pure + Simple founder, Jean Eng says that “zinc is anti-inflammatory for sensitive skin and anti-bacterial for acne” while titanium is known for its equally healing properties.

However, natural sunscreens come with the stigma of an embarrassingly white nose that used to make serious skin care gurus kiss beach trips goodbye. But with today’s nanotechnology, zinc and other large particle agents have been whittled down to practically nothing – smaller than the wavelength of light, actually. With white nosed beachgoers a thing of the past, there is no reason not to use natural products with simple ingredients.

Ingredients to Look For:

Zinc Oxide: Topical agent for centuries; non-irritating; UV absorbing; anti-inflammatory; anti-bacterial; non-comedogenic
Zirconium Oxide: Coats skin; pigment toner; UVA blocking mineral; non-comedogenic
Titanium Dioxide: UV blocker; acts like a shield; non-comedogenic

SUNsational Skin Care

Measuring Sun Protection

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Contrary to popular belief, SPF shows us how long the sunscreen is active for, not the level protection. It is easy to figure out how long a sunscreen will protect your skin. If it usually takes your skin 5 minutes to burn without sunscreen, than an SPF 15 will protect you for 75 minutes while an SPF 30 while shield for about 150 minutes.

How to Choose and Apply Natural Sunscreens

Research: Unfortunately, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only indulges a small percentage of the budget on toxins in skin care; not nearly enough to cover all of the products on the market today. Obviously you’ll want to avoid any ingredient that is on the sidebar list but we also encourage you to do some research on your own to see what else you can dig up.

Ingredients: Stick with active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which not only block all harmful rays completely but also have complementary skin saving properties.

Go Green: According to lax FDA guidelines, companies can have up to 30% chemical agents in their product and can still label it organic. To ensure you’re getting something beneficial and nutritional for your skin, make sure that the USDA Organic Seal is on the label.

SPF: Now that you know how to measure SPF, get one that suits your lifestyle, preferably with an SPF 15 or higher. Make sure your using sunscreen daily.

Brian Zelickson, M.D. of Zel Skin and Laser Specialist says, “It is very important, just like when you are painting a wall in your home, that one coat is not enough for an even application.  Make sure you get good even coverage.”  Dr. Zelickson also believes it is important to re-apply sunblock every two hours or so if you are in the sun for long periods of time. He says that if you are in water or actively sweating, you may need to reapply more often.

Our Favorite Sun Loving Product Picks

Before you go picking out your sunscreen, there are a few more tips we need to dish. According to recent Environmental Working Group (EWG) studies, 4 out of 5 sunscreens are completely ineffective or contain unsafe chemicals. Lucky for us, the EWG didn’t leave us hanging and also provided a list of EWG and local favorite sunscreens that work and, most importantly, are safe.

Minnesota Whole Foods Favorites

* SPF 30+ California Baby No Fragrance Sunblock Stick: Easy-to-use stick that gives those “hot spots” a boost of extra protection. A winner for all kids!   $14.99, .5 oz

*Badger Face & Body Sunblock SPF30: Blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and thoroughly moisturizes your skin with Seabuckthorn Berry, which has cell rebuilding and restorative properties.  One of the safest out there! : $16.00, 2.9 oz.

* Jason Natural Sunbrellas Chemical Free Sun Block SPF30: A smart choice for sensitive skin as an hypo-allergenic sun block. Extra mild and safe for use on babies and sensitive adults.   $12.15, 4 oz.

EWG Sun Safety Favorites

* Tinted Kabana Sunscreen Organic. Made from 9 yummy edible-grade organic and natural ingredients.  It is tinted with the natural mineral iron oxides for a sunscreens without the characteristic whiteness. .  Provides the best broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection of any FDA approved sunscreen.   $18.00, 4 oz. www.kabanaskincare.com

* Sunscreen SPF30 by Soleo Organics: Provides three hours of waterproof protection, and made with botanical extracts and antioxidants.  Perfect for any outdoorsmen or beach trips.
$25.99, 2.6 oz; www.soleousa.com

* Trukid Sunny Days SPF 30+ Natural Mineral Sunscreen:
Offers strong protection all day long when applied every 80 minutes. Non-toxic and chemical free and had the best skin care rating of all kids skin care lines. $12.49, 4 oz. www.trukid.com

Local Dermatology, Zel Skin Specialist’s Sun Safety Favorites

* Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 35: Non greasy and free of fragrance, masking fragrance, perfume, parabens, lanolin, formaldehyde.
$19.50, 4 oz.

* Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen: Provide a wide range of chemical and fragrance-free sun protection for a sensitive face, children, sport and activity, and regular every day use.
$14.99, 5oz; www.crownlaboratories.com

More Beneficial Beauty Products

Local beauty hotspot, Kasia Organic Salon, has teamed up exclusively with La Bella Donna Minerals, educating clients that fewer ingredients mean more for your skin.

Kill three birds with one stone by getting crucial vitamins with penetrating qualities and minerals to create a protective barrier in all of your skin care. Mineral rocks provide zinc to improve skin, natural sunblock to prevent damage and, with the correct tint, a flawless even-toned complexion every day.

Some of our favorites include La Bella’s amazing lip products that contain Ceramide 2 which is designed to keep lips smooth and protected from the sun’s damaging UV rays.  The natural sun protection of SPF 20 gives you confidence of all day protection.

Loose Mineral Sun Protection with Simple Ingredients:
Micronized titanium oxide, bismuth oxychloride, zinc oxide, and iron oxides of SPF 20.

We’ve got you covered with:   Sustainable Style

Eco-friendly choices don’t have to mean looking granola. You can still by stylish and protected by choosing your clothes wisely. Most garments have some sort of Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). This number tells us how much of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVA rays the fabric absorbs. For example, a UPF 50 will only allow a measly 2% of UV rays to shine through fabric and onto your skin.

By now you’re thinking, “What about all of the clothes in my closet that I haven’t a clue about the UPF factor?” Here are a few easy rules of thumb to assess your current wardrobe:

The tighter the weave, the more sun stays out: Check out the weave by holding garments up to light. Washing fabrics like cotton can actually shrink the weave, making them more protective.

The thicker the fabric, the better the shield: While your worn white cotton tee offers about UPF 7, your favorite denim is a whopping UPF 1700!

The darker the color, the more your protected: Darker dyes simply absorb more light.

Fabric matters: Polyester, silk, and wool offer more protection than cotton, linen, and viscose. Hemp and bamboo are also great natural alternatives.

The looser, the better: We aren’t saying it’s an excuse to slub, but a looser fit increases the space between your skin and the clothing, allowing any extra light to diffuse.

Towel off: Many people believe wearing a t-shirt into water is helpful. But in reality it only increases the UPF by about 3%. On the other hand, a dry tee ups protection nearly 33%.

You might have all the protection you need in your closet and if not local hotspot, BIRCH Clothing, has you covered, literally, when it comes to sun care style.  The Skin Cancer Foundation is also an invaluable tool in finding protective shirts for the whole family.

http://www.skincancer.org/give-the-gift-of-protection.html
Fibre2fashion.com – Natural, “Green” Dyes for the Textile Industry

The Skin Cancer Foundation offers durable sun-protective shirts that block 97 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.  Learn more and give the gift of protection at: http://www.skincancer.org/give-the-gift-of-protection.html

Additional information on local and informative sun safety resources:

Zel Skin and Laser Specialist:  http://www.zelskin.com/yc_sundamage.html
Environemental Working Group:  www.ewg.com
Toxic Ingredients Database: www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
Birch Clothing: http://www.birchclothing.com
W. 50th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
SkinCancer.org: http://www.skincancer.org/