What to Look for in Sun Care

Sunscreen protects the skin from burns, premature aging and cancer. The perfect sunscreen should block the majority of ultra violet rays (UVR), both UVA and UVB rays. UVB are high energy rays that cause sunburned skin and UVA are rays that don’t cause sunburn. But both types of rays can cause an increased cancer risk, wrinkling, and aging. Sunscreen should have active and inactive ingredients that remain effective in the sun, filter both types of ultraviolet rays, and are safe for both adults and children.

All sunscreens do not fully protect the skin from all types of UVR damage. Sunscreen was invented to stop sunburn against UVB. The effectiveness of sunscreen skin protection from sunburn is measured by the SPF number – the higher the number, the stronger the UVB protection. But SPF values tell you nothing about UVA protection. While sunscreens protect against UVB rays, only some protect against UVA and are now labeled “broad spectrum.”

There are two forms of active ingredients in sunscreen - mineral and chemical filters which can absorb, reflect or scatter ultraviolet (UV) rays. Each uses a different mechanism for protecting skin and maintaining stability in sunlight. There are natural and traditional sunscreen oils, sticks, gels, creams, and lotions.

Traditional sunscreens are made with non-mineral or chemical active ingredients, contain more than one active ingredient and can be absorbed into the skin. Sunscreen chemicals should be engineered with care since they are repeatedly applied to large portions of the body, stick to the skin, and are present in large concentrations. Recent studies have examined potential health hazards of sunscreen chemicals including skin irritation, allergy, hormone disruption, and skin damage.

Natural sunscreen often has ingredients that are not absorbed into the skin and are stable in the presence of sunlight making them safer alternatives. The two most common ingredients used in natural sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Both zinc oxide and titanium oxide provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Both are gentle enough for everyday use, non allergenic, don’t cause acne, and safe for children. Natural sunscreen has other plant based beneficial ingredients that moisturize and nourish the skin. An organic or bio-degradable natural sunscreen is better for the environment (coral reefs) than the traditional sunscreen.

There are a variety of natural oils that offer protection from the sun, the SPF protection can vary when it is on your skin. Determining the exact SPF factor of an oil is difficult because natural oils oxidize (lose some of their medicinal properties) over time and when exposed to light. Most plant oils protect only against UVB rays (with the exception of Red Raspberry).

Non-GMO Soybean Oil – SPF 10

Coconut Oil – SPF 2-8

Avocado Oil – SPF 4 – 10                       

Red Raspberry Seed Oil – SPF 28-50

Olive Oil – SPF 2-8                                   

Carrot Seed Oil – SPF 38-40

Shea Butter – SPF 3 – 6                                    

Wheat Germ Oil – SPF 20

Almond Oil – SPF 5                              

Jojoba Oil – SPF 4

Sesame Seed Oil – SPF 4                      

Hemp Seed Oil – SPF 6

Macadamia Oil – SPF 6

SPF up to 15: Working on your tan without a lot of UV protection.

SPF 15 to 30: SPF 15 is minimum protection, SPF 30 blocks out 98% of UVB light.

SPF 50:  Highest rating blocking UVB.

Broad-spectrum formulas: Broad-spectrum products SPF 15+ that protect against UVA and UVB.

After Sun: Aloe is hydrating and can have anti-inflammatory effects. Cucumbers can have analgesic properties. OPC’s are rich in antioxidants and can help with sun damaged skin.

The American Cancer Society recommends applying sunscreen early, regularly and generously. Apply 30 minutes before going outside and at least every two hours thereafter. Make sure to reapply it after being in the water, sweating, or towel drying, since all of these activities can remove sunscreen.

Scientists believe that sunscreens can only provide partial protection against harmful effects of the sun. Limiting sun exposure and wearing protective clothing are more important for protecting your skin. The sun’s burning rays are very intense between 10 AM and 4 PM UVA radiation doesn’t decline much when the sun is lower or overcast conditions exist. UVA also penetrates glass, so the best way to prevent photo-aging is to use a moisturizer with an SPF every day, rain or shine and avoid sunburn.

-Mona Claypoole, Director of Marketing and Wellness Support