Are Sunscreens Toxic?

 Sunscreens were created to protect our skin, the body's largest organ, from UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun is divided into UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC is filtered by ozone in the stratosphere, whereas UVA and UVB reach the earth's surface. UVA can penetrate deeper through the skin than UVB, it is not filtered through glass and it is estimated that approximately 50 percent of exposure to UVA occurs in the shade.
Acute exposure to UVB causes effects such as erythema, edema, tanning, thickening of the epidermis and dermis, and vitamin D synthesis. Chronic exposure to UVB can result in photoaging, immunosupression and photocarcinogenesis. Exposure to UVA is more efficient in inducing tanning and causes less erythema, but it is also involved in photoaging and acute chronic photodermatoses. Both UVA and UVB are associated with immunosupression and carcinogenesis; therefore, there is a need for protection.
According to Benjamin Fuchs, R.Ph, "SPF is misleading, this is only for UVB. UVA rays cause the aging. Sunscreens can be toxic."
Sunscreen lipophilicity means means penetration, never use on babies, adds Fuchs. Sunscreens have estrogenic structures. UVA blockers (oxybenzone, Parsol (TM), are especially toxic.
Fuchs recommends sunblockers, preferably those with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. These are non-hormonal, non-chemical. These ingredients block UVA, UVB and UVC with limited penetration.
Zinc Oxide offers healing, soothing, is non-toxic, biogenic and very effective, thus being safe for babies.
Diet plays a huge role in sun protection in addition to its' vast other beneficial qualities of sustaining a healthy life. Eating vegetables stimulates the skins natural immunity.
Inorganic UV filters, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide act by scattering, reflecting and/or absorbing UVR dependent on their refractive index, the size of the particles, dispersion in the emulsion and film thickness. The drawback of inorganic mineral sunscreens is that they are opaque on the skin. To improve cosmetic acceptability, particle size can be reduced to 20-50 nm, rendering them transparent to visible radiation, but this also reduces their ability to scatter and reflect UVR. The availability of microfine Zno (for example Z-cote from BASF and Zin Clear from Advanced Nanotechnology Ltd., Australia) and TiO2 has increased the formulation of these inorganic filters in sunscreen products, thus permitting high SPF values and broad spectrum absorption, with reduced amounts of organic filters.
Fuchs recommends a sunblock with broad-spectrum with either Zinc Oxide or Titianium Dioxide. It is also imperative to reapply the sunblock if you go in the water or sweat while in the sun.
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Attention Sun Worshippers, Sunning is toxic

Just because there are modalities which can help minimize or diminish sun spots, aging and other imperfections, doesn't mean you should still go out and spend hours in the sun or in a tanning bed. Tanning beds are ten times worse when it comes to UV rays and "irrepairable" damage. 

We get about 25 percent of our sun exposure by the time we're 18. 

Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR), which comprise both UVA and UVB rays from the sun, produces DNA damage that may lead to mutations in genes involved in the pathogenesis of skin cancer. Sunscreens that absorb or block UVR serve an important protective function. UVB is the main culprit in skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging and other effects of photoaging. UVA is not blocked by most windows. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. 

Is it possible to reverse sun damage?

Yes and no. According to dermatologists and plastic surgeons, most are saying yes, but really they are just minimizing the damage of lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and lightening the hyperpigmentation. Light chemical peels, intense pulsed light (photofacial), ALA-PDT (aminolevulanic acid photodynamic therapy) v-beam laser, microdermabrasion are some of the non-ablative procedures that can help. Ablative resurfacing treatment, medium to deep chemical peels, fractionated laser such as the Fraxel repair, Active FX and Pearl laser. Other modalities include; photorejuvenation (IPL) and numerous topical products including RetinA and alpha hydroxy products to help you restore some but not all of the damage you have sustained. Always consult with a licensed dermatologist or plastic surgeon regarding your options and the potential side effects. 

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Sunscreen what works, what doesn't

Sun worshippers I hear you, but heed me, you will thank me later. I know how we all look awesome with a tan, but here are a few quick points to consider before going out. 

1. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to the top of your head, whether you have a lot of hair or not. The scalp is often forgotten. If you look at older people you will see where they often get skin cancer; their nose, around the hairline, on the scalp and around the ears. There are spray sunscreens you can spray on and don't forget the part and the back of your neck! For those who may have less hair, apply sunscreen more liberally and often!

2. After you've been in the sun a while, been in the water or been sweating while out in the sun, it is also imperative to re-apply sunscreen, as we deplete water and other minerals, etc. the sunscreen will come off. So re-apply after swimming, playing in the sun or after about 90 minutes. Most sunscreens will not still be working after 90 minutes and often times re-applying may not be helpful. 

3. It is also imperative to use a sunscreen that says, "broad-spectrum protection", on the label. Don't be fooled by more expensive brands. Usually the inexpensive sunscreens will contain the ingredients to both both UVA an UVB rays. UVA rays in addition to burning the skin, penetrating deeper, and causing genetic damage in cells they also suppress the immune system.

4. Even if you're not outside, you should apply sunscreen as the UVA rays can also pass through glass and cause skin cancer. So for those of you who work in offices, especially around computers, or even if you're working around the house (inside), running errands, you are still exposed. 

5. Choose products with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or Parsol 1789 (avobenzone) - the best ingredients for UVA protection. 

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Myths about Skin Cancer, Tanning

People actually get less than 25 percent of their total sun exposure under the age of 18. Each 20 year period after that averages another 25 percent. Therefore, it is imperative that you use sunscreen all the time, beginning as soon as possible. Even if you are just driving to and from work, or sitting in front of a computer, slather on sunscreen. Ladies, the SPF in your foundation or moisturizer is probably not enough either.

More than a million people, 71 percent of women under 30, go to tanning salons which is more deadly than the sun itself. The high-pressure bulbs in tanning beds emit as much as 12 times the UVA the sun does, increasing your chance of melanoma by as much as 75 percent! So, the only safe tan is the one that comes in a bottle.

Wear sunscreen everyday, especially if you are going to the beach and reapply after 80 minutes, or after swimming. 

What is a good sunscreen?

Read the labels, look for "broad spectrum", zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, these will shield you from UVA and UVB rays. Use at least an SPF of 30, for fair skinned people, try to use a higher SPF.

Don't forget to apply sunscreen to your neck, chest, back of neck, ears, top of your head and tops of your feet!

For more info, visit our website at, www.FloridaSpaGirls.com