A close friend of mine is about to embark on a sailing adventure around Cape Horn. We were discussing the environmental conditions for the journey and protective gear. This got me thinking about sun protection again, and so decided to revisit the anti-aging site pages on the latest sun protection products.
A lot has changed in the past six months in the effectiveness of high protection products. It also reminded me of the many misconceptions we all have about the penetrating effect of the suns rays. So for those who don’t read the site pages I thought it worthwhile doing a quick post on the 5 most important sun smart facts:
- The UVB rays that cause sun burn are NOT the most damaging. It’s the UVA rays that penetrate deep into the skin layers that cause photo-aging and skin cancer.
- Wearing a shirt does NOT protect you from UVA. A normal cotton T-shirt only has a protection factor of SPF4, where SPF 15, preferably 30 is the minimum. There are launder-in SPF30 additives that you can use to add protection to clothes.
- In most sunscreens, the UVA protection does NOT last as long as the UVB, UNLESS they have Helioplex. Helioplex increases the active ingredients effectiveness from one hour to 4-5 hours.
- If you have sensitive skin, look for sun protection products that have Titanium Oxide and Zinc Oxide to block out UVA, rather than the Avobenzone and Benzophenone. The new versions of these products are now micronised, so are invisible. No more white noses!
- The SPF15 you find in cosmetics is not sufficient protection, because you do not apply sufficient foundation or moisturiser on your face to be effective. In fact, most people don’t use enough sunscreen or sunblock on their bodies either. You should use enough to be visible as a white film on the skin before it soaks in. About 3ml for an average sized adult.
So, next time you are outside on an overcast day, with a shirt on, and don’t get burnt, don’t feel so smug that you have not exposed your skin to harmful radiation. Take a few minutes and get up to date on the latest findings and sun protection products.
Nicola
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Hi,
I so agree with most of your statement. actually i am worried because during so many years people have been looking for high SPF for their outdoor activities thinking that it will be enough…so not true!!!
-UVA rays represent 95% of the UV that reach the earth
-UVA rays are almost constant all year long unlike UVB rays.
-UVA rays pass through the clouds,evne the windows
-UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays
-Experts state that 80% os SKIN AGING is due to UVA rays (see pictures on the anthelios.com site!!!scarry!)
-Finally UVA rays have been linked to skin cancer
CONCLUSION: protecting you while you are at the beach, skiing, golfing is great…but it is not enough. the biggest damage are the one you can’t see 9no burns), the one that you get all year long, every day: in your car, in your office, at home..etc
And for this you need a HIGH protection against UVA RAYS. Today ANTHELIOS SX with the revolutionnary sun filter Mexoryl SX has the best UVA protection among moisturizer with sunscreen, and it is a fantastic moisturizer (24 hour hydration, light, non greasy, ..etc). Because you want also to make sure that people are indeed using the product everyday. And this will happen only if the moisturizer with sunscreen they are using is truly a great moisturizer and not a’wanna-be-moisturizer’ that semlls like a sunscreen or dry your skin.
Protect your skin EVERYDAY: it is the only way to slow down the aging process and potential risk of skin cancer!!!
A good recommendation Jane, thanks for your comment.
Nicola