Summer is fast approaching and that means fun in the sun! Whatever your summer activities are, they probably involve being in the sun for extended periods of time. If you want to protect yourself and your skin, this means it’s time to reach out for the sunscreen. We’ve been warned about the harmful effects of the sun and encouraged by the media, cosmetic companies and doctors to always wear sunscreen, even if we’re inside most of the day. So, many of us actually wear sunscreen or sunblock year-round, not just in the summer. The truth is, there is one question that many are not asking, and we really should be: Is it really necessary or even safe to use sunscreen products everyday?Unfortunately, in our efforts to stop sun damage to our skin and prevent aging and wrinkling, we may have done ourselves harm.
There is mounting evidence that chemicals found in most sunscreen products could be the actual culprits in creating skin damage, free radical production, and hormone disruption. It seems to be that every product that advertised to be good, turns out to be bad in some other way. Luckily there is hope.
Sunscreen is designed to protect us from the strong ultraviolet rays of the sun. There are UVA and UVB rays. UVA are the longer sunrays that penetrate deeper into the skin and cause skin damage, including premature aging and cancer. UVB rays are shorter, and are responsible for sunburns. There are two main types of sunscreens: The first one contains chemical ingredients that absorb ultraviolet light. These are the ones with harmful chemicals you want to avoid. Some chemicals you might find in typical sunscreen products: Benzophenone, also oxybenzone (the PAN Pesticides Database lists it as a toxic pesticide. Also a common allergen and studies revealed that it showed up in the urine of study participants who used it) Avobenzone, octylmethoxycinnamate, and octocrylene (these chemicals penetrate the skin and generate free radicals). Methoxycinnamate (implicated in causing cancer). PABA (thankfully this isn’t used as much now: it can cause skin reactions and may have a part in creating cell damage). The second type of sunscreen utilizes minerals that reflect and scatter ultraviolet light. They act as physical barriers, sitting on the surface of the skin instead of penetrating it like the chemical products. Two of these minerals are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They are much safer ingredients to use, and the best sunscreen products combine one of these with herbal ingredients and anti-oxidants.
In addition to choosing safe sunscreen products, remember to exercise a common sense, don't overdo sun exposure: use sunglasses, wear wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts and pants. Also, try, to stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day.
Sweetsation Therapy is coming up with the newest break through for the sun protection. Organic Sun*Brella Totale Skin Perfector is designed not only to protect your skin from the sun but also to eliminate existing sun damage in a form of brown spots and freckles. It incorporates only natural mineral sunscreens in it as well as Frut and Marine Extracts for hydration, rare Caviar Extract and Reishi Mushroom for age prevention. It's in itself a products that will make your skin perfect.
Unfortunately this unique product is not yet available but we are expecting to see it within a couple of months.
