Fun In The Sun

A child born in 2000 has a 1 in 75 chance of developing skin cancer during his/her lifetime {Sun Safety Alliance} Someone born in 1930 has a 1 in 1,500 chance. Sun exposure is more dangerous now then before. Exposure to UV rays is the top culprit in skin cancers. About 70% of Americans do not take appropriate measures to protect themselves from sun exposure. {American Cancer Society} Lack of sun protection can contribute to melanoma and is also the main cause of premature aging.

One of the best things we can do for ourselves is to learn a bit more
Topic:
Sunscreen

Sunscreens have SPF, which is a number on the bottle that indicates the amount of time you can be in the sun before you begin to burn. The FDA rates sunscreen based on UVB protection. UVB rays, are the ones that causes sunburn. The higher the SPF number, the higher the percentage of UVB light is absorbed. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but they are the kind that penetrate the skin and greatly increase our risk of skin cancer, and are contributors to wrinkles, crow's-feet and pigment changes.

Think:
UV{B}: B= Burning
UV{A}: A= Aging

Sunscreens provide two types of protection from UV light:

1) physical sunscreens
2) chemical sunscreens

Physical sunscreens, contain particles of inert minerals that form a film on skin to reflect sun's rays. Best for children and sensitive skin. If you are looking for sheer coverage, physical sunscreens are not the way to go, some tend to leave a white cast on the skin.

Chemical sunscreens, contain synthetic compounds that absorb sun rays that cause damage. They usually contain more than one ingredient, protecting us against both UVA & UVB rays. Great for residue-free coverage, not the best bet for those with allergies.

The Mayo Clinic suggests a sunscreen with both chemical and physical ingredients. Checking the 'active ingredients' will let us know if these ingredients are present.

Physical: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Chemical: avobenzone, oxybenzone, mexoryl

When it comes to sunscreen all that matters is actually applying it and the active ingredients. But, it's always fun to look at recommended products. Here are some "powerful skin protectors".

Pre-Makeup Protector

~Physical: Becca Mineral SPF Primer

UVA & UVB coverage. Minimizes pores and provides SPF 30 protection. Dries on contact to matte finish.
Green and white tea extracts combat premature aging. Berry sent.
$42 beccacosmentics.com

Lip Protection

Environmentally friendly

Fights against the effects of pollution, protects against skin cancer and soothes sensitive lips
Wintermint flavor
$19 for four sticks, supergoop.com

Cosmetic Coverage

~ Physical: Nicole Paxson, Mimosa Liquid Foundation with SPF 30+

Gives the skin a smooth finish and provides all-day UVA and UVB protection
A percentage of all proceeds are donated to lupus and skin disorder research
$40.50 nicolepaxson.com

~Physical: Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Brush

Powerful mineral powder that leaves a nearly invisible finish of the skin
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
$50, spalook.com

~Physical: Crease-proof, SPF 15 coverage, Illuminare's All Day Eye Color

Long-lasting, semi-matte cream
Protects eyelids from the sun's harmful rays while providing some color
Waterproof formula comes in 9 shades
can even double as an eyeliner and brow fuller when applied with a brush
$18, illuminarecosmetic.com

Skin Coverage

~Chemical and physical: Korres Sweet Orange Sunscreen Face and Body Milk SPF 25

Creamy, dries quickly, orange scent
$28, ulta.com

~Chemical: Desert Essence SPF 30 Sunscreen Towelettes

Nongreasy,dries within seconds, unscented
$13 for 25, desertessence.com

~Physical: Bethesda Sunscreen Soap

Use like typical soap, melts into skin, rosemary with lavender scent
$8, bethesdaskincare.com

We should also remember to protect our hair and scalp. Twice as many cases of scalp and neck melanoma are fatal then cases on other parts of the body. One study has discovered that hair has a natural SPF of 10, and that long hair provides less SPF protection then short. Most likely due to the tendency of long hair to part, exposing more of the scalp.{Photochemistry and Photobiology}

Philip Kingley's Swimcap

Thick cream filters out UV rays
Prevents color from fading
Fruit oil adds moisture and protection against dryness from chlorine, salt water and wind
$35, philipkingsley.com

Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil

Shields against sun's rays
$20, phyto.com