Did you know that the sun is responsible for up to 90% of visible aging? Not to mention the increased risk of skin cancer that excessive sun exposure and repeated burns can cause. This summer protect yourself from the dark side of our bright ball of fire.

Physical blocks vs. chemical screens

ZinClear (does not leave your skin looking ghostly white) and titanium dioxide are two outstanding sun blocks. These micronized minerals are put into formulas to reside on the surface of your skin (the outer most layer AKA stratum corneum) and provide a physical shield to reflect the suns ultraviolet rays.

Chemical sun screens on the other hand are absorbed by the skin and when activated (about 15 to 20 min after application) will destroy ultraviolet light for a limited time. It is important to reapply chemical sun screens since they become inactive depending on the SPF they offers. Physical blocks will work as long as you allow them to remain on your skin. So look for sun protection products that offer ZinClear and Titanium Dioxide for the most non-toxic sun protection available.

Use It

Sun protection only works if you apply it daily. Even if you are not planning on playing in the sun, wear it over your favorite nourishing cream in the am daily! If you are spending the day at the beach, reapply every two hours and after swimming.

No such thing as a healthy tan

The so called healthy glow (pink, red burned skin) that most think is a status symbol, is in fact a statement of ignorance. Smart, educated people use self tanners and sun shields (physical mineral blocks) to protect against skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. This pink, red color is actually a burn that causes inflammation of the skin, which leads to scar tissue and loss of elasticity. Repeated insults to the skin such as a sunburn ultimately lead to thick scarred skin that is unable to hold water and is void of collagen and elastin, much resembling the look of leather. Hyperpigmetation, brown spots and melasma are additional side effects of long term and repeated exposure.

Avoid peak heat

Avoid direct sun light between 10 am and 3 pm. This is the most intense time of day that the sun is most dangerous. Seek shade, wear a hat and limit direct sun exposure as much as possible. In addition to avoiding the direct sunlight, try to avoid intense heat, since it is thought to be a burden on the skin and may damage the skin’s protein.

Sun facts

• Snow, sand, water, concrete and glass reflect sunlight.
• Clouds do not protect you from the damaging UV rays.
• The higher the altitude the more intense the sun gets (6% every 1000 feet).
• The sun is responsible for the majority of melanoma.
• The sun’s UV rays can penetrate many types of clothing.
• Dry, dehydrated skin, burns more easily than well hydrated skin.
• The sun can damage your eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and eyelid cancers.
  

Sun tips

• Protect newborns and children from the sun.
• Wear a hat to protect your scalp.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Apply sunblock to your ears.
• Use non-toxic mineral sunblocks such as ZinClearTM and titanium dioxide.
• Use a self tanner to achieve the desired tan look.
• Do not use Retin-A when you are planning on spending time in the sun.