Sunscreen Facts and Myths

Did you know why your mother tells you, "Remember to wear sunscreen everyday"?
Because we only need 10 minutes of sunshine per day!
No kidding. Ten minutes a day is equal to 3,650 minutes (or almost 61 hours) of sun exposure annually. The sun is the ultimate culprit for skin aging and excessive exposure can weaken the skin’s immunity to the sun and lead to skin cancer.
Folks, treat this as your sunscreen.com alert. Sunscreen importance, effects of sunscreen, fast facts about sunscreen, effectiveness of sunscreen, why use sunscreen, sunscreen ingredients, sunscreen safety, sunscreen and skin cancer will all be discussed here.
So, what is the best sunscreen for the face and body?
Let's see, your sunscreen brands are:
Anthelios sunscreen, Neutrogena sunscreen, mexoryl sunscreen or sunscreen with meroxyl, 100 spf sunscreen, sunscreen zinc, spf 70 sunscreen, zinc sunscreen, spf 50 sunscreen, Coppertone sunscreen, sunscreen zinc oxide, spf 100 sunscreen, sunscreen spf 8, Banana Boat sunscreen, zinc oxide sunscreen, ROC sunscreen, Avon sunscreen, Proactiv sunscreen, spf 60 sunscreen, Proderm sunscreen, Murad sunscreen, sunscreen spf 50?
Choosing the perfect product depends not on brands, but on sunscreen ingredients. The importance of sunscreen safety plays a major role on healthier and younger-looking skin.
You want that, right?
Sunscreen Facts and Myths No. 2:
You see, the sun radiates two kinds of rays – UVB that causes tanning or sunburn, and UVA that’s responsible for skin cancer and aging. Many sunscreens claim to block both, but actually provide UVB protection only.
Check this out... According to the American Cancer Society, UVA can be up to 1000x more intense than UVB!
Do I get your attention now?
Sunscreen Facts and Myths No. 3:
The key ingredients to search for UVA defense are Mexoryl or Mexoryl-Sx, Avobenzone or 3% (not 2%) Parsol 1789, Zinc Oxide, and Titanium Dioxide.
Mexoryl sunscreen or sunscreen with Mexoryl products include Anthelios Sunscreen by La Roche-Posay (regarded as the best), Neutrogena Sunscreen Ultra Sheer Dry Touch, are the most popular and more effective than Avobenzone-based products.
Avobenzone sunscreens are widely found in a Neutrogena sunscreen (the best according to Consumer Reports & In Style, and my favorite!), Aveeno or Oil of Olay products.
These first two ingredients are called chemical sunscreen ingredients.
Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide are the physical sunscreen ingredients, usually in opaque form, and best for sensitive skin or babies. These are better than chemical sunscreens although less preferred because of its opacity.
Sunscreen Dangers:
Sunscreen Facts and Myths No. 4:
Avoid Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Sunscreen in sheer or clear form. They are nano-sized that can create free radicals and damage our DNA. Worse, products don't disclose that nanotechnology is used in its manufacture.
There's more...
These chemicals in sunscreen have been banned in Europe
- benzophenone-3 (Bp-3), homosalate (HMS), 4-MBC, octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC), and octyl-dimethyl PABA (OD-PABA), cinnamates (cinoxate, ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamatae, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate), silicylates (ethylhexyl salicylate, homoslate, octyl salicylate), digalloyl trioleate, and menthyl anthranilate.
Why? These dose the human body with excessive estrogen and cause cancers (breast, prostate, uterus, ovaries, head and neck) according to the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Zurich, Switzerland.
Ready for some more fun sunscreen facts and myths?
Myth: “Oh I slather on SPF 8 foundation, SPF 15 moisturizer, then SPF 25 sunscreen. Heck , I get a total of SPF 48.”
Fact: Are you sure? It’s not simple math. It’s logic. You only end up with the highest SPF protection. So that’s SPF 25.
Myth: “I stay indoors most of the time. I don’t need sunscreen!”
Fact: Here’s to your awakening. UVA rays can easily penetrate all windows and shades. Vehicles, offices, homes. What, you ask, airplanes too? Truth is, it’s worse because of the higher elevation!
Myth: “I cover my face and arms with sunscreen. I don’t need it for areas covered with clothes.”
Fact: That’s fine for short sun ‘trips’. But for prolonged exposure like outdoor sports or job, cover your entire body with sunscreen. Did you know the average cotton shirt has an SPF of only 5? There is sun-protective clothing that you can buy at stores.
Myth: “I’m using sunscreen with built-in moisturizer. Double benefits, beat that!”
Fact: Double benefit, yes. Beat that, not even difficult. Use a separate moisturizer and sunscreen. That is proper protection. Fifteen minutes after moisturizing, apply your sunscreen.
Sunscreen Facts and Myths Final Tips:
I save the best for last. :-)

• It is best when you apply sunscreen a half hour before going outside.
• Lycopene boosts skin's natural SPF. You can get it from red fruits & vegetables (tomato, watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava). So go get your left-over spaghetti!
• Sunscreen is not capable of blocking all UVA or UVB rays. The ultraviolet rays can still penetrate even in the shade. Therefore, always protect your skin with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and long sleeved shirts for extended sun exposure. You look good wearing those anyway!
• And I can’t emphasize this more – you can forget to use your skin lightening cream (my product.. aargh! lol), but don’t forget the sunscreen!