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Dermatologist Plea: Use Sun Protection Year Round

Now that fall has arrived, your skin care regimen may change, but please leave sun protection in the mix. UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays are present year-round, whether cloudy or sunny.  By forgoing sun protection in the fall and winter, you may be exposing your skin to sun damage, which accumulates slowly over-time causing age spots, wrinkles or worse. Take it from Dr. Cynthia Bailey who has been practicing dermatology in California for over 24 years. Never tuck your sun protection away, even for a day.

Expert advice from Dermatologist Cynthia Bailey, M.D.

You know that you should protect your skin from the summer sun, but what about the rest of the year? And what about the morning and late afternoon, do you know if that sun will cause wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer? You’ve noticed that the sun feels weaker in the non-summer months and in the morning and afternoon, can it still damage your skin if you don’t sun protect?

I see a lot of patients in my dermatology practice with tanned and wrinkled skin who tell me that because they walk or swim in the morning or during the non-summer months that they don’t need sunscreen or sun protective clothing.  They think that because the sun feels weaker they’re safe. Yes, the sunburn ray called UVB is less intense then, but the sun still damages your skin and the tan and wrinkles are the evidence.

The reason the sun is harmful is that UVA rays are out in full intensity; they’re out all day, all year, and at the same intensity as mid-day in the summer!  This means that from sunup to sundown, January or July you’re getting the same hit of UVA. Plus, UVA penetrates your skin more deeply than UVB causing significant and irreversible damage to the deeper parts, and this causes wrinkles.  As if that’s not enough, your sunscreen SPF value tells you nothing about how well your product blocks UVA.  In fact many products don’t do a good job blocking the UVA rays, which is one of the big criticisms of sunscreens.

I’m writing this post in September and I hope that it will help you plan great sun protection for your skin as we move into fall and winter.  Don’t slack off on your sun protection just because the sunburn ray is less intense and the sun feels less damaging. You need to take UVA seriously, which means you need really good protection from UVA.

UVA is bad news! It penetrates skin more deeply than the sunburn ray UVB and the havoc it wreaks on your skin is caused by free radicals.  These free radicals cause a damage that leads to skin thinning (atrophy), which is what causes most of the wrinkles and skin fragility that we erroneously associate with aging (extrinsic aging of the skin as opposed in intrinsic aging).  Thin, fragile skin tears and bruises easily as you get older and we can’t reverse it.  UVA is also linked to the development of skin cancers, including melanoma.  To reiterate, UVA damage is not reversible which means prevention is really important.

Even on brisk fall days, the sun's UV rays are present.

What’s my advice for the best year round UVA sun protection for your skin?

1.  Keep the sun off your skin with sun protective clothing and a full brim hat

Try to cover as much of your skin as possible and when it’s not really hot outside this is easy to do.  Remember, when you depend on sunscreen alone you need a ‘thick and sticky coat’ every 2 hours, and that’s hard to keep up with.  Plus, a sunscreen’s protection isn’t perfect and neither is your application of it.  My preference is that you wear sun protective clothing for the best sun protection.  Ideally you want to wear clothes that protects your full arms and chest too.  These are areas where people get a lot of unfortunate skin thinning from sun damage because they wear short sleeved v-neck shirts.  During hot weather or outdoor athletic activities wear functional garments like swim shirts and tights, ventilated sun protective shirts etc.  Don’t skimp on yourself, create a wardrobe that really protects your skin. 

2.  Wear broad spectrum sunscreen everyday on all the skin that’s left uncovered

This includes your face, neck, ears and the back of your hands.  Make sure your sunscreen product blocks UVA well.  In my opinion, this means using a product with 5% or more micronized zinc oxide. Sunscreen formulation is still tricky though which is why I stick with a small group of products that I’ve seen work over and over for my patients and my family.  Sunscreen product failure is all too common with other sunscreens, you need a product that you can trust especially with UVA because the UV ray doesn’t cause a quick sunburn and it may take weeks to figure out that your product is letting UVA through.  I also don’t recommend that you rely on a facial moisturizer for UVA protection because most don’t do a good job at that.  Remember the SPF tells you only about UVB protection, not about UVA protection.  Be deliberate about your daily application of sunscreen, use only a broad spectrum product so that you have the UVA protection you need to keep your skin healthy and strong.

3.  Add high concentration antioxidant skin care products to your facial skin care routine and apply them everyday

Scientific studies have shown that applying highly concentrated antioxidants to your skin really does reduce UV damage.  The best are the green tea polyphenols, vitamin C and E.  There is no regulation on these products though meaning any skin cream or serum can make grand claims about containing antioxidants yet include only a minute ‘fairy dusting’ concentration that doesn’t do anything.  A recent study of sunscreen products with added antioxidants showed that the incidental amounts added to those products did not provide free radical protection and had no antioxidant power when tested in the laboratory.  With the right products though I’ve seen my patients get real results (fewer precancerous lesions for me to treat during their checkups).  These products are the two Replenix Creams and the C/R/S vitamin C serum that I sell from my web store. 

4.  Don’t forget to seek the shade to sun protect your skin

As the weather gets colder it’s so tempting to want to sit in the direct sun, but only do that with sun protective clothing and sunscreen on.  Keep your skin out of the sun as much as possible.  Remember that UV rays bounce off pavement, sand, rocks, buildings etc.  If you’re getting a tan you’re exposed.

5.  Don’t listen to people who tell you to get non-summer, morning or afternoon sun to prevent vitamin D deficiency

Remember, UVA doesn’t make vitamin D in your skin so resist that false advice to get year round sun exposure for your vitamin D production.  Most places in the world only have enough UVB rays during the summer to make meaningful vitamin D in your skin.  Even then, I don’t recommend using your skin as a vitamin D factory because it gives doctors like me job security.  Vitamin D is pretty complex and I always recommending talking to your personal doctor for advice.  To read more about my opinion on vitamin D and the sun click here to read my article Are You Really Getting Vitamin D From The Sun Or Just Nuking Your DNA?

Reference: Ex vivo evaluation of radical sun protection factor in popular sunscreens with antioxidants, Steven Q. Wang, MD et. al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2011;65:525-30

More from Dr. Bailey at http://www.drbaileyskincare.com/blog/.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Coolibar and its contributors is general skin care information and should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem.

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Expert Rx

Sun Protection Following Cosmetic Procedures

Dr. Shauna Kranendonk is a board-certified dermatologist in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, who specializes in cosmetic and surgical dermatology and has been in private practice since 2000. Dr. Kranendonk’s knowledge in cosmetic dermatology is recognized nationally. In the past year, she has co-authored two textbook chapters, including “Skin Rejuvenation” in the surgical textbook Cosmesis of the Face and Jaw, and “Proprietary Peels” in the dermatology textbook Chemical Peels. Dr. Kranendonk shares her expertise with Coolibar on how to avoid scarring, age spots, new lines and wrinkles by using sun protection after chemical peels and laser treatments.

Everyday patients come into my office looking for ways to look younger.  For skin that is weathered from years of sun exposure, I recommend chemical peels and laser treatments.  These procedures can be performed on virtually any area of the body but most commonly are performed on the face, neck, chest, arms and legs. 

When educating patients about these treatments, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of sun protection, in the form of sunscreen and sun protective clothing. The healing process for peels, varies from 3-7 days.  Laser resurfacing is typically 7-10 days for face, longer for chest and lower extremities. Sunburn during the healing stage can result in scarring.  In addition, patients who don’t properly protect their skin from the sun following chemical peels or laser procedures are at risk for developing dark patches of skin in the treated areas. This complication is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  With treatment, it can take up to several months to resolve.  It is much easier to prevent this complication by avoiding sun exposure during the healing phase. 

The benefits of peels and procedures don’t wear off after a given length of time.  What I tell patients after their procedure is, we’ve turned the clock back, and now it starts ticking again.  Good sun protection will keep the clock ticking at a slower rate and sun exposure will speed it up.

Sun protective clothing helps keep the skin safe from sun exposure following skin rejuvenation procedures.  Sun protective clothing has the unique advantage of being a broad spectrum physical block, which won’t sweat off like sunscreens will.  In addition, many sunscreens sting and burn when applied to the skin, especially following chemical peels or laser treatments, and they don’t provide sufficient sun protection.  Sun protective lightweight breathable fabrics, such as Coolibar SUNTECT® fabrics, help keep the skin from overheating, providing comfortable, safe sun protection.  With sun protective clothing, sun-related complications can be avoided.  And, you can keep your skin healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Shauna Kranendonk, MD
Coastal Dermatology Cosmetic, Laser & Surgery Center

Disclaimer: The information provided by Coolibar and its contributors is general skin care information and should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem.

Radiant Sun Protection
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Apply Sunscreen Sunscreens and Lotions What's Hot

One-on-One with Colorescience Founder Diane Ranger

Colorescience founder, Diane Ranger, also founder of Bare Escentuals in 1976, invented mineral makeup in 1977. Later she proceeded to create powder sunscreen in 2004. Colorescience Pro is the 21st Century version of mineral cosmetics stressing that each ingredient in each formula has skin care benefits.  Every product is formulated to offer sun care and sun protection. Only the highest quality ingredients are used and products are formulated in high percentages with research to support efficacy.

The creator of the mineral makeup concept and the Founder of Colorescience Pro Diane Ranger talks with Coolibar about her innovative high SPF mineral makeup collection and how to keep your skin looking better than ever.

People often question if makeup can really offer sun protection. What provides the sun protection in Colorescience makeup?  Micronized Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. These are physical sunscreens that work on the surface of the skin to refract and reflect the light away from the skin. Traditional sunscreens work by turning light energy into heat energy, which is why most sunscreens make the skin feel hot and sticky. Colorescience Pro Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen, Foundations and Primers all offer sun protection that is easy, elegant and effective. Colorescience Pro has the Skin Cancer Seal of approval. Stringent testing is required to receive this seal.

What makes Colorescience different than other makeup brands on the market with SPF? Colorescience Pro uses only physical sunscreens and never uses chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the body and generate heat. This exacerbates skin conditions like rosacea, pigmentation or acne. Colorescience Pro uses Zinc Oxide, which is a category one diaper rash treatment, to calm the skin conditions. Titanium dioxide is excited by light and creates an anti-microbial on the surface of the skin. Both of these ingredients will calm the skin and give great sun protection on the surface of the skin!

What skin types does Colorescience makeup work well on? All skin types, ages and genders.

How do you apply the powder for best results?  We are very proud of our self dispensing brush because it makes reapplication so easy. You don’t even need a mirror to reapply throughout the day. We like to say that we have taken the mess out of minerals. It is important to cover the skin surface thoroughly (it still looks and feels weightless), and then continue to reapply and add to the protection as the day unfolds. The minerals are stable and will not break down on the skin the way chemical sunscreens do.

How do you apply the “setting mist” before or after the powder? Is the “setting mist” necessary?  Just spitz the setting mist after each application or any time you want to “give your skin a drink”. As we should drink eight glasses of water for our body each day, our skin loves to be hydrated as well.  The mist adds a boost to the mineral product, making the minerals even more transfer resistant. The mineral sunscreen work very well independent of the setting mist. The setting mist is a bonus to add an even more beautiful glow to the skin.

Is Colorescience makeup water resistant?  Colorescience Pro Sunscreen products are rated “Very Water Resistant”. This is the highest rating awarded to sunscreens. To see just how effective the minerals are, you can go to Colorescience.com and see the “Water Test”. It is a truly amazing demonstration.

How often does it need to be applied to provide sun protection? The FDA requires reapplication of all sunscreen products every 90 minutes.  There are many different factors each person should take into consideration when spending time in the sun. What is your skin type on the Fitzpatrick scale? Are you in high or low altitudes? Are you in the water or on the snow? Are you on medication? What time of day will you be in the sun?  Understanding and respecting the sun are important to optimum health as the sun can be a wonderful thing if we are responsible.

Want to learn more about Colorescience Pro products or shop for their SPF mineral makeup? Visit coolibar.com/colorescience.

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Expert Rx

Discuss Sun Protection with Your Dermatologist

Edmund Lee, M.D., Ph.D.

Attention Dermatology Patients!

You may have seen your local dermatologist to discuss any number of skin conditions.  Or perhaps, you’re planning your first visit to a dermatologist soon.  Either way, our medical expert Dr. Lee, encourages you to address UV protection at your next appointment.

Board certified Dermatologist Edmund Lee, M.D., Ph.D. of Mount Sinai North Shore Medical Group has been practicing dermatology for 11 years outside of New York City and works with a large number of patients that have skin conditions caused or affected by the sun. According to Dr. Lee everyone should protect their skin from UV, and he eagerly shares his experience with us.

The patients I see on a daily basis live a very active outdoor lifestyle. Golfing, boating, tennis, soccer, among many other activities, are part of daily life here.  As a result, sun damage and its consequences are a large part of my Dermatology practice.  My advice to my patients includes a discussion about the use of sunscreens and also UPF clothing to help protect them when they are outdoors.

Sunscreens are very useful, but lately have come under some scrutiny for safety.  While I have no problem recommending a variety of SPF products, I do have some patients who are wary of any SPF products.

On the other hand, I always recommend UPF clothing. I tell my patients that UV rays can penetrate clothing which they find hard to believe.  So, I have a photo of a patient who indeed got burnt right through his tee shirt last summer!  A picture is worth a thousand words.

To get the UPF word out in my community, I’ve held a Sun Protection Fair in my office for the past 4 years on a weekend in May or June.  No patients are scheduled that day.  Instead, I have the halls filled with UPF clothing and hats from large and small companies.  Since the first Fair, several of my patients have become advocates for UPF clothes.  The sailors and golfers are the best friends I have in persuading others to try these clothes.

I keep UPF clothes after the fairs to continue to demonstrate UPF clothing all summer long—including apparel from Coolibar!

Take it from our expert and discuss UV protection with your dermatologist.  They will have insight into appropriate recommendations for your individual sun protection needs.   Your skin is your largest and most visible organ, protect it for a long and healthy life.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Coolibar and its contributors is general skin care information and should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem.

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Expert Rx Videos

Get Glowing Skin, No Sun Required

Pat Scherven

Want to make your skin as healthy and attractive as possible and give it some natural glow? With an overwhelming number of products on the market these days claiming to improve skin and reduce signs of aging it’s hard to know what claims are true. How can you be sure you are making the best and safest decision for your skin? Take some skin care advice from an experienced esthetician.

Pat Scherven is an established esthetician and founder of Skin Therapease, a skin care and rejuvenation clinic located outside on Minneapolis, MN in Wayzata.  Over the past 15 years she’s worked with thousands of clients at her clinic. She reaches out with products that will help skin thrive and also make this planet a safer place to live. She takes a holistic approach to skin care, which includes sun protective clothing as the sun plays a large part in aging skin. She’ll take you back-to-the-basics on how you can keep your skin glowing and ease signs of aging.

Pat Scherven, Owner Skin Therapease in Wayzata, joined the KARE 11 Today Show on 7/28/11 to talk about some ways to keep your skin healthy, attractive and safe all summer long.


 

Key takeaways from the video

  1. Men have skin issues too. Outside, cover your ears with sun protection as many skin cancers are appearing here on men. Cover the back of the neck with sunscreen or a hat. For sports like golf, wear gloves to protect your hands from the sun.
  2. Women, remember sun damage is cumulative and ages skin. Fair skin women should apply a SPF  30, keep covered and stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or seek shade under a tree or an umbrella.
  3. Take supplements to protect and build your immune system. Go back to the basics and protect from the inside-out with a Multivitamin, Vitamin D and Lipids, which are an anti-inflammatory and help the immune system.
  4. There are multiple kinds of SPF sunscreens, including oil free ones for acne prone skin.  Look for fewer ingredients on the label as they tend to be healthier.
  5. Sun protective clothing and hats with SPF are available for all ages. Choose large brims and long sleeves as they protect more skin.

You can also see Pat’s blog post on Choosing Safe Sun Protection

Disclaimer: The information provided by Coolibar and its contributors is general skin care information and should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem.

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Inside Coolibar Sun Protection Clothing SunAWARE

Make Sure Dad is Covered This Father’s Day

If dad loves to spend time fishing, golfing, biking or participating in any outdoor activity, you may want to consider giving him the gift of sun protective clothing this Father’s Day. It not only will keep him cooler and more comfortable than if his skin was directly exposed to the sun,  but it will protect him from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation says, “The sun’s UV radiation is associated with about 90 percent of all skin cancers.” Men over age 40 spend the most time outdoors and have the highest annual exposure to ultraviolet radiation. And the majority of people diagnosed with melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, are white men over age 50, states the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Middle-aged and older men often don’t perform self skin exams or regularly visit a dermatologist, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Thus, they are the least likely individuals to detect melanoma in its early stages. Encouragement from family members is essential when convincing Dad of the importance of sun protection and early detection. Father’s Day is the perfect time to give your dad the gift of sun protection to show him how much you care. 

We asked our Dads at Coolibar what their favorite sun protection item is so we could pass their recommendations onto you. They gave the following sun protective shirts and hats two thumbs up!

Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing

Swim Shirt

“When coming out of the water on a hot day the shirt keeps me cool even in the sun. Plus it reduces the need for sunscreen.” –Lu

Convertible Polo

“The Convertible Golf Polo is the lightest and softest polo shirt I have ever owned. It stretches when I move and keeps me as cool as most T-shirts.” –Ben

Travel Shirt

“It has great light fabric and nice big pockets for passport and other documents. For my photo shoots in sunny FL & CA, I packed 5 travel shirts. I use the triple collar all the time to protect my neck.”  –Lu

Long-Sleeve Polo

“I have one of these with me in my suitcase at all times.  It’s very comfortable, very protective, and is great for traveling.”  –John

Coolibar Sun Hats

Featherweight Bucket Hat

“It is extremely lightweight and packable so I carry one with me in my bag all of the time.  It’s very protective with a nice curved brim and a navy under-brim to absorb reflected UV.  And if it gets windy I can use the draw string to make sure it doesn’t blow off, normally I tuck this up into the hat.”         –John

Packable Fedora

“This is a great value, classic style, and allows you to wear a fedora without worrying about crushing it when you take it off. Especially great on a winter vacation to the south – you can pack it way so you don’t look out of place in the Minneapolis, MN airport in the middle of February wearing a straw hat!” –Michael  

Shapeable Outback Hat

“It’s perfect for landscaping work, and is extremely durable and rugged.” – Alan

Don’t forget Sunscreen and Sunglasses for Dad too!

Have a SunAWARE Father’s Day!

–Coolibar

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Sunscreens and Lotions

Total Block and Cotz Sunscreen FAQ

Fallene Products

Coolibar asked sunscreen expert Kirk Minster from Fallene, Ltd., the maker of Total Block and Cotz Sunblock products, to host a Q & A session on the Coolibar Facebook page. With over six years of experience at Fallene, Kirk had plenty of valuable sunscreen information to pass on. Here is a brief recap of the session.

I have had skin cancer surgery on my nose and have been trying hard to use sunscreen every day. One problem that I have is taking sunscreen wherever I go, to reapply every two hours. I would love to have an option of single application containers (or towels, if that could be possible) that I could pop in my pocket or purse and not have to worry about it leaking and getting on everything. Does anything like this exist?

Convenience is always an issue with sunscreen, but unfortunately, anything that is either a spray or a moist towel is going to have chemical sunscreen filters only, no titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, the two ingredients that will give you the best broad spectrum photo stable protection. That said, for your nose I would use LipCotz SPF 45. This is in a small portable tube that will fit in your purse or your pocket. It is not only great for your lips, but it can be applied to your nose and ears as well. Finally, all of the Cotz products are in tubes with secure twist tops so the risk of any opening and ruining a purse is next to zero.

How do your products rate on the skin deep cosmetic safety data base?

All of the ingredients are FDA approved and have been in use for decades. As the Cotz line has evolved, we have taken great pains to limit the number of ingredients while providing products that give the best broad spectrum ( both UVA and UVB light) best photo-stable (this means the product does not break down when exposed to sun light, a common problem with chemical sunscreen filters) possible.

Fallene’s products are not safe because I am telling you they are, though I am giving you this assurance. They are safe because years of study into the active and inactive ingredients by competent, well respected scientists have determined they are safe for use on the skin.

Here you will find the report the TGA released in 2009 regarding nano TiO2 and ZO http://www.tga.gov.au/safety/alerts-medicine-sunscreens-051202.htm#nano

I think you will find the TGA report compelling. With hope the FDA will release a monograph for the UVA spectrum of light in 2011 so that consumers will have some way to gage the effectiveness of their sunscreen against the deeper penetrating UVA light.

Most sunscreen burns my face, so I have to use fragrance free sensitive skin types on my arms & chest but cannot find a brand that does not burn sensitive facial skin. Any tips?

Try the Cotz SPF 35 Zinc only, we made it for you and all those with very sensitive skin. Also, the Face Cotz SPF 40 is great for sensitive skin and is very silky to the touch, so it will feel light and smooth on the surface of your face.

For the active ingredients, you have a sunscreen with both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, and then one with just Zinc Oxide. Why is this?

Part of the answer reflects Fallene’s evolution as a sunscreen company, part of the reason resides in the intended function. Total Block 65 and Total Block 60 are older products. Total Block 60 is a makeup cover-up. Total Block 65 is a sunscreen that is designed to be non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic simply means it will not cause the user to break out with blemishes. Over a decade ago when both TB 60 and TB 65 were formulated, the best way to get a non-comedogenic sunscreen with superior protection and a focus on high SPF was to use both chemical and physical actives.

As Fallene, Ltd. evolved, more recent product, in particular the Cotz SPF 35 20% zinc reflects a less is more approach. With only 20% zinc as an active, it exposes the user to as few potentially irritating ingredients as possible, still gives adequate protection from UVB with an SPF 35 (Experts suggest SPF 30 is enough, anything more is probably more than you need) plus great protection from UVA as well.

Is there a way to reduce the white residue some zinc based sunscreens leave behind? It can be especially bad when I’m running outside and I start to sweat.

I suggest the FaceCotz SPF 45 for you in combination with the Cotz SPF 35 20% zinc. Use the Face Cotz on your face as you might have guessed and the Cotz 20% zinc everywhere you have exposed skin. You will find both free of that white residue and both are water resistant. The FaceCotz is very water resistant so will give excellent sweat resistant protection for your face.

Are your products safe to use on babies/toddlers?

For children 6 months and older, I recommend the Cotz products. In particular, the Cotz 20% Zinc only.

Do your sunscreens contain nano-particles? If so, is this a concern?

The titanium and zinc in our products is technically micronized. I know much has been made of nano particle/ nano technology in the past few years. This year, for the first time, the subject was researched by dermatologists so that they could make recommendations to other dermatologists. What this report said is what numerous previous studies concluded, micronized titanium and zinc are safe for use in functional cosmetics.

The Environmental Working Group is a good source of information on this topic.

Chemical sunscreen absorbers by definition absorb into the skin. Physical protection, titanium and zinc, rest on the surface of the skin. Studies by the European Union, the FDA, and the Australian Regulatory agency called the TGA, all show that micronized titanium and zinc will not absorb through the outer layers of skin, into deeper layers of skin.

Take a look at this link: http://www.tga.gov.au/safety/alerts-medicine-sunscreens-051202.htm#nano

This is an excerpt from the TGA website; the TGA is the Australian equivalent of our FDA and has rigorously studied nano particles in sunscreen. Here is what they have to say: In early 2009, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) conducted an updated review of the scientific literature in relation to the use of nanoparticulate zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreens (see below).

The TGA review concluded that:

-The potential for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens to cause adverse effects depends primarily upon the ability of the nanoparticles to reach viable skin cells; and

-To date, the current weight of evidence suggests that titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles do not reach viable skin cells; rather, they remain on the surface of the skin and in the outer layer of the skin that is composed of non-viable cells.

For the full TGA report on the safety of Titanium and Zinc, please use this link: http://www.tga.gov.au/safety/alerts-medicine-sunscreens-051202.htm#nano. The report confirms that all research thus far shows these ingredients to be safe and the best protection from the sun.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration is well respected. They have paid such close attention to this topic because Australia is the perennial front runner in cases of skin cancer per capita. They want to know what works to help prevent skin cancer but are also concerned with safety. The link above will take you to the full report on nano particle titanium and zinc that can be downloaded as a PDF.

Why is there tint in some of your sunscreen? I found this out after purchasing and using it in Hawaii.

The tint is the iron oxide that we use in Cotz SPF 58. Iron Oxide is as common ingredient in makeup that has been used as a color agent for decades. In Cotz SPF58, the Iron Oxide acts to offset the whitening effect of the Titanium and Zinc. Although it is not an FDA approved active sunscreen ingredient, studies show that the small iron particles also act as good protection high up in the UVA range of light, near the visible light range. Cotz 20% Zinc SPF 35 which has no tint.

What are the most effective sunscreen components/things to look for in a sunscreen?

Look for two key ingredients, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These FDA recognized active sunscreen ingredients are the best broad spectrum and photo-stable (will not break down when exposed to light) so will provide the best protection.

Do your products use chemical sunscreen filters or only physical?

The entire Cotz line with four different products in all is physical protection only, no chemical sunscreens. The older Total Block products, around for more than a decade now, combine chemical and physical FDA approved active sunscreen ingredients.

What is the difference between your Cotz brand and Total Block brand?

Cotz is chemical sunscreen filter free using just titanium dioxide, and or zinc oxide for sun protection.

The Total Block products combine physical block, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide with chemical sunscreen filters.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Shop for Cotz and Total Block sunscreens at Coolibar.

Remember full sun protection includes a sun hat, UV clothing, sunglasses and broad-spectrum sunscreen.

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Apply Sunscreen Parenting Sunscreens and Lotions

Recap of Sunscreen Facebook Forum with Sweetsation Therapy

Once again, we can thank our Coolibar Facebook fans for another successful sunscreen forum. If you missed out on the action, here is a short recap of our session with sunscreen/skin care expert Natalja Millsap from Sweetsation Therapy. 

Q. Does your baby lip balm have SPF protection? Is it safe for babies to eat this stuff?

A. There is no SPF protection because we believe that the balm gets eaten faster than it would last for sun protection. But it does contain natural sun protection in a form of Shea butter. It’s about 4%…Other natural oils also add sun protection, like raspberry SPF4, hemp SPF6, grape seed SPF4 and avocado SPF4.

Q. What if I sweat a lot in the summer? How do your products hold up against water/perspiration?

A. They hold up pretty well, however some of it comes off with the sweat. So re-application is essential.

Q. Can your sunscreen be used on extremely sensitive skin? We are always looking for sunscreens that work and won’t cause a rash.

A. Yes it can! … Titanium Dioxide is the best UV blocker if you have very sensitive skin.

Q. What area of the body do people usually forget to cover with sunscreen? What area is the most sensitive to sun?

A. I would say areas with the thinnest skin. Top of your feet, hands, neck. So you have to pay attention to those too.

Q. What about my baby…putting sunscreen on his hands when he is always putting his hands in his mouth?

A. That’s something that comes with the territory. They always do that. At least make sure sunscreen is applied on the back of his/her hands because that’s the area that is exposed to the sun the most.

Q. What ingredients are safe in sunscreens?

A. ZnO and TiO2 are definitely safe.

Q. Are there any particular ingredients I should avoid in sunscreens?

A. With mineral sunscreens, you are safe. But I would avoid parabens, artificial fragrances that may appear among “other” ingredients in a product. As for chemical sunscreens – oxybenzone is the one I definitely would stay away [from]. It’s very common in commercial sunscreens.

Q. What is the difference between “organic” and “natural” sunscreens, if there is one?

A. Organic products contain at least 70% of organic ingredients by volume. Natural [products] don’t have to.

Q. So is the organic distinction just for marketing purposes, or are organic products generally safer or less abrasive for some skins?

A. Feel-wise, there wouldn’t be any difference, but they’re considered to be the “cleaner” choice without contamination of pesticides.

Q. What is the best way to store sunscreen so it will last the longest?

A. The best place is at room temperature out of direct sunlight. It is not necessary to refrigerate it. Standard shelf life is 2 years; however our sunscreens can last longer because they are packaged in air tight containers that not only prevent bacterial contamination but also curious children hands.

Q. Is it really necessary/is there any benefit to wearing sunscreen under clothing? How about under UPF 50+ rated clothing?

A. No, there is no real need to wear sunscreen under clothing that offers sun protection.

A. From Coolibar – It’s not necessary to wear sunscreen under UPF 50+ clothing; however, you may want to wear sunscreen under regular summer clothing as some summer T-shirts have very little sun protection. If you’re wearing Coolibar UPF 50+ clothing, you only need to cover exposed areas.

Q. How much sun protection do tinted car windows provide?

A. From Coolibar – According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, since UVA penetrates glass, consider adding flat, tinted UV-protective film to your car’s side and rear windows as well as to house and business windows. This film blocks up to 99.9% of UV radiation and lets in up to 80% of visible light. http://www.skincancer.org/understanding-uva-and-uvb.html

Q. Does sunscreen start to lose its protection immediately? How often do you suggest reapplying your product? Is more frequently always better or are there drawbacks to putting it on too often? How important is it to wait the 15-30 minutes before going in the sun? What is one to do if they are spending a length of a day outdoors and can’t get inside to reapply? (Is it better/safer to reapply in the sun or not reapply?)

A. Yes, indeed, it’s better to reapply as directed (every 2 hours) than not reapply at all. Even if you are already out. There are no drawbacks to reapplying too often. Sunscreen is there to protect your skin.

Q. Why is it recommended to wait the 15-30 minutes after application before exposure?

A. That’s what the American Academy of Dermatology recommends to give it ample time to absorb.

Q. I spend a few hours every day in the sun, always wearing (cheap OTC / drugstore) sunscreen SPF 100+ and sometimes (whenever it’ll be a longer exposure (wearing SPF/UPF shirts/jackets. My skin is still coloring, the slightest bit. Ought I to be concerned? What a high-rated SPF Sweetsation sunscreen can I expect no evidence of sun exposure even when I’m out in it every day? Or is ultimate sun protection impossible or unnecessary?

A. Our highest SPF is SPF 50. Percentage wise, it is not a big difference between SPF30 or 50 or even 100. But I am not aware of any sunscreen that would provide 100% of protection.  SPF 30 covers 97% of UV while SPF 50 covers 98%. I think it’s all about the application … making sure that you apply a sufficient amount and making sure that all areas exposed to the sun are properly covered.

Q. Is it really important to use a different sunscreen on your face than your body? Why?

A. Our sunscreens can be used for the face and body at the same time. I can’t comment on other brands…

If you have more questions regarding Sweetsation Therapy or sunscreen in general, let us know by posting a question on Facebook or writing a comment below. To purchase Sweetsation Therapy Sunscreen from Coolibar, visit www.coolibar.com/sunscreen.html.

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Sunscreens and Lotions

Winter Skin Tips

Keep your skin alive in the dead of winter by following these simple skin care dos and don’ts.

DO Moisturize
Lotions and creams don’t add moisture to your skin, but they help trap in moisture that’s already present. Apply lotion within a few minutes after showering, bathing or washing your hands to effectively lock-in moisture. Look for lotions containing humectants (glycerine, sorbitol and alpha-hydroxy acids) that attract moisture.

Oil-based lotions also work well as oil creates a protective moisture retaining layer on the skin. For the face, use lotions with avocado, mineral, primrose or almond oil as they won’t clog pores, or look for lotions labeled non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).

If lotions aren’t enough, try creams. The drier your skin, the thicker the skin cream you’ll want to use. For those who dislike the feeling of slippery skin or have sensitive skin, try unscented Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream.

DO NOT Take Long Hot Showers
Bathing strips your skin of its natural oils. Hot water in particular breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can account for moisture loss. Reduce shower time and take warm showers, not hot, in order to retain your skin’s natural moisture. Also, try using a moisturizing body wash to further lock in moisture.

DO Use Sun Protection
UV rays from the sun don’t disappear during the winter. In fact, snow, ice and other reflective surfaces often refract UV rays making them more intense. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face and any exposed skin 30 minutes before venturing outside.

DO NOT Ignore Hands and Feet
The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it’s harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. Wear gloves when you go outside, but also wear gloves inside when doing common household chores, such as dishes. If your hands are extremely dry, before bed put on moisturizer followed by a pair of cotton gloves to lock-in moisture overnight. Also, avoid wet gloves in order to prevent itchy, cracked, or severe skin conditions such as eczema.

For your feet, use exfoliants to get the dead skin off periodically and help moisturizers sink in faster and deeper.

DO Drink Water – and a lot of it
Water may not have any direct affect on the condition of your skin, but drinking an adequate amount of water (10-12 glasses a day) is good for overall health. The average person’s skin does not reflect the amount of water being drunk, but severe dehydration is not good for dry skin either.

DO NOT Be Afraid to Seek a Specialist
If none of the above skin tips help — get help! Dermatologists in particular can help you troubleshoot your skin problem and recommend skin care products that may work better for you.

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream now at Coolibar

To purchase moisture-locking lotions, creams or broad-spectrum sunscreens, visit http://www.coolibar.com/skin-care.html

Resources:

WebMD – 10 Winter Skin Care Tips

USA TODAY –  Give Dry Skin a Helping Hand this Winter

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