Sunscreens are NOT a holiday fixture like budgie smugglers, body boards and bikinis; they are something that we must use at all times especially in our unforgiving Australian climate. But recently there has been much debate to how sunscreens are formulated in Australia.
But before we look at that and some great products, here are some answers to repeated questions about sunscreens.
Is using sunscreen alone enough to protect ourselves from the sun?
The answer is a loud NO; you need more than sunscreen… follow this simple list:
• Slip on some sun-protective clothing – that covers as much skin as possible
• Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen. Put it on 30 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
• Slap on a hat – that protects your face, head, neck and ears
• Seek shade – especially between the hours of 10am and 3pm (limit your sun exposure during this time)
• Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards
http://www.cancer.org.au/cancersmartlifestyle/SunSmart/Preventingskincancer.htm(click for more sun smart tips)
What is the difference between SPF 15 and SPF 30?
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) displayed on the sunscreen label ranges from 15 to 30+ and refers to the product's ability to screen or block out the sun's harmful rays. For example, if you use a sunscreen with an SPF 15, you can be in the sun 15 times longer than you can without sunscreen before burning. Consumers need to be aware that SPF protection does not increase proportionally with an increased SPF number. While an SPF of 15 will absorb 93% of ultraviolet radiation, a SPF of 30+ absorbs 97%.
How to choose a sunscreen?
Choose a broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA radiation.
What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?
Here's the low-down. UVB rays make the skin turn red and feel hot; in other words, UVB rays warn that it's time to get out of the sun or apply more sunscreen on your body. UVA rays, on the other hand, are not only silent but account for 80% of ultraviolet damage to the skin. UVA rays are the silent penetrator …it penetrates windows of cars and buildings, whether the sun's out or not.
What is the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens?
Physical sunscreens contain extremely fine particles of minerals such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxide that stay on the skin’s surface, creating a barrier that reflects the sun’s rays. Chemical sunscreens contain synthetic compounds like parsol, benzophenones and PABA as active ingredients, and they absorb ultraviolet radiation.
Now for the past 4 years there have been growing concerns about the use of nanotechnology in sunscreens. Sunscreens mainly use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to help shield us from the harmful UV rays but these ingredients are notorious for making us look lilac after application and, sunscreens using them, are cumbersome to apply as they are greasy and thick.
Along comes science in the form of nanotechnology which breaks down these ingredients to minute particles so that when used in sunscreens they virtually disappear but still help effectively shield us from harmful rays. So what is the problem you ask?
Lab studies indicate that nano-ingredients create free radicals that damage the DNA of cells and possibly cause other harm as well. And even low exposure to nanoparticles of titanium dioxide can damage the lungs of animals if inhaled.
But whether the particles in sunscreens pose direct health risks to humans depends mainly on whether they penetrate the protective outer layers of dead skin. Studies suggest they DON’T reach live tissue under normal circumstances.
Current studies show results that are inconclusive, Kristen Kulinowski, director of the International Council on Nanotechnology, which promotes responsible development of nanotech, says it’s not known whether skin damaged by acne, eczema, sunburn, or nicks from shaving is more vulnerable to penetration.
What are free radicals?
Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that have only one electron instead of two. Because electrons are found in pairs, the molecule must scavenge other molecules for another electron creating a frenzy of molecules scavenging for electrons damaging cell function.
What is the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) view in all this?
In January 2006 the TGA conducted a review of the scientific literature (http://www.tga.gov.au/npmeds/sunscreen-zotd.htm#pdf) in relation to the use of nanoparticles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreens. The review concluded that:
“There is evidence from isolated cell experiments that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can induce free radical formation in the presence of light and that this may damage these cells (photo-mutagenicity with zinc oxide). However, this would only be of concern in people using sunscreens if the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide penetrated into viable skin cells. The weight of current evidence is that they remain on the surface of the skin and in the outer dead layer (stratum corneum) of the skin.”
The Australian Medicines Evaluation Committee endorsed this conclusion. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is monitoring the emerging scientific literature in this area and working cooperatively with international agencies to monitor these issues and ensure that appropriate action is undertaken if any risks are identified.
What is nanotechnology?
The basic view is that nanotechnology deals with structures of the size 100 nanometers or smaller, and involves developing materials or devices within that size.
Where else can I find information on nanotechnology and sunscreens?
Google the words or plough through the Friends of the Earth (FOE) website, the organisation is very passionate about carefully reviewing this branch of science before plunging into it. They also provide a guide to most sunscreens available in Australia http://nano.foe.org.au
Note: Currently there is no law for the appropriate labelling of products using nanotechnology
As usual I have trawled through several brands to present to you the best in non nanotechnology sunscreens – since at the moment there is no law for the appropriate labelling of products using nanotechnology we can only go by the claims the manufacturer makes. All the products featured here strongly claim that they DO NOT use nanotechnology.
Invisible Zinc
Wow! Wow! Wow! Love the whole range…I must add it is a very comprehensive range that has everything for your suncare need. Well priced, great to apply and beautifully packaged. The range uses non nano Zinc Oxide as its only active ingredient. Zinc Oxide is also one of the only ingredients available that can offer meaningful protection against UVB and UVA radiation. Invisible Zinc is a physical sunscreen that uses no nasties and works by forming a barrier on the skin that reflects both UVA and UVB radiation. All products in the range are SPF 30+
Try:
ESP – Environmental Skin Protector – one of the best sunscreen/moisturiser I have seen in awhile
Tinted Daywear – people who have tried this swear by it excellent sunscreen but gives you a good coverage tint as well… comes in two shades light and medium
Face + Body sunscreen and 4Hr Water Resistant are also very good.
Grahams Natural Alternatives SunClear 30+
Wow! An astounding product that has the highest level of non nano Zinc Oxide I have ever seen (26g) in a sunscreen. It is a physical sunscreen that uses no nasties and includes ingredients like rosehip oil, grapeseed oil, shea butter and sesame seed oil. SunClear is excellent for kids even for those with skin conditions and is also reef friendly. It rubs in clear and is very moisturising. It is a 2hr water resistant broad spectrum sunscreen. An excellent family sunscreen!
Soleo Organics
This is another excellent broad spectrum physical sunscreen that has no nasties in its formulation. It is a blend of non nano Zinc Oxide and a blend of natural ingredients such as grapeseed oil, macadamia oil, green tea and chamomile extracts and theobroma butter (related to the cocoa pod). Their press release states that Soleo is “hypoallergenic very high protection sunscreen suitable for all ages – from babies to seniors and everyone in between. Soléo Organics Sunscreen contains no chemicals so it’s safe for pregnant women, anyone with sensitive skin or people who often experience allergic reactions.” Knead this sunscreen in the tube before application; once it is pliable it goes on superbly.
THANN Oil-free sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ with Shiso and White Tea Extracts
This sunscreen does not only have sun protection factor (SPF) but also carries the Japanese PA rating. It is a method of measuring UVA protection, similar to the SPF method of measuring UVB light protection. So this is currently one of the very few products that are available in Australia that measures both UVB and UVA. It does not use any nanotechnology and is rich in Shiso and White extracts making this quite a moisturising treat especially for those who are prone to oiliness. Excellent!
UV Solar Care Family Sunscreen Lotion SPF30+
I love this brand’s motto “block the sun not the fun”. UV Solar Care is a well priced easy to use 4hr water resistant broad spectrum sunscreen. It needs a little elbow grease to apply but it goes on smoothly and evenly with no greasiness or stickiness. The brand also carries a UV monitor bracelet and keychain which is a must for everyone. The reusable UV monitor (at least for 12 months) indicates the UV strength when exposed.
Wiggles Suncare
This range is excellent for the kiddies. Well packaged, priced and easy to use. The complete Sun Protection Pack has got everything the little one needs from lip balm to after sun lotion and of course SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen. If you can’t get the young’uns interested in slopping on sunscreen I am certain a Wiggles Sunscreen will do the trick.
Stockist
Grahams Natural Alternatives – http://www.itchy.net.au 07 5596 1708
Invisible Zinc – http://www.invisiblezinc.com.au 1300 738 850
Soleo Organics – www.soleoorganics.com1 300 663 780
THANN – http://www.thann.info/ 02 9360 7185
UV Solar Care & Wiggles - http://www.uvsolarcare.com/ 07 5520 7999
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