Sun-Damaged, No More: The Ultimate Sun Protection Know-it-All Guide
These are confusing times. Wouldn't you agree? Our parents taught us one thing, our friends swear by another. The television reports one finding, the radio broadcasts another. We are so bombarded with information and tips and rumors and speculation, it can be difficult to discern fact from wishful fiction! A huge point of confusion is sun protection--and, that is extremely dangerous. Not knowing how to defend yourself makes you vulnerable to sun-damaged skin, hair and eyes, and possibly blindness and death.To keep you savvy and from being counted among the sun-damaged population this and all future seasons, we have sought advice from the experts. Two esteemed dermatologists and one experienced optometrist come together to clear-up any misconceptions, and offer their professional advice on how we can protect what nature gave us, and what products can help to protect us from - as well as reverse the effects of - sun damage. Our guide is so eye-opening, so ultimate, you'll want to print out a copy for your fridge and each your friends, too!
In this guide, you'll learn about:
UV exposure
Signs of sun damage on your skin
Sunscreen defense and how to shop for sunscreen
The right SPF for you
Rules of sunscreen application
Alternative ways to protect your skin: special clothing, films, anti-aging products
Makeup and SPF
The importance of skin check-ups
Sun protection for hair
Sun protection for eyes
| UV Exposure and "U" Let's cover the basics, first. Look it up anywhere, and you'll find that sun damage occurs from over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Prominent New York City dermatologist Dr. Ariel Ostad confirms, pointing out ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) as the co-conspirators. "When this ultraviolet energy enters the skin, they damage the skin cells, causing visible and invisible injuries," he explains. "Some of the injury is repaired, but other cell damage accumulates year after year."  Dr. Julie K. Salmon, board-certified dermatologist practicing out of Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, added, "Although UVB rays are the primary rays, which cause sunburn, UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin than shorter wavelength rays such as UVB and UVC." The conclusion? "UVA can be extremely damaging." Surprisingly, UVA rays are present throughout the day and year, and are significant on cloudy days, according to Dr. Salmon. "This means that the amount of UVA we get on a winter morning is not that different from the amount we get on a midsummer day. UVA even penetrates window glass!" I Saw the Sign Looking at your skin, can you pinpoint the signs of sun damage and when that damage occurred? Dr. Ostad says, "For most individuals, the majority of skin damage due to the sun occurs before the age of 18. Early in life, sunburns are the only signs of over-exposure." Apparently, only later in life will we finally be able to recognize the detrimental effects to our skin and body. Both dermatologists point out the following to be common signs of sun damage:  Pre-mature skin aging Discolorations, such as: unwanted redness, blotchy dark and light pigmentation, and yellowing Leathery skin, wrinkles and  diminished elasticityFreckles Age spots and liver spots Immune system suppression Skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell, or melanoma |
 Get Defensive The good news is that there are a myriad of ways we can protect our skin. The first strategy suggested by both dermatologists is to avoid direct sun exposure. This is "especially important between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.," Dr. Ostad emphasized, as "midday summer sunlight has the greatest concentration and intensity of UVA and UVB rays." Dr. Salmon extends the peak sun time one more hour, encouraging us to avoid the sun until 4 p.m. "Seek the shade when possible, cover up as able, and wear sunglass protection and hats," says Dr. Salmon. But a word of caution: "Keep in mind that about 80 percent to 85 percent of the sun's rays may be reflected, so the hats, trees, umbrellas, etc., do not protect your skin fully." What, then, should be our next layer of defense? "Sunscreen," Dr. Salmon states. Oh-Oh, Ohhh-Oh...The Right Stuff If you're like most people, you would think that all you need is a sunscreen with high SPF, and you're good to go. Not true! Dr. Salmon explains, "The SPF primarily reflects the ability of a product to block UVB rays, since it is based on the sunscreen's ability to prevent sunburn." And if we are going to pay attention to SPF, Dr. Salmon recommends SPF 30 or higher for her patients.  But, "Sun-savvy people do not choose a sunscreen by its SPF; they look at the active ingredients to ensure that they are getting UVA protection," Dr. Salmon says. And, recall that UVA is far more penetrating than UVB. Active ingredients you should look for in sunscreen include: micronized zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, niacin, and avobenzone. Dr. Salmon says avobenzone has to be stabilized with one of the following to keep it active for longer than an hour after exposure: Helioplex, active photobarrier complex, or ecamsule. Dr. Salmon adds that although titanium dioxide blocks some UVA, "it does not block the longer wavelength UVA rays." So, she would suggest avoiding sunblocks with titanium dioxide as the sole sunblock. Check out sunblock recommendations that feature each of the active ingredients. NIA 24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30  This is the top one recommended by both Dr. Salmon and Dr. Ostad. Dr. Ostad explains that "NIA 24 is the only sunscreen on the market today which includes all of the essential ingredients needed to give you a broad spectrum of coverage." NIA 24 includes the big-hitters zinc oxide and a special, niacin, as well as titanium oxide. NIA 24 separates itself from the pack with its special, breakthrough form of niacin called Pro-Niacin®. It is the first and only patented niacin molecule that converts to its active form to regenerate skin cell layers. The Skin Cancer Foundation even recommends it as an effective UV sunscreen. Learn about more NIA 24 skin care products with Pro-Niacin®. Other recommendations featuring zinc oxide include: Elta MD SPF 41 or SPF 30 (from $20) Solbar Shield SPF 40 ($13.08) Vanicream Sensitive Skin SPF 30 or SPF 60 (from $14) Recommendations featuring avobenzone include: Neutrogena (stabilized with Helioplex) Aveeno (stabilized with active photobarrier complex) L'Oreal (stabilized with ecamsule)  Solving the SPF Conundrum We now know that active ingredients are important to consider when choosing a sunscreen, but you might still have the nagging question of which SPF is right for you. Again, the suggested SPF to apply when going outdoors is 30, but if you want a more customized answer, Dr. Ostad recommends taking a look at the chart below.  The Rules of Application Many people are confused about when and how often to re-apply sunscreen. I am among the many. However, Dr. Ostad and Dr. Salmon easily cleared this up.  "Sunscreens should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors," says Dr. Ostad. He urges that we pay particular attention to the face, ears, hands and arms, and make sure to apply one ounce--a shot glass full--of sunscreen, which is considered the amount needed to cover exposed areas. Dr. Salmon adds that we must also remember to protect our lips, as these are "also at risk of skin cancer and premature aging." Both dermatologists recommend that reapplication occur every two hours or after swimming, exercising or sweating. A warning from Dr. Ostad for all you fans of water-resistant products, however: "Even so-called 'water-resistant' sunscreens may lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water. Sunscreens rub off as well as wash off, so if you've towel-dried, reapply sunscreen for continued protection." Other Players that Protect If the sunscreen process is too much for you, or not enough, and you fear it's your only avenue, take heart! There are other ways you can supplement your sun protection practices. Protective Clothing Hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses are all great options. Dr. Salmon also mentions that clothes that protect against UV are available. These UV-blocking clothes are made "with an 'Ultraviolet Protection Factor' or UPF rating," she says. This system is very similar to the SPF rating system used for sunscreens, so a UPF of 50 means 98% of UV radiation. Dr. Salmon recommends Coolibar brand sun protective clothing. All of the brand's garments rate UPF 50+, which is the highest possible rating. See all garments for women (from $19.99 on sale), for men (from $23.99 on sale), and for kids (from $15.99 on sale). Another brand for sun-sensible people is Sun Precautions, which offers clothing for everyone in the family starting from around $70 for adults and $50 for kids. Sun Precautions' Solumbra fabrics block at least 97% of UVA and UVB rays, which is an equivalent of SPF 30.   Coolibar (Left): Ruffled Henley, Sun Block Jacket, Polo Shirt Sun Precautions (Right): Beach Tunic, Leaf Print Shirt, Striped Polo If those styles aren't for you, you can just fortify your existing wardrobe! According to Dr. Salmon, you can "wash-in" UV protection right with Rit SunGuard laundry treatment ($19.50), which "can boost the UPF of a white cotton t-shirt from UPF 5 to 30, and lasts for up to 20 washings." UV Protective Films Recall that while untreated glass can block UVB rays, it is no match for those short-wavelength UVA rays. A sure way to block 99.9% of those UVA rays from entering your car as you drive is to apply UV protective films to your car windows. There is also UV protection for the home, to protect your family as well as your furnishings. Dr. Salmon recommends UVShield products by Llumar. You must have these installed by someone from the Llumar company. You can find out more on the UVShield website. Anti-Aging Products: ABC+ Another strategy for protective defense is antioxidants and products for enhancing skin repair. No sunscreen is perfect and no person uses it perfectly, Dr. Salmon reasons, so you'll always need backup protection: anti-aging products. Dr. Salmon teaches her patients an easy way to remember the most effective anti-aging products with the mnemonic: ABC+.  "A" is for the retinoids, which are forms of vitamin A. Dr. Salmon explains that "retinoids stimulate skin cell renewal and reduce collagen breakdown." Continual use of retinoids "enhances skin radiance, diminishes the appearance of pores, enhances skin tone and reduces fine wrinkles." She recommends Avene Retrinal to her patients because "it combines strength and effectiveness without the irritation of most retinoids."Try Dr. Salmon's recommendation: Avene Retrinal ($36.45-$64) "B" is for niacin, which is vitamin B3. Niacin is available as Nicotinic acid, which Dr. Salmon says is important because it "penetrates deeply into the skin where it energizes the cells and enhances the repair of damaged DNA in cells." According to Dr. Salmon, niacin also works to enhance moisture content, improve the skin barrier, promote renewal of upper skin layers, reduce the hardening of collagen, and improve the skin's immune system response. Dr. Salmon recommends NIA 24. She explains: "My patients who use NIA 24 products show improvement in skin firmness, smoothness and overall texture, more even skin tone, and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. My favorite product is NIA 24 Intensive Recovery Complex." Try Dr. Salmon's recommendation: NIA 24 Intensive Recovery Complex ($110) "C" is for vitamin C and other antioxidants. Included are products that boost the skin's natural antioxidant system. Most of us know that antioxidants are great for protecting our cells from damaging free radicals. Dr. Salmon confesses that her favorite antioxidants are "those that combine the most powerful antioxidants so that they protect the lipid (fat) and water portions of the body." Dr. Salmon is most impressed with: SkinMedica's TNS Essential Serum, Skinceutical's C+ E Ferulic and Phloretin CF, and Oli-Vityl - a recent breakthrough ingredient in SK-II's Skin Signature cream. She states that "studies on the above products reveal skin with improved tone (more even pigmentation) and reduction in fine lines." The result is more healthy, more beautiful skin.  Try Dr. Salmon's recommendations: Skinceuticals's C + E Ferulic (from $116.95) Skinceuticals's Phloretin CF (from $119) SPF in Makeup: Is it Enough?  Browse a drugstore or beauty retailer, and you'll see SPF popping up in all sorts of makeup products. But, can we trust these to do the job of sunscreen? Dr. Ostad says, "SPF found in makeup such as bareMinerals is a great way to get additional coverage," however, "you should also apply an SPF underneath makeup so it can absorb into your skin." He reasons that SPF mineral powders only sit on the top layer of skin, making them vulnerable to being wiped off. Try bareMinerals Mineral Veil SPF 25 ($19) or Matte Foundation with Mini Brush with SPF 15 (from $22) over your moisturizer sunscreen.Dr. Salmon describes SPF makeup as "icing on the cake," but it should not be a sunscreen substitute. She gives two reasons: "First of all, most do not provide optimal UVA protection...secondly, most people would not apply a foundation or powder over the full face in the concentration needed to achieve good sun protection." She recommends applying a moisturizer with sunscreen as a "primer" before applying foundation. For normal to dry skin, Dr. Salmon recommends Elta MD SPF 30 ($27.50) or Olay Complete SPF 30 (from $11.85) for sensitive skin. For oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Salmon recommends NIA Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($45). Other "outstanding choices," according to Dr. Salmon, include: Elta MD UV Physical SPF 41 ($24) or Neutrogena DryTouch SPF 30 (from $7). Doctor, Doctor! How often do you visit your dermatologist? Do you even have one? Dr. Ostad and Dr. Salmon both agree that annual skin checks with a dermatologist are extremely important if you want to optimize your health! Dr. Ostad says it's as important as seeing your family physicians for yearly physicals. In addition, he advises that we perform monthly  self-examinations to observe changes in our skin to aid in the early detection of skin cancer. Dr. Ostad suggests we contact our dermatologist immediately "regarding any concerns or changes with moles, freckles or spots," especially if members of our family have been diagnosed with skin cancers.According to Dr. Salmon, "Each year, the new diagnoses of skin cancers outnumber the combined incidence of lung, prostate, breast, and colon cancers." She urges that early detection saves lives, as many growths have been detected and treated in its precancerous stages. |
Comments page 1 of 2
Neutral
Mandy said 5-11-2010 @2:03PM
IdolTan is an excellent one step product, which provides the ease of 3 products in one. This product is a must for anyone who wants a quick and easy, natural and safe formula for a beautiful tan applied in minutes. I love this product, and can attest to its efficiency and effectiveness. I will never go back to any other tanning product after using IdolTan ( Http://tr.im/IdolTan )
replyNeutral
Kelly Garrett said 5-11-2010 @3:19PM
Rodan + Fields Dermatologists, the creators of Proactiv Solution are now changing the face of skin care with their new lines of products. Our flagship regimen, Reverse, is clinically proven to REVERSE sun damage by 98%. Backed by the credibility of the Drs and 100% money-back guarantee, these products are second to none.
replyhttp://www.KellyGarrett.myrandf.com
Rodan + Fields; changing skin, changing lives.
Neutral
Heather said 5-11-2010 @3:46PM
I am looking for a complete PHYSICAL block for my nose. I am in the sun every day and my nose is destroyed. It can't even look at the sun. Zinc oxide alone seems to irritate the skin. Do you know of any sunscreen that allows 0% sun in?
replyNeutral
Easton said 5-11-2010 @3:25PM
Someone very close to me is dying of melanoma. A combination of years of sun without using sunblock and a bad dermatologist/doctor are the reason for this. Melanoma is a terrible disease. It spreads to the brain causing strokes and paralysis and once it is inside your body, it will spread very fast and there is no treatment. His doctor never did annual skin checks and when an abnormal spot was found, the dermatologist removed it and said it was stage 1. Within 3 years, this person was paralyzed with brain tumors and had tumors over most internal organs causing internal bleeding. Right from the time they found the first tumor, they pretty much said there was nothing they could do. So my advice to anyone to avoid this terrible disease is cover up when outside for prolonged time, do not go to tanning beds and use sunblock. Also, make sure you go to the dermatologist and aren't afraid to be pushy. Many dermatologists don't like doing skin checks and fighting with insurance companies about removing possible problem spots before they turn into problems. Find one who does. It is amazing that skin cancer claims so many lives yet the tanning beds are not regulated, even though only cigarettes cause more deaths than skin cancer.
replyNeutral
Satisfied Customer said 5-11-2010 @3:28PM
I began usign NI24 products about a year ago and haven't found anything that works better. I recommend the Daily Cleansing Creme, Sun Mineral Screen, and Intensive Recovery Skin products. The products are expensive but well worth the price.
replyNeutral
W said 5-11-2010 @4:18PM
All of those products are overpriced and ridlicous. There are organic alternatives for way more less of the cost with the same protection!
replyNeutral
Ron said 5-11-2010 @4:21PM
Excellent article. As a retired Family Physician I diagnosed and removed hundreds of skin cancers. Most common are basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers which usually present as raised scabby or scaly growths that do not go away. Fortunately these rarely metastasize or cause death. The melanomas which are vastly more serious usually present as a very dark (most contain ink black color) irregularly shaped mole, often with varied pigment within the mole. Most are over 6 millimeters - the size of a pencil eraser. Any time you notice a skin lesion that seems unusual see either your dermatologist or your primary care physician - family physician, internist or pediatrician. While dermatologists are the true skin specialists, their number is limited, so do not hesitate to see your primary care physician for skin checks.
replyOne other thing to keep in mind is that while blocking UVA, UVB rays is important, you also block absorption of Vit D. Have your doctor check a vitamin D level to see if your level is low and consider taking over the counter Vit D 400 I.U. daily. Low Vit D levels accelerate bone thinning or osteoporosis and may cause other problems as well.
Neutral
Renee' said 5-11-2010 @7:21PM
Ron,
I would never have thought about the V-D! I recently was diognosed with Melenoma and under went a nasty operation to remove it. Lucky for me it was caught in time and other then quarterly checks (for now) I'm good. Thanks for bringing this up I'll be sure to monitor my V-D intake.
Neutral
MauiBill said 5-11-2010 @5:49PM
Watch out for Avobenzone Sunscreens as they can irreversibly stain your clothing! Avobenzone or “Parsol 1789” can permanently damage your clothes and linens by staining them orange or brown upon being washed. The stains are a chemical reaction between the Avobenzone and iron which is naturally in water. It is an oxidizer, and it literally oxidizes the iron in the water, which is the reason why the stains don't show up until after you wash the item. Thus, the stains are literally rust and are permanent in many if not most cases. Once the stains are on the clothes or linens, they are extremely difficult or impossible to remove. There are numerous suggested solutions on the internet including rust removers, scrubbing, detergents with chelating agents, etc. Water temperature, detergent type, etc. don't prevent the staining and once they are present, it is too late. Even after initially scrubbing off the stain, you aren't done. You have to make sure you have removed ALL traces of Avobenzone, otherwise the stains will re-appear with the next wash. One person notes that it takes a few cycles of applying a rust remover then scrubbing the item “like crazy,” but depending on the shirt, bathing suit, pants, or linens, it might be more trouble than it's worth. When buying sunscreen, be sure to read the ingredient list carefully, and choose one that doesn't contain Avobenzone/Parsol 1789. Even if you are not sure if doesn’t contain Avobenzone, wash your hands thoroughly after applying and make sure it is dry before putting on clothes, but even then, it can be transferred in sweat or rubbed off onto another surface from your skin.
replyNeutral
Tapestry said 5-11-2010 @5:24PM
People are becoming Vitamin D deficient because of all these crazy high SPF sunscreens.
replyMy husband had to start on a regime of 50,000 IUs of Vitamin D the next 12 weeks because he has no sun exposurer after that. He has to take 2,000 IUs for the rest of his life.. We all need 10-15 minutes of sunlight a day with no sunscreen.
The sun is there for a reaon and its not all bad.
Neutral
Cary said 5-11-2010 @6:04PM
Hi,
replyThere's a new Q&A site, and everyone is welcome to join it. You can ask and answer questions or become an expert. They have qualified Experts who will answer your questions on any topic for free. So feel free to join the site to ask questions and mingle with the members.
Askusweb.com
Neutral
CJ said 5-11-2010 @6:07PM
Wow, these NIA24 products are great! I totally would recommend purchasing them. I cannot believe how great my skin looks and feels! I was able to find this at http://www.skinterra.com/product/lines/nia24.html
replyI also received a FREE travel size of the Sun Damage Sunscreen to take with me everywhere!
Make sure to take care of your skin not only during the hot summer months, but all year round!
Neutral
Windy said 5-12-2010 @12:28AM
Dr. Ostad: I am very surprised that you are praising Titanium
replyDioxide as an ingredient in suntan products. There is new information about it, including the fact that scientists are just now finding that because it is such a "nano" substance it enters all parts of the human body. But since it never dissolves, its particles remain in the body and accumulate.
It is a danger to all of us since it is being put in food
products (to make them smoother) indescriminately and nobody
including the FDA has warned manufacturers of its danger.
There is a Canadian study, however, that has recently done
studies and cautions against its use.
Neutral
RC said 5-11-2010 @7:38PM
what kind of product would be safe/daily use for little kids with alopecia
replyNeutral
Venkata said 5-11-2010 @8:09PM
For the sake of companies who make these products, you may buy anything. But, if you dress yourself covering the body properly that is more than sufficient. On the pretext that you have to expose your body for sunlight for Vitamin - D, we need not become near nude.
replyhttp://www.allscienceonline.com/all_science_topics.html
Neutral
lainygreen said 5-12-2010 @11:25AM
Have you heard about the fantastic new line of UV 50 clothing called MOEBEN They have the cutest and stylish shorts, dresses, arm sleeves, leg sleeves, shirts, etc. all made from UV-50 protected fabric. bright colors, animal prints, tie dye, and it's for men, women and even kids. check it out. you can wear it for running, tennis, gardening, everything, I just love this line . Moeben rocks
replyNeutral
Melissa Diamond said 5-23-2010 @10:19PM
Here's some info about the first physician-driven skin cancer protection & prevention company providing a true advance in the science of solar protection. In response to the alarming rise in melanoma, a world-renowned dermatologist and his colleagues have developed solar protection system that allows kids and sdults alike to now have a whole new level of sun protection that makes outdoor fun much safer!
replyMDSolarSciences introduced its comprehensive system of solar protection products at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Response has been terrific to the science-based, professional products.
MDSolarSciences Sunscreens is a line of mineral-based and hybrid sunscreens that block and reflect ultra violet rays, eliminate potentially harmful chemicals and have a weightless, silky feel on the skin that promotes usage and re-application. They include 2 mineral gels, a mineral lotion hybrid sport stick for lips and other sensitive areas, anda no-touch, easy to apply body spray. The sunscreens come with a specially-developed SolALERT personal UV detection card.
Also part of the system is SolarSciencesSportswear -- a line of environmentally friendly,comfortable and stylish UPF 50+ clothing and hats for children and adults. SolSciOptix is a line of UV400 protective sunglasses and ski goggles. There's also a “Safer Fun in the Sun,” educational initiative, and -- a portion of all sales is donated to skin cancer research.
MDSolarScience products are available at dermatologist's offices and online at http://www.mdsolarsciences.com
As you both well know, the sun can cause serious harm -- from skin aging to deadly skin cancer. As summer approaches, moms and others worry about their family’s ability to safely have fun in the sun. Thanks to the MDSolarSciences is providing a true advance in the science of solar protection. None of its sunscreen products contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. Three are mineral-based, physical (not chemical) blocks comprised mostly of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The other two (a body spray and a sport stick) use avebenzone, the safest sun block chemical available for both humans and the environment.
Neutral
Sun Advocate said 6-06-2010 @8:42PM
replySummertime is time for extra sun protection. I could not agree more. Every time your are next to a window, whether at home or in your car, your at risk of being exposed to UV rays. I have been studying this for years now. My car, my home and even my clothing has some sort of UV protection. When I searched this blog came up and then http://www.sun-protection-and-you.com/solar-film.html
Neutral
Edmond Leung said 6-14-2010 @9:09PM
Pick me, your next winner! Starving artist here desperately needs an ipad. I find higher no. sun screen offer more sun protection.
replyNeutral
Sunnymay said 6-15-2010 @3:40PM
I tried Nia 24 and it worked overnight to fade age spots a lot and made my forehead wrinkles a thing of the past.
reply