FitSugar

Sunscreen Smarts: Protect Your Part

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0700

When going down my list of places to apply sunscreen, I often overlook the part in my hair. You wouldn't expect this spot to get that much sun, but if you have a defined hair part and you forget to protect, it can lead to a painful and peculiar sunburn.

The easiest thing to do is to wear a hat or other head covering, but if you dare to go bare, then try spritzing a spray sunscreen along the length of your part. It's less awkward than trying to rub in lotion around your hairline, and this way your hair won't get too greasy.

Minutes to a Healthier You . . .

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:30:33 -0700

We all know the Summer sun can do serious damage, and I have been writing a lot about sunscreen lately. We all tend to remember to slather the protective lotion on our faces and shoulder, but skip many body parts that still see the sun. Next time you're heading out to play in sunshine remember to put some sunscreen on the following areas:

Ears - especially the tops
Feet - once again coat the top of your feet
Hands - the backs of your hands need sunscreen, especially when riding a bike
Low back - if you're wearing a short top that doesn't quite reach the waist of your pants
Lips - keep your sensitive lips covered with SPF lip balm
Neck - make sure to apply sunscreen to both the front and back of your neck

Sunscreen Review: Badger 30 SPF

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:30:01 -0700

After reading the Environmental Working Group's sunscreen list, I decided to try a chemical free sunscreen and opt for mineral sunblock protection. I picked up a tube of Badger 30 SPF ($16) for face and body, which ranked really well on EWG list as being an effective sunscreen without creating health hazards with repeated use.

Learn what I think of Badger sunblock.

Favorite Excuse Not to Wear Sunscreen: I Want a Tan

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Unless you live in a cave, you are well aware that cigarettes cause lung cancer and tanning causes skin cancer. However, that doesn't stop people from smoking or baking in their bikinis on the beach. One main reason people continue to expose their skin to the sun without wearing any protection is that they want to have that nice healthy golden glow. You should know that when your skin tans, it means there has been damage to your skin. Tanning is your body's way of trying to protect itself from further UV exposure and damage. In other words, tanned skin is damaged skin, and the darker the tan, the more damage that's been done. Think of all the tans you've had over your lifetime. It all adds up and can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles, and sun spots.

That's why it's critical that you wear sunscreen every time your skin is exposed to the sun. If you still want that kiss of a golden glow, fake it. Spray tans, self tanning lotions, and bronzers will give your skin that tanned look without the permanent damage.

Do You Wear Sunscreen Daily?

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:03:32 -0700

Protecting your skin, especially on your face, can feel like a full-time job in the Summer months. My goal is to wear SPF 15 on my face daily, no matter what I have planned. What about you . . .

2009 Sunscreen Guide by Environmental Working Group

FitSugar — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:06:49 -0700

This time Environmental Working Group has got your back covered - literally and with sunscreen. They have just released their 2009 Sunscreen Guide.

After investigating over 1,500 sunscreens, EWG found that three out of five brand-name sunscreens didn't protect skin adequately from damaging UV rays. Many sunscreens also contained hazardous chemicals. Their list is definitive and complete including moisturizers with SPF as well as lip balms designed to block the suns damaging rays. You can sort by ranking to find the most effective and healthiest, or you can sort by brand to see how your favorite SPF ranks.

EWG is not in favor of chemical based sunscreens, like those with oxybenzone, and instead strongly favors sunblocks with titanium oxide and zinc oxide. These sun blocks do not contain chemicals absorbed by the skin and provide superior protection with better water resistant qualities. The only problem is they can leave a white tint on your skin. For everyday sun protection, mix a little base with your whitening sunblock to give the lotion some color and provide superior coverage to the delicate skin on your face. How did your sunscreen rank?

Favorite Excuse Not to Wear Sunscreen: I Break Out

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:30:50 -0700

If you're regularly exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays, it can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles, and sunspots. The obvious solution is to protect your skin with sunscreen. One problem though is that lathering your skin with SPF lotion can cause breakouts on your face, neck, shoulders, and back. For some people, it's so embarrassing that it makes them want to forget the sunscreen altogether. Remember though that not all sunscreens are created equal. To help prevent breakouts caused by sunscreen, read more.

First of all, if your skin is acne prone, you'll want to use a special sunscreen designed just for your face and another for the rest of your body. Go for an oil-free face lotion like the one shown that is specifically formulated not to clog your pores - the technical terms is noncomedogenic. If your body is prone to breakouts, choose an oil-free body sunscreen that's also noncomedogenic.

If you have acne lotion or topical medication you use, apply it to your clean skin first, and then apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out into the sun. As soon as you come inside wash the sunscreen off. If you've tried a certain brand of sunscreen, and it's caused pimples then try another one. It may take a few tries or a visit to your dermatologist for suggestions, but whatever you do, don't give up and forget the sunscreen. Your skin will thank you later.

Which SPF Is Right For You?

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:33:02 -0700

I went to the drugstore to pick up some sunscreen and the endless shelves of bottles is astounding. Have you ever thought, "What's with all the different SPF numbers?" If you're confused by what the numbers mean and how you choose the right one for your skin type, you're not alone.

To learn more about which SPF you should use click here

The Best Sunscreens For This Summer

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:30:00 -0700

Will Ferrell's new line of charitable sunscreen (featuring Sun Stroke, Sexy Hot Tan, and Forbidden Fruit varieties) might get you some laughs on the beach and prevent a not-so-sexy burn, but they're not the ultimate in sun protection. In its quest to find the best sunscreens for your Summer, Consumer Reports rounded up 10 sunscreens and compared their effectiveness in protecting against ultraviolet A and B radiation.

The magazine chose three CR Best Buys based on the lab test results and reminds us that we shouldn't base our purchases on brand alone - previous tests showed quality variances within the same brand. To see what sunscreens performed the best and are worth your money, read more.

CR Best Buys

Walgreens Continuous Spray Sport SPF 50
Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 (lotion)
Target (now called Up & Up) Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30

Worst Performers

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch With Helioplex SPF 70 (lotion)
Banana Boat Kids Tear Free SPF 50 (lotion)

Do you have a go-to sunscreen?

Source

DrSugar: How Harmful Is Oxybenzone?

DrSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:30:00 -0700

 DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I recently read a post on FitSugar about the dangers of oxybenzone, a common ingredient in sunscreen and other cosmetics. I am wondering if my sunscreen containing this chemical is doing more harm than good? What do you think about oxybenzone, and should I be worried?
-Easily Burned

To see what DrSugar thinks about oxybenzone, just read more.

Oxybenzone is a chemical in the family of benzophenones that is used in the vast majority of common sunscreens, as well as other skincare products, lip balm, etc. It is in the majority of sunscreens because of its ability to absorb and dissipate UV light, which causes sunburn and eventually skin cancers. Ideally, the chemical would simply sit on the skin and block sun rays until being washed off. Unfortunately, a study from the CDC suggests that the chemical is actually absorbed into our system, and can stay there for an unknown amount of time. The CDC randomly tested thousands of blood samples and found traces of benzophenones in 95 percent of the samples. It is certainly a scary thought that this chemical is being absorbed into our systems and causing unknown effects.

Currently, there are no studies showing a direct relationship between oxybenzone in sunscreen and negative health consequences. However, there is evidence that benzophenones can cause damage to cells and affect hormones in a lab setting. This means that if you expose animal cells to oxybenzone in a lab, you may see toxic effects. The caveat is that this does not always translate into cellular damage in the real world, usually because the concentration of the substance is much higher in lab studies. Many commonly used substances have been shown to cause cancer in rats, most famously the artificial sweetener aspartame. I think the most important thing is to wear some type of sun protection, oxybenzone-containing or not, because we know for a fact that sunburns and sun exposure leads to skin cancer. Playing it safe, however, is never a bad idea. Fit has some oxybenzone-free sunscreen ideas.

Have a question for DrSugar? Send it by private messaging me here, and I will forward it to the good doctor.

DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.