FitSugar

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

Are UVA and UVB Rays Equally Harmful?

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Sunscreen is a must for anyone who spends time outside. Your bottle probably mentions something about UVA and UVB rays. Since you care so much about your health, I thought I'd refresh your mind on the difference between the two.

UVA rays: These are less likely to cause sunburn than UVB rays, but they penetrate your skin more deeply. Watch out because UVA rays can go through windows, lightweight clothing, and even your car windshield. Prolonged exposure cracks and shrinks the collagen and elastin in your skin, which is why UVA rays are responsible for signs of aging including wrinkles, saggy and leathery skin, and suns spots.

UVB rays: These are responsible for tanning your skin, but they also cause sunburn. UVB rays are the main culprit when it comes to skin cancer. These rays also go through windows, and it doesn't matter if it's cloudy - you're still at risk for exposure.

Although both types are responsible for different health risks, they're equally harmful to your skin. So if you're planning on enjoying the day outdoors, lube up with a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays 20 to 30 minutes before heading out. Reapply at least every two hours.

Count Your Stars: Four Star Sunscreen

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

The FDA hopes drugstores will soon be serving up 4 star sunscreen.

In a move to help consumers select a wide spectrum sunscreen, the FDA has proposed a star ranking system to indicate how effective a sun protection product is at blocking UVA rays. The SPF ratings are only for UVB rays, the sun rays that tend to burn your skin, but UVA rays, considered the tanning rays, are just as dangerous to your skin.

If the FDA proposal becomes final, sunscreen products would list both the SPF alongside a new four-star rating system, with one star representing the lowest protection and four stars the highest. Additionally, if the sunscreen leaves you completely defenseless against the sun's UVA rays, the label will explicitly state "no UVA protection" on the front label of the product.

We could start seeing the four star system as early as next spring.

Source

Sunscreen Stats

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Just to see if you all have been paying attention, I have a few questions about sunscreen for you. It is kind of like a "pop" quiz, but really it is a Fit quiz.

Source

Take the quiz

Get Your Butt in Gear: Sunblocker Rashguard by Title Nine

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0700

If you plan on spending a lot of time in the sun and the water this summer season, I highly recommend investing in a sunblocking rashguard. While the O'Neil UV Protection Rashguard does the trick, the Sunblocker Rashguard ($45) by Title Nine does the job with a little more fashion sense.

Title Nine commissioned two surfers, both women, to design this guard, and they definitely gave the rashguard a feminine touch. The sleeves though short, completely cover the shoulders but allow for freedom of arm motion. You can paddle out without feeling restricted. The neck is also a little higher, like a mock turtleneck, providing just a little more sun protection. The guard provides both UVA and UVB protection.

Buy it directly from Title Nine. It comes in pink Punch (pictured above) or light blue Water.

T/F: SPF 30 has two times more sun protection than SPF 15?

FitSugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Today is National Skin Cancer Awareness Day and so I thought it would be fun to see how aware you are with a short pop quiz on sun protection.

UVA vs. UVB Sun Rays

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 14:00:00 -0700

We all know that the sun is bad for our skin. Here's a quiz to test your knowledge on UVA and UVB rays.

What's the Deal With: PA +++ Rankings on Sunscreen

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:00:00 -0700

By now, I hope you all know the SPF stands for sun protection factor. A few sunscreen labels also list a "PA" ranking, like this Shiseido sunscreen pictured. PA ranking refers to the amount of protection the sunscreen offers from the UVA rays, since SPF just ranks protection from UVB rays.

PA rankings are listed as PA+, PA++ or PA+++ with the more plus symbols the more protection from UVA rays, the rays that may cause long term skin damage and therefore age the skin.

Always look for a broad spectrum sunscreen as they will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.

You can find the Shiseido sunscreen, rated SPF 55 P+++, for $37 from Sephora.

Look For It: Mexoryl SX

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Sunscreen has been in the news a lot lately. Labeling and SPF ratings are confusing. Just to add to the pot, I have a new ingredient for you to search out when it comes to sunscreen - Mexoryl SX.

Although mexoryl, aka ecamsule, has been used in European sunscreens since the early 90's, the FDA just recently approved it for use in the States. Mexoryl is an organic filter that protects against UVA rays!!!! Making it a key ingredient for wide spectrum sunscreens - remember the SPF ratings are just for UVB rays. In fact, mexoryl is the best thing on the market for blocking UVA rays and it lasts longer than other UVA blockers.

Look for L'Oreal's Anthelios SX and Laroche-Posay Anthelios which is considered one of the best broad spectrum sunscreens on the market today.

Sunscreen (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:05:13 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

May help protect your skin from sunburn, skin cancer, and other damage caused by the sun.

Brand Name(s)

Esoterica Facial, Esoterica Sunscreen, Dermatone Skin Protector, Sportz Bloc, Dermatone UVA/Uvb Sunblock, Vanicream Lip Protectant, Sponix Sunscreen, Solbar Shield Sunscreen, Vanicream SPF 60, Vanicream SPF 30, NAVA-SC, Vanicream Sunscreen, Solbar Zinc SPF38, A-Fil, Rosula CLK

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Talk with your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to a sunscreen. Even if you have had an allergic reaction to one sunscreen, you still may be able to use another sunscreen that contains different ingredients.

How to Use This Medicine

Cream, Lotion, Gel/Jelly, Stick, Liquid, Ointment

Most sunscreens are applied about 15 to 30 minutes before you go out into the sun. Sunscreens that contain PABA should be used about 1 to 2 hours before sun exposure. There are many different kinds of sunscreens, so instructions may change with each product. Always read and follow the instructions on the package label.
Use the sunscreen on your skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use the spray on your face. A sunscreen stick or lip balm especially made for your face is easy to use.
Apply a thick layer of sunscreen to all skin areas exposed to the sun. Reapply the sunscreen about every 2 hours, or after swimming, towel drying, or heavy sweating.
If the sunscreen contains alcohol, you should not use it near a fire or if you are smoking.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the sunscreen at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Talk with your doctor before using a sunscreen on the same skin areas you are treating with other skin medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

You should not use sunscreens on children younger than 6 months of age unless you have first talked with your child's doctor. Children younger than 6 months old may absorb sunscreen through their skin into their bodies. It is best to keep infants younger than 6 months old out of the sun. If this cannot be avoided, lightweight clothes and a hat may help protect an infant from the sun.
Sunscreens work by either absorbing or reflecting the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR causes skin cancer, sunburns, and premature aging of skin (wrinkles and dry, thinning skin). Clouds will filter some UVR, but not all. You will still need to use sunscreen even when it is cloudy.
UVR can reflect off of light surfaces such as sand and snow. Wear a sunscreen when are out in the snow to keep from getting a sunburn.
Sunscreens are rated by SPFs (sun protection factors). Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Children older than 6 months of age should wear a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when outdoors. If you need more protection or have fair skin, an SPF of 20 to 30 (or higher) can be used. You can also protect your skin by wearing a hat and lightweight clothes.
To prevent skin damage, avoid being in the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM, when the sun's rays are strongest.
Sunscreens that contain PABA may permanently stain your clothing yellow.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Rash

Review Date: 8/4/2008

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Source Doc: 45_4962