Practicing Safe Sun May 29, 2013 Maryann Hammers What your clients don’t know about sunscreen can kill them—literally—or at least etch their skin with wrinkles. We asked leading dermatologists to answer the most commonly asked sunscreen questions. Nothing ages skin faster than sun damage. More ominously, one American dies from melanoma every hour, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. So the choice to apply sunscreen is a no-brainer. But your clients may not know how to get the maximum protection. “Everyone reading this is probably using too little and applying too infrequently,” says Talia Emery, M.D., medical director of Remedy (Westlake Village, CA), a cosmetic dermatology center. “More is better. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.” Here are some questions you may have about sun protection, with answers by some top dermatologists. When recommending sunscreen, what ingredients should I suggest my clients look for? Sunscreens come in two basic forms. The most common are chemical-based formulations, containing ingredients that absorb the sun’s rays. Mineral, or physical, sunscreens deflect ultraviolet rays away from the skin. Many dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide. “Mineral sunscreens are the most trustworthy. They are the most stable (i.e., they don’t degrade as quickly on the skin or in the bottle) and provide the broadest protection,” says California dermatologist Cynthia Bailey, M.D. Another advantage: Mineral sunscreens are less likely than chemical varieties to sting the eyes, they are gentler to the skin, and they block both UVA and UVB rays. Should I be concerned about recommending sunscreens that contain the chemical oxybenzone? Oxybenzone, a compound that absorbs UVA and UVB rays, is often used in chemical sunscreens. Some environ- mental groups claim it penetrates into the skin, causing cell damage and hormone disruption. But the FDA has approved it as being safe and effective, and The Skin Cancer Foundation points out that no evidence shows that it has caused any adverse health effects during the 20 years it has been used. “There is no proof that oxybenzone is an endocrine disrupter, and the American Academy of Dermatology’s opinion of oxybenzone is that it is safe in sunscreen,” says New York City dermatologist Debra Jaliman, M.D., author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From a Top New York Dermatologist (St. Mar- tin’s Press, 2012). Still, you can avoid it by sticking to mineral sunscreens. “I prefer physical [mineral] sunscreens to the chemical products,” Jaliman says. I’ve heard that nanoparticles in sun- screens are potentially harmful. Is there cause for concern? To enable mineral sunscreens to go on clear instead of chalky white, some manufacturers add nanoparticles to the ingredients. (One nanometer is up to 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair.) “Science supports nanoparticle zinc oxide’s safety as a sunscreen,” says Bailey. “Researchers in Australia have shown that nanoparticle zinc does not penetrate intact, healthy human skin.” The FDA also reports it “has not seen evidence that... any harm can come” from the use of sunscreens with nanoparticles. But when inhaled, nanoparticles can cause lung damage, so Bailey suggests avoiding it in loose makeup powder or spray sun- screens. And when nanoparticles get into the air, earth, or water, they can pollute the environment. “Nano-zinc oxide may not be benign for reefs and marine ecology, so I don’t recommend total-body application f or snorkelers,” says Bailey. What’s the best option for spa-goers who want safe and natural sun protection? Look for mineral sunscreens containing non-nano particle zinc oxide. “Now formulators are creating elegant, easy-to-use non-nano particle products that are easy to use—not thick and goopy,” says Bailey. “It’s a totally green choice for people wanting natural skincare options.” An added bonus is the fact that non-nano particle zinc oxide is the most stable of all sunscreen formulations, so you can have protection from the sun and your non-nanos, too. Is anything else new and improved in sunscreen ingredients? “I like new anti-aging sunscreens with DNA repair, such as Neova,” says Jaliman. “They reverse sun damage, improve fine lines, lighten brown spots, and even out the skin’s texture.” Other promising ingredients include antioxidants such as green tea and vitamin C, which fight the damage caused by UV rays. “Some products use plant-derived cells to slightly boost the protective nature,” says Emery. “They provide a modest but measurable benefit.” What’s the difference between UVA and UVB? Think A for aging and B for burning. “UVA rays are responsible for sun spots, sagging, and wrinkles,” says Emery. UVA rays damage the skin’s connective tissues and penetrate deeply into the skin, regardless of weather, altitude, or time of day. UVB rays cause sunburn and can lead to cataracts. Unfortunately, both types of rays cause skin cancer. “For protection from both UVA and UVB rays, look for the words ‘broad spectrum’ on the label,” says Emery. What should I share with my clients about SPF SPF 15 sunscreen blocks about 93 percent of UVB rays, compared to SPF 30, which blocks 97 percent. Most dermatologists recommend SPF 30. “The payoff above SPF 30 is negligible,” says Minneapolis dermatologist Charles Crutchfield, III, M.D. In fact, super-high SPF numbers “lull people into a false sense of security.” Don’t go under SPF 15 though, as lower numbers (SPF 2 to 14) can prevent sunburn but won’t protect from skin cancer or skin aging. But some of my clients still want to tan. How do I discourage them from taking advantage of other UV sources? Give them the facts. Ultraviolet light from sun lamps and tanning beds causes DNA damage, according to recent research. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute blame artificial UV sources (i.e., tanning beds) for the rapid rise in malignant melanoma among young women. For a golden glow, spray-on tans are the way to go. And you’ll still want to encourage your clients to always wear sunscreen. —Maryann Hammers
Posted on: Thu, 30 May 2013 22:42:12 +0000
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