Beautifully clean: Sunny outlook

by Therese Bowen

When it comes to protection from the sun, there is a lot to consider. Besides guarding against harmful UVA and UVB rays, you also need to insure the safety of the ingredients in your sunscreen of choice. Just because the bottle says “all natural” does NOT mean the product can be used without risk.

At Freshlife, we have raised the bar on what is considered an acceptable standard of purity. As the Personal Care Coach and health and beauty department supervisor, I have read all the fine print! Together, Freshlife and I promise to carry only those sunscreens that are free of harmful chemicals. Many of the ingredients used in well-known brands such as Coppertone, Banana Boat and others pose a cumulative and long- term danger tomorrow that could be more serious than preventing sunburn today. In my investigation, I have learned valuable information that I would like to share with you.

What does “SPF” really mean?
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measurement of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn. For example, if your skin would normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, wearing an SPF 15 would theoretically allow you to stay in the sun for 150 minutes (10 x 15) without burning.

How high an SPF should I use?
The American Cancer Society recommends that people use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Higher SPFs will give you more protection, but consumers should recognize that once you reach SPF 30, there isn’t much difference between products with higher SPF values. A SPF 50 product, for example, only blocks about 1.3-percent more UVB radiation than a SPF 30 product. It is more important to apply your sunscreen generously than it is to seek out ultra-high SPF products.

Which sunscreens are best for children?
Since kids are more vulnerable to damage caused by sun and to harmful effects of chemical exposure, you want to make sure you choose a sunscreen that is highly rated for both effectiveness and safety. Make sure you apply sunscreen generously and often if your child will be swimming or playing in the water. Don’t believe claims that a product will remain effective in water as these claims are not always reliable. Never put sunscreen on infants under 6 months-at this age, a fair-skinned baby does not have melanin proteins for sun protection and needs to be kept out of the sun. And remember that sunscreen is just one part of a sun-healthy lifestyle. Limiting sun exposure and wearing protective clothing are even more important than wearing sunscreen.

What is the difference between physical barrier and chemical sunscreens?
Physical barrier sunscreens (such as Badger and Caribbean Solutions) form a film on top of the skin that reflects or scatters UV light. Most physical barrier sunscreens contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens differ from physical barrier sunscreens as they absorb UV rays before they can do any damage. Chemical sunscreens can be absorbed into the skin, are more likely to cause irritation or allergy and can degrade over time.

What are some ingredients to avoid?
Oxybenzone (benzophenone 3) absorbs through the skin in significant amounts and accumulates in the cells of the body. Padimate O is a derivative of PABA. It releases free radicals, damages DNA and has estrogenic activity. If you would like to learn more about these and other harmful ingredients found in body care products, visit the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com.

After careful consideration, I have chosen 2 brands of sunscreen for the Freshlife shelves. I am fully confident that both are safe and effective. First, is the ever-trusted Badger brand. In addition to “organic body care that works” from Badger, I am excited to introduce a new brand - Caribbean Solutions. These new sunscreens boast Titanium Dioxide and transparent Zinc Oxide as the active ingredients. Caribbean Solutions sunscreens are free of dangerous chemical ingredients and preservatives and also contain many active plant extracts that provide sun protective antioxidant benefits and organic oils, which nourish sun-exposed skin. Another benefit – they are biodegradable! Every year an estimated 6,000 tons of sunscreen wash off the skin of ocean-bound vacationers. This volume of chemicals has actually killed off a type of algae that is a food source for sea coral. Our need to protect ourselves from the blazing tropical sun is putting the Caribbean coral reefs in danger of survival. Granted, you won’t find much sea coral in the Loyalsock Creek or your favorite pool, but it is nice to know your sunscreen will break down into safe components in the water table.

Freshlife will offer Caribbean Solutions’ Sol Kid Kare SPF 25, Sol Guard SPF 25—and for those of you that would like to let a little of the sun’s rays in for a bronze glow—Sol Guard SPF 8. The 6 oz. bottles will be available in June for $12.95, a savings of $2.

The Freshlife skin-care pledge is not only to provide you with safe products but also give you the “straight scoop” on the growing body of information within the personal-care arena. My knowledge will not only be used in all buying decisions; I also promise to teach you the most significant aspects of the all-important relationship of skin care to general wellness. With the correct information, you can make sound and safe decisions to embrace your best health!