Why Wear Sunscreen?
The question is often asked: "Why wear sunscreen... does it really work?" Experts agree that sunscreen is effective... yet it's not foolproof.
Who recommends sunscreen?
Several studies by health leaders in the United States lend credence to the importance of sunscreen. The following organizations declare sunscreen a necessary tool in the prevention of skin cancer:
- American Academy of Dermatology
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- American Cancer Society
- American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- US Department of Heath and Human Services
Your first action should be to avoid the sun as much as possible. Experts agree that sunscreen is the next best defense against skin cancer.
Watch this Important Video: Dear 16 Year Old Me
This film was made possible thanks to the generosity of real people whose lives have been touched by melanoma. These are not actors. We cannot thank this group enough for sharing their stories with us.
Epidemic
Excessive sun exposure is thought to be the primary cause of skin cancer. Sunbathing and tanning appears to be responsible for the rise in skin cancer rates.
"Skin cancer in the United States is an unrecognized epidemic."
--American Academy of Dermatology
The Mayo clinic reports that fully one-half of all new cancers are skin cancer. Increasing at the rate of 6% per year, one million new cases occur annually. And skin cancer is occurring at a much younger age than ever before.
A little vanity
Would you like to ward off premature aging... a.k.a. wrinkles? Experts claim that 90% of deteriorating skin changes are due to sun damage, not old age. Then there are the nasty, rough bumps known as solar keratosis... not attractive! Sunscreen goes a long way in preventing such damage: View our sunscreen products
Healthy skin, healthy body
Some claim a tan is healthy. Why wear sunscreen if this is true? But experts state there is no safe level of tanning. Small doses of unprotected sunshine - 15 minutes at a time, a few days a week - is a good source of vitamin D. A suntan, however, indicates that the skin has been damaged. Excessive sun exposure may also suppress your immune system. This in turn can interfere with your body's natural ability to ward off infection and disease.
Who needs sun protection?
Everyone! Yes, some individuals are more susceptible to skin cancer, such as those with fair skin, blue eyes or skin that freckles or burns easily. These people need to be extra vigilant. But catching too many rays will harm even those with dark skin.
Here are the sunscreen products that we recommend to our patients:
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Glycolix Elite Sunscreen SPF 30
Why we love it: It protects and defends delicate skin.
Description: The Glycolix Sunscreen SPF 30 is specially formulated with Micronized Zinc Oxide to provide the highest level of broad spectrum protection in combination with a rich blend of free radical quenching antioxidants consisting of Liposomal Vitamins A, C & E, Green Tea Extract and Co-Q10. This oil free formulation provides up to 30 times your skin's natural protection from sunburn and suppresses tanning.
Recommended Use: Adults and children 6 months of age and over: apply liberally and evenly before sun exposure. Reapply after swimming, excessive perspiring or anytime after towel drying. Use on children under 6 months of age only with the advice of a physician.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 17%
Suitable For These Skin Types: Oily, Normal, Sensitive, Dry, All, Combination, Flush
Sunscreen: SPF 30+
Ingredient: Coenzyme Q10, SPF, Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Zinc Oxide
Application Area: Face
Visit the Topix Pharmaceuticals website for more info: www.topixpharm.com |
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Citrix Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 30
Why we love it: Provides up to 30 times your skin's natural sun protection.
Description: Citrix Antioxidant Sunscreen has been specially formulated with micronized zinc oxide to provide the highest level of broad spectrum protection while a rich blend of free radical-neutralizing antioxidants, consisting of liposomal vitamins A, C and E, green tea extract and co-Q10, help protect against age-accelerating damage. This oil-free formulation provides up to 30 times your skin's natural sun protection. Micronized zinc oxide based formulation combines ultra broad SPF protection UVB/UVII/UVAI out to 380nm.
Recommended Use: Apply liberally before sun exposure. Reapply after swimming.
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Zinc Oxide 7.0%.
Treats These Conditions: Sunburn, Free Radical Protection
Suitable For These Skin Types: All, Dry, Flush, Normal, Sensitive
Sunscreen: SPF 30+
Ingredient: Coenzyme Q10, SPF, Vitamin C, Vitamin E
Application Area: Decollete
Visit the Topix Pharmaceuticals website for more info: www.topixpharm.com |
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EltaMD UV Clear is a winner of the ELLE 2010 Genius Award for Skin |
EltaMD Sun Protection
EltaMD offers the most complete line of sun protection products in the skin care industry. With six unique formulas, there is one for every patient and unique skin type. All EltaMD sunscreens are hypoallergenic and sensitivity free, appropriate for use on all skin types. Four of the EltaMD formulas contain 9% zinc oxide, one of the highest percentages available, and EltaMD offers more formulas designed for specific uses than anyone in the marketplace. EltaMD products are ONLY sold to patients through physicians...not to spas or salons.
We can help identify the appropriate skin care and sun care product for your skin. We carry the following EltaMD sun care products:
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
- EltaMD UV Shield SPF 45
- EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40
- EltaMD UV Facial SPF 30+
- EltaMD UV Physical SPF 41
- EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50
- EltaMD UV Lotion SPF 30+
Visit the EltaMD website for more info: www.eltamd.com
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Blue Lizard
Blue Lizard sunscreen is the #1 dermatologist recommended sunscreen. Blue Lizard features a chemical free sunscreen, sport sunscreen, baby sunscreen and sensitive formula sunscreen.
We carry the following Blue Lizard products:
- Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen - Regular
- 6 percent micronized Zinc Oxide
- Smart Bottle™ turns blue in UV light
- Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen - Face
- 8 percent micronized Zinc Oxide
- Caffeine, Green Tea, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid
- Lightweight, daily wear moisturizer
- Smart Bottle™ turns blue in UV light
- Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen - Sensitive
- CHEMICAL-FREE, FRAGRANCE-FREE
- 10 percent micronized Zinc Oxide, 5 percent micronized Titanium Dioxide
- Smart Bottle™ turns blue in UV light
- Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen - Baby
- CHEMICAL-FREE, FRAGRANCE-FREE
- 10 percent micronized Zinc Oxide, 5 percent micronized Titanium Dioxide
- Smart Bottle™ turns pink in UV light
Visit the Blue Lizard website for more info: www.crownlaboratories.com |
False sense of security
The downside of using sunscreen is the belief that you can spend extra time in the sun as long as you slather it on. Sunscreen does not provide 100% protection, however. Use sunscreen as a tool that allows you to spend time outside enjoying life. Just don't spend too much time in the sun. Sunscreen is but one piece of the protection puzzle. For the best plan of action, follow these guidelines:
- Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Hang out in the shade. Sip a cool one under an umbrella, canopy, or tree. Be aware, however, shade does not offer complete protection.
- Wear clothing that shields your body. A hat with a wide brim guards face, ears, neck and eyes. Add a long-sleeved shirt and pants for complete protection. Choose a tight weave and a loose fitting style.
- Don't forget those cool shades! Choose sunglasses that provide 99-100% UVA and UVB protection (as stated on the label).
Why wear sunscreen?
Protection from the sun is the single most effective means to maintaining young looking, healthy skin.
And don't forget tanning beds. Read this article about the harmful effects of tanning indoors.
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