Sunscreen blog

Proposed new FDA sunscreen regulations

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0400

The most important aspect for me of the proposed new sunscreen legislation from the FDA , is the fact that they are acknowledging that of the 16 approved active sunscreen ingredients that have been listed in the USA for the past few decades, ONLY 2 are now GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe). They just happen to be the only physical, (or otherwise know as 'mineral' or 'natural'), sunscreen ingredient - zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The rest of the list are all synthetic chemicals. What they are saying is that the FDA will require manufacturers to submit to the FDA what testing has been done to show how safe the sunscreens are, rather than be accepted as safe - as they would be with either or both of the 2 mineral sunscreens. However, it also means that if there is any percentage of chemical sunscreen ingredients in a formula, the tests would have to be submitted. Some formulas contain either or both of the mineral sunscreens to make sure they can obtain the UVA broad spectrum required, or claim to be 'natural', while also containing chemical sunscreen ingredients. This announcement supports much of what the EWG (Environmental Working Group) has been advocating for 10 years now and has been "incredibly welcome news" according to Scott Faber, the senior vice president for government affairs at EWG. Oxybenzone, as an example, is included in this list. It is included in a huge percentage of sunscreens and in more recent years has been highlighted as especially toxic to coral reefs. Both Hawaii and Key West, Florida, are making moves to ban sunscreens with chemical ingredients like oxybenzone (or benzophenone-3), octylmethoxycinnamate or octocrylene with scientific evidence cited as further contributing to the destruction of coral reefs. Besides looking for what is advertised as Reef Safe Sunscreen, try looking for a sunscreen that is Biodegradable. Meaning that it will leave no lasting impact on our environment. So I guess there will many manufacturing reformulations happening fast, but in the meantime look for those sunscreens using ONLY zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or what is becoming labelled as 100% Natural sunscreen, as your best GRAS option!

Why use a Natural Sunscreen with Organic Ingredients?

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 10:32:48 -0400

Natural vs chemical sunscreens.  Don’t damage your skin with chemicals to avoid getting sunburnt. Zinc Oxide, as a mineral sunscreen, is 100% natural, provides a high level protection for both UVA and UVB, plus has excellent healing qualities.

Avoid these chemical sunscreens:

Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3): allergic reactions and hormone disrupting

Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane): becomes toxic in sunlight!

Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate): gender bending (estrogenic)

Octocrylene: potentially carcinogenic!

Homosalate: Hormone disruptor; forms toxic metabolites

Padimate O (Octyl Dimethyl Paba / Paba Ester): releases free radicals; damages DNA; estrogenic and allergic reactions

Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid: potentially carcinogenic!

Octyl Salicyclate: penetration enhancer; allows other chemicals into blood

Benzophenone (Sulisobenzone): irritates skin & eyes. Penetration enhancer

Mexoryl SX: Degrades 40% in sunlight, produces reactive oxygen species

Avoid toxic cosmetic ingredients. A healthy lifestyle is vital to combat toxins from modern industries. Choose cosmetics with healthy ingredients and avoid these toxic ones:

Sodium Laurel, Lauryl Sulfate, or Sodium Laurel Sulfate: Combined with other chemicals this becomes Nitrosamine, a powerful carcinogen, which penetrates the skin’s moisture barrier, allowing chemicals in

PEG (Polyethylene Glycol), Polysorbates, or Ethoxyylate alcohol: all contain dioxane, which is carcinogenic and probably one of the most potent toxins known to man

Propylene Glycol: can cause dermatitis, kidney or liver abnormalities, skin growth prevention, or just plain irritation

Phenol Carbolic Acid: Can cause circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, and even death from respiratory failure

Acrylamide: Can cause breast cancer

Toluene (Benzoic; Benzyl or Butylated Hydroxtoluene): can cause anemia, low blood cell count, liver and kidney damage and birth defects

Natural and organic preservatives do not damage your health. Commonly used Parabens are endocrine disruptors mimicking oestrogen, upsetting hormone balance, plus are carcinogenic.

No Petrochemicals or Mineral oils. They clog up skin pores, trap toxins, slow skin cell growth, disrupt normal hormonal functions, rob bones and the nervous system of magnesium, can be estrogenic, plus absorb oil soluble vitamins A, D, E and K from you and then excrete them.

Natural Colorants are non-toxic. Compared with toxic Synthetic ones, they are a far better choice

Natural organic ingredients smell delightful. Added Fragrance has been shown many times to be toxic.

Avoid unnatural Polymers for Water Resistance. Unlike natural alternatives, they coat the skin and prevent it breathing

Many Organic plant extracts provide Anti-oxidants. Added protection against free radical damage and atmospheric toxins, enables the elimination of chemical reactions, and repairs skin cells.
 
Direct benefit from every ingredient. No fillers are required to counteract negative reactions to chemicals.
 
Reverse sun damage. Switching from toxic chemical sunscreens to non-toxic sunscreens with added organic ingredients, you can possibly reverse some existing sun damage.

sunumbra® is a wholly natural sunscreen with organic ingredients and a core purpose to make a difference in people’s lives as well as the environment by embracing the sunshine.

Anti-oxidants in sunscreens

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 02:45:26 -0500

Micronutrients are defined as minerals and vitamins essential for human survival. While necessary in our diets they can also play an important role in skincare as antioxidants, which help prevent oxidative damage. This helps the skin to stay healthy, as well as prevent premature ageing and is especially important in suncare.

Good nutrition goes a long way to helping your skin remain young, supple and healthy. However, topical application of nutrients intended to complement the health of your skin can sometimes be absorbed far more efficiently directly through our skin than via one’s digestive system! There are in fact some ingredients that are rendered inefficient after passing throughout the digestive system, An example of such is Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), which is perhaps one of most potent anti-oxidants we know of. It is an enzyme upon which a major part of the skin’s defence system depends.

SOD repairs cells and reduces the damage done by superoxide, the most common free radical in the body. It is found in both the dermis and the epidermis, and is key to the production of healthy fibroblasts (skin-building cells). It acts as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, neutralising the free radicals that can lead to wrinkles and precancerous cell changes. It helps to reduce facial wrinkles, scar tissue, heal wounds and burns, reduce hyper-pigmentation, and very importantly, it helps protect against harmful UV rays.

We are Changing!

Sat, 21 Nov 2015 10:11:56 -0500
Our site's name is changing to www.simplysunscreen.com in the next few days. Still the same great content but simply a new name. Don't forget to subscribe now and for FREE to our feed on: https://feeds.feedburner.com/SunscreenBlog and have your subscription carry over to the new site.

Counter pollution and Urban Toxins with Daily suncare

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 03:16:48 -0500

It's really encouraging to see reports of trends changing from the negative 'anti-ageing' messages to a more positive message that embraces growing old. I certainly have felt so much better since disposing of all hair dyes to allow the graceful grey hair to stake its claim and declare the fact that I am over 50... But liking my wrinkles may yet prove to be a challenge!

Another trend in the cosmetics world seeming to take hold is to help our bodies to resist the toxicities of urban living through added ingredients such as antioxidants. These are proven to be very effective in their transdermal action and are referred to as a variety of things from 'dermocosmetics' to 'neutraceuticals'. The latter mostly refers to food extracts but these are now increasingly being added to cosmetics as a skin nutrient. In both cases - whether as a food supplement or a cosmetic supplement - they boost our internal systems to be able to deal with the increasingly toxic urban environments we live in.

Which is also why I advocate wearing a daily sunscreen with added organic botanical ingredients that boost our ability to help the skin deal with the ageing wrinkles from the UVA and UVB rays, as well as the toxic elements presented in everyday living.

sunscreen innovations

Tue, 7 Oct 2014 14:37:42 -0400

There is an encouraging number of developments coming through the sunscreen industry lately, even though not all are to to everyone’s liking, or in some cases, not even that believable! We have had a water product infused with electromagnetic waves claim to have remarkable sunscreen capabilities as well as sunscreen pills, and a variety of bracelets that tell you when you’ve had enough UVB exposure.

Although all of these claim to be highly effective in their sun protection qualities, with many people vouching for their success, none are able to be verified under the current SPF testing system employed by countries around the globe to measure the protection properties against UVB rays. Never mind the protection measurements for UVA protection, which is every bit as harmful, if not more, than UVB rays. So even if they are able to offer protection, we cannot officially measure them against the properties offered by sunscreens.

Although there are many different types of foods or nutrients we can consume that will help us boost our natural system’s sun protection capabilities, scientific data to prove this seems to be lacking still with the ‘official’ world. This doesn’t mean to say that one cannot consume what you like for yourself. What I like is how many of these nutrients are being seen in sunscreens recently for transdermal adsorption - offering not just traditional protection but embracing added benefits for your skin’s health too.

Beauty from Within & Micronutrients in Cosmetics

Tue, 7 Oct 2014 00:00:00 -0400

Micronutrients are defined as minerals and vitamins essential for human survival. While necessary in our diets they can also play an important role in skincare as antioxidants, which help prevent oxidative damage. This helps the skin to stay healthy, as well as prevent premature ageing.

Good nutrition goes a long way to helping your skin remain young, supple and healthy. However, topical application of nutrients intended to complement the health of your skin can sometimes be absorbed far more efficiently directly through our skin than via one’s digestive system! There are in fact some ingredients that are rendered inefficient after passing throughout the digestive system, An example of such is Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), which is perhaps one of most potent anti-oxidants we know of. It is an enzyme upon which a major part of the skin’s defence system depends.

SOD repairs cells and reduces the damage done by superoxide, the most common free radical in the body. It is found in both the dermis and the epidermis, and is key to the production of healthy fibroblasts (skin-building cells). It acts as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, neutralising the free radicals that can lead to wrinkles and precancerous cell changes. It helps to reduce facial wrinkles, scar tissue, heal wounds and burns, reduce hyper-pigmentation, and very importantly, it helps protect against harmful UV rays.

Why you should wear sunscreen EVERY day

Sun, 17 Aug 2014 00:00:00 -0400

I just came across this fabulous video illustrating the effects of UV on our skins. A man called Thomas Leveritt has an ultraviolet camera that he set up outside where people were passing while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities in the sunshine.

He stopped people randomly and asked if they wished to see their how the sun affects their faces. Standing in front of the camera you see their reactions to how much their skin alters to be able to deal with the sunshine.

All those with very fair skins were quite horrified by the number of freckles. Those with very dark skin as an alternative, were shown to have extremely healthy skins - almost glowing in the sun!

The one aspect I really enjoyed was how he illustrated the effect of sunscreen and how much UV it appeared to be blocking. The message is very clear - if you wish to look after your skin, maintaining a really healthy, natural looking skin, it makes sense to wear sunscreen EVERY day, regardless of your skin type!

Broccoli sprouts great to detoxify environmental pollutants

Fri, 18 Jul 2014 10:40:37 -0400

Throughout history, across many different cultures, Mother Nature has provided solutions for many health issues. More and more today, diet is being held up as the principle cause of people’s ill health, but at the same time we are hearing the opposite - that food itself can be your best medicine.

Whole, fresh, organic food… and especially broccoli! How many times do you hear people say how much they LOVE it, or HATE it. There is seldom anyone hanging on the fence and saying something in between.

However, if you eat sprouted broccoli seeds in your salads or on your sandwiches, you can effectively obtain one of the highest levels of nutrition with anything from “10-100 times the amount of the chemo-protective compound called glucoraphanin, found in mature broccoli”. So says Dr Mercola.

During the sprouting process, minerals such as the all important calcium and magnesium, bind with proteins. This creates a more active effect when absorbed by the body. Vitamins and essential fatty acids increase during sprouting, which are highly important to healthy living.

Broccoli sprouts are also said to help detox environmental poisons such as the dreaded benzene. Research done in China, where the environment is badly polluted and everyone breathes filthy air involuntarily, resulted in the excretion of carcinogens benzene and acrolein increasing by 61% and 23% respectively. This was after broccoli sprout extract had been introduced to their daily diet and effectively boosted their natural internal defence systems.

Some of the health benefits provided include helping to prevent:

Cancer

Osteoarthritis

Heart disease

Allergies

UV radiation skin damage, when applied topically

Are Children’s Sunscreen Formulas really that different?

Sun, 13 Jul 2014 11:13:16 -0400

Legislation for sunscreen ingredients used by manufacturers all over that globe, are no different for children than they are for adults. So how do you choose an effective sunscreen for your child? Many people just buy a sunscreen that claims to be especially for children, or for sensitive skins, or even one that is “dermatologically approved“ for children.

Or we could even go for one approved by your doctor or dermatologist. However, the fact remains - "There is no safer ingredient just for kids," as quoted by Consumer Reports Health Editor Trisha Calvo. "Manufacturers use the same active ingredients in kids' sunscreens as they do in adults’ sunscreens.”

So if you are inclined to do your homework, you’ll find that many popular sunscreens do not differ in ingredients from their kids sunscreen to their adults sunscreens. If we read that a particular sunscreen is considered the “number one peadiatrician-recommended brand” one would ordinarily assume it’s safer? Bottom line is actually that none of the international bodies governing sunscreen safety include any kind of measure to ensure children’s sunscreens are any different to adults sunscreens.

So, the quality and safety level delivered in a children’s sunscreen brand really lies entirely with the manufacturer. However, they supply according to demand. So, if you want to influence demand, it pays to read the ingredients and know a little about what differentiates a ‘safer’ sunscreen for a child.

Mineral sunscreens, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, provide a balanced broad spectrum protection without any percutaneous absorption with zero risk of photo contact allergy and are not associated with any risk or controversy for hormone disruption or other toxic effects on humans or the environment. However, zinc oxide can be used alone for broad spectrum coverage where titanium dioxide requires further ingredients with UVA1 protection for a fully balanced coverage.

Additionally, although spray-on sunscreens are very popular for use with children outdoors, the consensus is increasingly moving towards not spraying your kids due to the risk of them breathing in the sunscreen ingredient. This poses a very real cancer risk through the lungs. Of course, another risk made quite public recently with people catching alight while barbecuing, is that sprays are often flammable.

Melanoma study: sunscreen not enough for protection

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 10:17:45 -0400

A recent study undertaken by the University of Manchester's Cancer Research Dept and the Institute of Cancer Research in London, shows us a number of things:

allows us to begin to understand how UV light causes melanoma

sunscreen can greatly reduce the amount of DNA damage caused by UV

provides proof that sunscreen does not offer complete protection from the damaging effects of UV light

the importance of combining sunscreen with other strategies to protect our skin

Professor Richard Marais, study author and Cancer Research UK scientist, based at the University of Manchester, said that their studies had allowed them to "begin to understand how UV light causes melanoma".

Dr Julie Sharp, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, added: “We’ve known for some time that sunscreen, when applied properly, can help protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. But people tend to think they’re invincible once they’ve put it on and end up spending longer out in the sun, increasing their overall exposure to UV rays."

What they're not mentioning here is the difference between UV rays and the importance of the sun's UVB rays in creating Vitamin D through our skin. For me there seems to be a balance of sun exposure required to obtain good levels of Vitamin D, which in turn help the body to fight the potential for melanoma.

Aluminium in sunscreens causing skin cancer?

Thu, 22 May 2014 10:59:37 -0400

I read with interest an article published by Science Daily, on a report by Keele University about the potential for aluminium in sunscreens actually causing skin cancer.

Aluminium, defined as being a pro-oxidant, has the ability to increase potential oxidative damage in the skin. Where my understanding is that many sunscreens are moving towards including anti-oxidants in their formulas, it came as quite a surprise to hear that many sunscreens still use aluminium in various formats in their formulas.

Where the potential for damage is perceived to be relatively high, I deduced that the reason for including aluminium must be REALLY good? Not so it seems. Most manufacturers, when asked why they included it, provided no answers. One reason given by someone using aluminium hydroxide was that it enabled the coating of the surface, thereby preventing the agglomeration of another ingredient, titanium dioxide particles.

I for one, try to avoid unnecessary use of aluminium and where there are many sunscreens focussing on being healthy, I am sure there are plenty available without aluminium listed as an ingredient.

Australian Melanoma study: Wear sunscreen Daily

Wed, 21 May 2014 03:13:25 -0400

Statistics are always of great interest to me. This study revealed some gaps that are not immediately apparent. I love the fact that the results have determined that wearing sunscreen is a good thing. However, for me there are some information gaps that include:

what type of sunscreen was used?

Although 'broad spectrum', did the sunscreens used have sufficient protection from UVA rays?
what time of the day did they apply sunscreen?

what exposure to the sun did they have, with or without sunscreen?

did their exposure to the sun allow VIT D creation?

Melanoma is the worst kind of skin cancer with the worst prognosis and the best way for avoiding it is to balance your exposure to the sun. Obtaining this balance depends on a few important things that are not necessarily taken into account in this exercise.

What is your skin type?

What outdoor activities do you participate in every day?

How much protection from UVA does your sunscreen provide in relation to UVB?

Do you know how much Vit D you have?

How healthy is your diet and your environment?

Knowing the answer to these questions may just help us to balance our exposure to the sun a little better. Each of us is so very different, making it crucial that we know all the answers, as there is no 'one solution fits all'.

But the bottom line is true for me - wearing a carefully chosen, healthy sunscreen every day certainly helps towards preventing that dreaded Melanoma diagnosis.

Cosmetics R&D taking on brightening the moon

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 08:44:07 -0400

So you thought researchers in the cosmetics industry only focussed on developing improved creams, gels, soaps, and such? Think again. Once innovation is thrown out there as part of the daily mantra, who knows what the research team may come up with?

Well this one went beyond 'the sky's the limit' as they looked beyond our hemisphere and decided they can lighten the night skies by making the moon reflect the sun's rays a whole lot brighter than before.

Who knows what cosmetics they may come up with?

Skin Cancer increases dramatically in the UK

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 05:54:52 -0400

An interesting BBC interview and article details the latest statistics from Cancer Research UK. It is rather alarming to see the increase in melanoma over the last few decades and great to see the BBC featuring it as a news item.

Melanoma, as a skin cancer diagnosis is the most deadly and definitely not the one you want to hear. The sooner you detect it the better the results of whatever treatment you have.

The BBC interview a survivor of a melanoma diagnosis and she talks about it being tracked back to a sunburn when she was a little girl on holiday with her family. Holidays in all sorts of wonderful sunny spots in the world are being held up as a primary cause of sunburns and the reasons for such an increase in melanoma statistics.

Knowing your skin type and looking after your skin while on holiday will help you to enjoy that wonderful time in the sun.

Sunscreen you can eat?

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 10:24:46 -0400

The sunscreen industry is making more positive noises about some more creative or innovative ways at enabling us humans to deal with too much sun.

Although sunshine is so very good for us in many different ways, most of all in allowing us to create Vitamin D, too much can cause untold misery.

Enabling the body to deal with such imbalances has been of great interest to me ever since I started researching healthy sunscreen options. There are many interesting botanical options that can be ingested or rubbed onto the skin and have been used through millennia by various cultures. Now these botanicals are being considered in diet supplements to help boost the body's basic ability to resist sun damage.

Mis-identification of some exotic flowers and other botanicals has been identified by some experts in the phytochemistry industry as something to keep an eye on. The result is that you may think you are using or taking a specific botanical ingredient but could in fact be taking something else.

Another relatively new development is what is termed 'Harmonised Water'. This is used to help re-balance the body where it has lost it's ability to deal with imbalances that typically are caused by modern living. e.g. diet causing digestive issues. But it claims to also help protect the body from such things as DNA damage, which of course is common with sun damage. I shall be watching this one develop with interest.

One thing to do everyday to keep looking young

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 11:14:26 -0400

There's a simple message being given out there by all ages, sexes and ordinary or famous alike:

Put sunscreen on!

Various polls run by magazines and online blogs reveal that only around 30% of people will wear a sunscreen daily. Whether or not you are office bound or work in the outdoors, you are better off wearing sunscreen. Without being outdoors every day, most people are exposed to about 14 hours of casual UV exposure every week.

It helps when some of the revered beauties of the screen advocate wearing sunscreen as their key beauty secret. Some of these include:

Katie Holmes "I learned a long time ago how important wearing sunscreen is."

Julianne Moore -"I say this to every young person I know: Stay out of the sun! I have very fair skin and it would have been super-damaged."

Kristin Davis - "I've done a lot of damage to my skin in the past, which makes me appreciate a great sunscreen now."

Judy Reyes - "Always wear sunscreen, no matter how dark your skin is and how well it takes the sun."

Hayden Panettiere - "I make sure that I put sunscreen on under my makeup, or just by itself, no matter where I am going."

And my favourite Nicole Kidman - "It is the worst thing in terms of ageing, so I wear a lot of sunscreen, and I never go in the sun."

My advice is to check your skin type and make sure you choose the right sunscreen to wear for every occasion, every day.

UV damage from light bulbs?

Wed, 2 Apr 2014 03:59:46 -0400

The UV we are exposed to from most light bulbs is a very low emission, enabling every day SPF15 protection to be quite adequate for all average skin types.

However, it’s also vital to note that your sunscreen contains high UVA protection. Many face moisturisers today provide UV protection, but only use a chemical sunscreen ingredient and so don’t protect from UVA, only UVB.

There are some people, however, who are extremely sensitive to any UV light and require extra diligence with their protection. This is an interesting excerpt specifically about fluorescent lights: “For most fluorescent light, the amount of UV radiation produced is minimal, much less than the radiation you are exposed to after only a short time under the sun.

However, for people who suffer from sensitive skin or skin conditions that are made worse by natural light, the brighter versions of fluorescent lights can be highly irritating, since these lights mimic sunlight and include a small amount of escaping UV light as well."

The typical fluorescent bulb applications do not require complete nullification of ultraviolet light. However, in some medical or scientific situations, no UV light can be allowed. In these cases, fluorescent lights can be fitted with a sleeve or case that absorbs any escaping UV wavelengths and neutralises them completely while still providing light.

Another way to protect ourselves from the UV effects of fluorescent lights is to replace them with incandescent bulbs. However, this is proving a problem these days as the world shifts to energy saving options and we're back to square one.

Daily sunscreen use reduces melanoma risk by half

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 05:36:44 -0400

An Australian study conducted over more than a decade, has provided some really interesting results showing that "adults who use sunscreen daily can drastically reduce their risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer". Although perhaps there are many areas where the study could have been improved, or criticised, the results I liked especially are that by wearing a sunscreen every day you can:

reduce the overall risk of melanoma

reduce the invasive properties of the melanoma

reduce the size of the melanoma

Applying a broad spectrum sunscreen to the head, neck, arms, and hands every day, they reduced melanoma incidence by half in their 800 study participants. The other 800 - the half wearing sunscreen as they would normally - came away with some results that I would hope woke them up to the reality of the melanoma risks faced without sunscreen usage? In this instance, it would be interesting to know just what their 'normal sunscreen usage' was and whether or not they used a broad spectrum sunscreen or not.

An area not covered is that of the non-melanoma skin cancers - Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basel Cell Carcinoma, Actinic Keratosis, etc. Although the indirect implication may be that they would benefit too, it would have been extra informative to have known the reduction of risk with these too.

Plus there is the relatively 'ordinary' aspect of anti-ageing. Wearing a protective sunscreen every day helps enormously to combat this unwanted element of our busy lives and if there are added ingredients that boost the skin's ability to deal with potential DNA damage, then things like sun spots are reduced quite radically, never mind wrinkles and such.

Although the researchers acknowledged they would need to do further, larger research to follow up, the key result seems to be that they highly recommend daily protection, whether by sunscreen usage or other means.

Beauty motivates skin health in teens, not cancer

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 11:15:09 -0400

I think this article in Cosmetics Design is right on the mark when it comes to how best to connect with motivating teenagers to protect their skin. Let's face it - haha - being positive is so much more appealing than negative anyway. The messages that are being giving out constantly about the state of our world today can be rather depressing, so the tendency to pull towards the positive message is very natural.

When you're a teenager, life is supposed to be relatively fun and carefree, is it not? Being accepted as part of the "in crowd" or being admired and respected by your peers does wonders for self esteem and confidences. So maintaining a pale skin when everyone else is out there getting bronzed up for the summer that's beckoning, is quite a hard challenge.

If the message can be conveyed that whatever your natural skin colour is, it is the most beautiful colour possible, then perhaps a more healthy attitude towards the health of our skin will result. It's possibly a long term and rather an arduous task but well worth the outcome if we succeed.

However, it seems that already some university studies have revealed that teenagers will respond better to looking after their skin so they don't age prematurely with wrinkles and such, than because it will prevent skin cancer. Somehow that's far more positive and therefore motivating for them, which is great!

One way or another the message needs to get out there.

Hairstylists help to detect skin cancer

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 03:37:59 -0500

Having spoken out about the dangers of using the variety of chemicals one gets lured into using on our scalp by dying our hair, it's interesting to note that some of the best detectives for spotting cancer are your hairdressers. Think about it - they're the ones who get to inspect your scalp quite intimately as they work with your hair while washing, dying, cutting or drying.

It is most common to get skin cancers where people forget to cover up or apply their sunscreen, like the head, ears and the back of the neck. Detecting something on your own scalp is really difficult as of course you can't ordinarily see something. Undetected, these cancers can then grow or spread quite alarmingly before anything is found. If it's actually a melanoma, the result can be deadly.

In fact, the statistics about survival from melanomas on the scalp versus elsewhere on the body are alarming enough to motivate for an education program with hair professionals. I for one, will wholeheartedly support this.

Skin Types: where do you fit in?

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 08:04:26 -0500

The Skin Cancer Foundation have constructed a fun quiz to help you to establish which skin type you have. This is with respect to how your skin copes with being exposed to the sun's UV rays and not whether you have a dry, oily or mixed skin type.

Once you understand how well your skin copes with the sun, you will be able to manage your time outdoors a whole lot more effectively with respect to potential sun damage. There is a very thin line between being outdoors in the sunshine and embracing the health benefits of the sun's UVB rays that allow you to create Vitamin D, and actually getting sun burnt! The latter is something to avoid no matter what skin type you are as we are all open to skin cancer risk once we allow our skin to get burnt.

So take time to have a look at this quiz, or watch this video.

Indoor tanning: Statistics are still hugely alarming

Wed, 19 Feb 2014 02:23:21 -0500

The Skin Cancer Foundation commented recently on a JAMA Dermatology study on “International Prevalence of Indoor Tanning". The global result of "the number of skin cancer cases due to tanning being higher than the number of lung cancer cases due to smoking" is reflected in the same way in the USA. Even though in some States they have successfully banned teenagers from tanning salons it's too soon to see any improvements. The Skin Cancer Foundation further reported that "in the USA alone, 419,254 cases of skin cancer can be attributed to indoor tanning. Out of this number, 6,199 are melanoma cases."

This is apparently the first time a 'global' assessment has been done of just how prevalent indoor tanning actually is. Altogether there were 88 study groups, involving 406,696 participants that were spread over 3 main locations - the USA and Canada; Northern and Western Europe; and Australia.

Slowly but surely the message surely has to reach people of all ages and all skin types, that tanning in salons is really not a healthy habit!

Sun protection: education and awareness

Tue, 18 Feb 2014 12:04:38 -0500

Individuals of all ages and skin tones should be made more aware of the dangers of the sun's UV rays and wear sunscreen daily to prevent damage to their skin. This damage not only increases the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers but melanoma skin cancer too.

This is the view of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), who have aligned with Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in requesting for more information to be made available to the general public about UV exposure and the risks related to it.

I was very surprised to learn in a Harris Interactive survey report, just how many Americans are unaware of the dangers of the sun's UV rays. One example - 38% said that they believed the main time to wear sunscreen was on cloudy days. However, more alarming to me is that even when close friends or family are struck with a life threatening melanoma skin cancer, many people and carry on being careless in the sun, regardless of the life lesson at hand, will still believe that "it won't happen to me".

Applying some due diligence to sun care, without being paranoid, can be relatively easy. In fact, it's so beneficial to be able to embrace the sun's wonderful energies, if you just know how to manage your time in the sun without getting burnt.

Parabens and Breast Cancer

Sun, 16 Feb 2014 05:28:34 -0500

Sunscreens can contain any number of what I believe are toxic ingredients worth avoiding - liquid paraffin, phenoxyethanol, sodium laurel sulphate, propylene glycol, fragrances, artificial colours, PEG emulsifying waxes, dioxane and quite commonly, parabens.

When it comes to the parabens, there have been a number of studies done in the last 2 decades illustrating the need to look closer at the potential link to breast cancer. Parabens possess oestrogen properties, which is known to play a central role in the development, growth and progression of breast cancer.

Parabens in deodorants were thought to be a main cause, but have also been seen to be present in women who have never used underarm products. In fact, parabens were detected in the majority of the breast tissue samples taken by the Oncology Dept at the University of Reading of 40 women studied with breast cancer. "But this cannot be taken to imply that they actually caused breast cancer" said Dr Philippa Darbre. However, she noted that "the fact that parabens were present in so many of the breast tissue samples does justify further investigation".

An Alternative approach to Skin Cancer

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 08:19:33 -0500

A favourite proactive cancer site of mine is Cancer Active. Started by a father after losing his daughter to skin cancer, it is now considered Britain´s Number 1 Complementary and Integrative cancer charity. They cover both orthodox medicine and complementary cancer treatments that 'may increase your survival and even prevent a cancer returning'.

The latest research is made available in layman's language articles, where their main objective is to 'quite simply, help you increase your personal odds of beating cancer.'

Preventing skin cancer is a key, focussed message of theirs and they have a Sun Safe list of '15 ways to save your skin'. Amongst this list, I like the fact that they don't just tell you to wear sunscreen, they tell you look at the ingredients and choose non-toxic sunscreens. I do think they could be a little more detailed and specific here though.

Skin cancer being the second most common form of cancer in the UK, and non-melanoma skin cancer affecting 57,000 new people a year in the UK and over a million in the USA, makes their contribution increasingly important.

Looking after this valuable protective skin of ours should now be a high priority.

World UV Map

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 07:37:18 -0500

I've just discovered a UV app that has been created by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) together with the UK's National Meteorological Office. It aims to provide free daily UV forecasts to the general public out there and have already made it available to over 10,000 locations worldwide they claim.

In their words, 'The UV forecast identifies the peak strength of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun at a particular place on a particular day.' Key message from this professional organisation is that 'UV rays can cause damage to the skin and can cause sunburn – which may lead to skin cancer.' The overriding message is to look after yourself and this empowering tool allows you to do just that.

This BAD company is everything BUT bad! An acronym for British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), it is a central association of practising UK dermatologists. Through voluntary participation, they collectively aim to "continually improve the treatment and understanding of skin disease", hence their slogan ‘Healthy Skin for All’. Through sharing their knowledge and providing proactive programs, they focus on early detection of skin cancer, as well as prevention and improved recovery.

The Met Office claims to be "the most accurate and reliable weather information on TV and radio, in print, and online". Whether this is globally or locally true it does not say… The end result is well worth looking at, especially if in the UK!

Balanced exposure to the sun has increasing benefits

Sun, 26 Jan 2014 04:40:25 -0500

I just read another article about new scientific evidence that the sun can help our bodies to heal. Get sun exposure right and your heart may thank you

The more we learn about the benefits of Vitamin D and careful, managed exposure to the sun, the more we realise just how wonderful the sun actually is!

Also, we realise how amazing our bodies are in the way that they can look after themselves and heal themselves if we give them a chance. Science is coming round more and more to realise this I think.

So, make sure to embrace the wonderful benefits of the sun in a balanced and sensible manner.

Tips for Healing Sun Damage

Sun, 1 Dec 2013 01:54:18 -0500

The Skin Cancer Foundation has recently published an article called 5 Tips for Repairing Sun Damage.

I am always very keen to support them and read their publications with interest. However, I really do have to disagree with a couple of their tips here.

Repairing those brown sun spots (solar lentigos) can be done using wonderful natural, non-chemical methods like using Kigelia and Aloe Ferox (found in all of sunumbra's sunscreens as their key foundation botanicals).

Chemical based exfoliation can also be done using natural non-chemical based ingredients like oats or Dead Sea salts.

How to give a positive message about sun exposure?

Fri, 1 Nov 2013 11:22:55 -0400

Cindi Eggemeyer, a teacher from Festus, Missouri, was diagnosed with melanoma at the age of 45. She shares her experience actively with students, trying to persuade them that tanning, especially indoor tanning, is something not to dismiss too lightly as a potential health hazard.

Cindi speaks about her mother lecturing her for years as a youngster, but she ignored her advice and continued to lay out in the sun as well as use tanning beds. She tells us that her mother is" 71 years old and looks 60 because she didn’t get any sun. I have premature aging and wrinkles already and I’m only 45. Please listen to your parents.”

Aiming to reach teenagers with the right message, The Skin Cancer Foundation has a free, interactive Sun Smart U education program, aimed at students in grades 6-12. It includes a lesson plan complete with a true/false activity; a quiz to help students identify their skin type; real-life video segments of a young woman with melanoma; and an animation explaining sun-smart safety tips to kids.

Perhaps what is missing, is a message about how wonderful the sun can be - if managed in a way that you don't get burnt? Although Cindi has a hard message to convey, obtaining enough Vitamin D through clever exposure to the sun's UVB rays, she can help her body to resist the melanoma naturally.

Don't ignore the early warning signs.

Fri, 1 Nov 2013 10:38:58 -0400

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, "between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will be diagnosed with either a BCC or an SCC at least once". Facts about non-melanoma skin cancers are explained for both basel cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.

The important take home message is that most of these non-melanoma skin cancers are preventable, especially if conscious about protecting areas such as the ears, nose and lips. Plus the warning signs should NOT be ignored, thinking they will go away.

Although melanoma takes centre stage when it come to being deadly or not, the non-melanoma skin cancers can be terribly disfiguring and if neglected completely, even deadly.

Don't eat or drink cancer - be natural and organic

Fri, 1 Nov 2013 09:46:06 -0400

Natural News have a delightful article on how Mother Nature has a cure for everything if you just look for it. It also has the ability to boost our immunity systems and prevent disease.

Acknowledging the capability of the human body to absorb the goodness contained within organic fruits and vegetables is the basis for healing and living a healthy life. Nutritionists and Naturopathic Physicians will tell you this across the globe. Given the correct fuel, the body will fire "on all cylinders", like a well tuned machine.

In the world of sunscreens, if is possible to find some that are not only free of toxic chemicals, but contain only natural and organic ingredients, to the extent that you could even eat it! Looking to nature for solutions - one of my favourites - there are so many wonderful botanical ingredients to be found, that provide sun protective qualities as well as a skin health boost. There's no need for harmful chemicals in your sunscreen.

Besides Natural News's advice in "tracking the truth" and learning to focus on eating and drinking healthily, make sure to apply this knowledge to your choice of sunscreen too.

Mobile apps empowering dermatology?

Mon, 21 Oct 2013 12:23:35 -0400

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed the recent surge in the number of mobile apps available today related to dermatology. A senior author of the study and Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine - Robert Dellavalle, MD, PhD, MSPH - observed that although the information available has great benefits, people must also be cautioned.

This ability to access information related to dermatology so readily has enabled people to diagnose many different skin diseases affecting themselves or others. Although this is wonderful knowledge to have, the extent of self diagnosis and treatment is probably worth checking out further with a medical expert.

"This availability of information will require some caution by users, but it also opens up new opportunities," DR Dellavalle said. "I think most apps are generally safe right now, but I would not rely solely on them. I would cross-reference them with other apps, other people and with your doctor."

Foods the heath experts avoid: possible lessons for us all?

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 11:44:12 -0400

In this information age where we have do's and don'ts fired at us from all directions every day, sometimes contradicting and definitely confusing overall, it is possibly worth noting what the various experts avoid when it comes to food choices. Mirrors the cosmetics industry where so many harmful ingredients are used in products.

A report by Odyssey Magazine lists the following various experts and their examples for avoidance:

1.Endocrinologist: Canned Tomatoes
 
"The resin linings of tin cans contain bisphenol-A, a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to ailments ranging from reproductive problems to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Unfortunately, acidity (a prominent characteristic of tomatoes) causes BPA to leach into your food."

2.Farmer: Corn-Fed Beef.

Cattle evolved to eat grass, not grains. But farmers today feeding their animals corn and soybeans fatten up the animals faster for slaughter but provide a lot less nutrition for us. grass-fed beef is higher in beta-carotene, vitamin E, omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), calcium, magnesium, and potassium; lower in inflammatory omega-6s; and lower in saturated fats that have been linked to heart disease.

3.Toxicologist: Microwave Popcorn.

Chemicals in the lining of the bags, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are part of a compound class linked to infertility in humans. Microwaving vaporises the chemicals which migrate into your popcorn and accumulate and stay in your body for years.

4.Farm Director: Nonorganic Potatoes.

Root vegetables absorb herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides that wind up in soil. Potatoes are treated with fungicides during the growing season, then with herbicides to kill off the fibrous vines before harvesting. Even after they’re dug up, they are treated again to prevent them from sprouting. Potato farmers won't eat their own potatoes - they grow their own on a separate plot!

5.Fisheries Expert: Farmed Salmon.

Nature didn’t intend for salmon to be crammed into pens and fed soy, poultry litter, and hydrolyzed chicken feathers. The result is farmed salmon is lower in vitamin D and higher in contaminants, including carcinogens, PCBs, brominated flame retardants, and pesticides such as dioxin and DDT. There is also concern about the high level of antibiotics and pesticides used to treat these fish. When you eat farmed salmon, you get dosed with the same drugs and chemicals.

6.Cancer Researcher: Milk Produced With Artificial Hormones.

Milk producers treat their dairy cattle with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST) to boost milk production. But rBGH also increases udder infections and even pus in the milk. It also leads to higher levels of an insulin-like growth factor in milk.

7.Biotech Specialist: Conventional GMO Unfermented Soy.

Genetically engineered food is a cause of great concern due to the manipulation of DNA and genetic code including transfers from one species to another. Since almost 90% of soy in the world is genetically modified, long-term health problems can result, especially with hormonal balance and even cancer.

8.Organic-Foods Expert: Conventional Apples.

Believing that apples would win a "most doused in pesticides contest” due to their high needs for pesticides due to low resistance.

Vitamin D and foods

Sun, 13 Oct 2013 07:14:04 -0400

Humans derive most of our vitamin D from the action of the sun's UVB rays in our skin. However, when you look into 'typical' Western lifestyles with a predominant focus on indoor daily activities rather than outdoor, sun exposure is mostly insufficient for adequate vitamin D creation.

For this reason, dietary intake becomes very important. Based on this, 2 Swiss researchers recently published a review of their studies on the vitamin D content of various protein food groups.

This included vitamin D content in red meat and poultry, eggs, dairy products and fish. The authors concluded that “because recommendations for vitamin D intake have recently been increased considerably, the possibility to cover these requirements with foodstuffs, is even more difficult.”

So perhaps it is now time to fortify more foods with vitamin D? It seems that many people will need to get vitamin D into their diet or they will just not get enough. Eggs, cereals, breads, canned vegetables, fast foods, yogurt and cheese could all be fortified with Vitamin D.

Stop use of dangerous chemicals in cosmetics

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 03:25:03 -0400

Legislation does its best, but actually falls way short when it comes to chemicals associated with cancer and endocrine disruption. Cosmetics companies can put just about anything in their products actually.

However, many companies have taken the responsible step of reformulating products containing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, like DMDM Hydantoin, and the four parabens linked to endocrine disruption.

EWG are highlighting 2 companies of significant standing - Revlon and L'Oreal - who are putting their customers at risk in their continual use of these specific chemicals. They seem to think it's unnecessary to withdraw their use of them.

EWG have put together a petition appealing to them to remove these chemicals and any others deemed to be dangerous, from their products.

Sunlight exposure balance with Vit D needs

Thu, 10 Oct 2013 11:57:09 -0400

A new research project in Australia, home to the highest skin cancer incidences in the world, aims to "establish an understanding of the amount of sun people are exposing themselves to and then to see if their behaviour needs to be modified."

The real essence of this is to get to understand if people should seek more sunlight, or look to Vit D supplementation.

Can Malignant Brain Tumours Be Transformed Into Benign Forms?

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:33:39 -0400

Researchers from the Nencki Institute in Warsaw have come up with an intriguing and exciting research program that's about deceiving brain tumours and changing malignant gliomas into benign forms. This is of great interest to me as melanoma sufferers can end up fighting brain tumours if their fight against the spread of the cancer doesn't succeed.

Their findings have resulted in the Nencki researcher team developing small molecules, or short peptides, that interfere with the binding of the tumorous cells (CSF2 proteins) to the appropriate receptors on microglial cells. What this actually means is that the signal coming from the tumorous cells gets blocked, which prevents the microglia from "re-programming" itself.

These developed molecules, together with all relevant genetic tools, have been patented internationally. Work has started in both preclinical and clinical trials.

What is important for the Nencki researchers is that these molecules target only the one fragment of the signalling pathway that functions between the cells of the malignant tumour and the microglia. This will then guarantee that no other functions of the organism will be affected.

"Our research is investigative in nature and above all aims to explain why and how tumours develop. We conducted our research mostly on experimental models, mouse glioma cells or human glioma cells growing in mice. Therefore the road to develop drugs and therapies limiting the invasiveness of gliomas in human is still very long. Luckily we already discovered the molecule that is worth targeting," sums up Prof. Kamińska.

Suncare demands see legacy technology being recalled

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 09:36:47 -0400

Ashland Speciality Ingredients has recently announced that they are looking to include technology first looked at over 30 years ago by the FDA in the USA. In attempting to improve their offerings to the sunscreen industry "in response to new demands", they have decided to include homosalate in their range of broad-spectrum UV formulation solutions.

This astounds me. Not only because I really expected to read about them including one of the many really innovative, healthier natural sunscreen ingredient options being researched these days. BUT because they have chosen to use something that appears to be a very unhealthy choice? According to the Skindeep database of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) "Homosalate is a common sunscreen ingredient. Research indicates it is a weak hormone disruptor, and sunlight breaks down the chemical into harmful byproducts."

I have to ask how this is seen as a "response to demands" in the suncare industry? What about the increasing demand for healthier, non-toxic sunscreen ingredients?

Does skin cancer protect against other diseases and death?

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 08:56:10 -0400

For the last few decades we have all been increasingly impressed upon to protect ourselves from the damaging suns UV rays, knowing the high risks for skin cancer. More recently however, sunlight has been acknowledged for its healing properties, not least of all the fact that it helps us to make vitamin D, which in turn protects against other diseases and illnesses.

However, it's when we overdo the sunshine that we get into problems like sunburn and the possibility of skin cancer. Researchers are now trying to discover if the benefits of sunlight can actually outweigh the risks. Expressed differently, they believe that if you are diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in your life, it could possibly show a protective association against other diseases and illnesses.

This new research has been published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

In their study, the researchers have examined "the entire Danish population above the age of 40 through the years of 1980 and 2006." This has effectively included 4.4 million individuals in total. The results showed that "having a diagnosis of skin cancer was associated with less myocardial infarction, less hip fracture in those below age 90 years and less death from any cause."

Although an amazingly extensive study in itself, the researchers have inevitably called for further study to examine this relationship in more depth.

Long-wave radiation sunscreen on the horizon?

Tue, 24 Sep 2013 10:11:31 -0400

Currently we have sunscreens that focus on protecting us from Ultraviolet A and B light. Until fairly recently we were only really being protected from UVB rays in sunscreens, thus allowing the UVA rays to do their deeper level damage unhindered.

Norwegian researchers have recently discovered a bacteria living in the Trondheim Fjord with the Latin name Micrococcus luteus, that contains a pigment which can absorb UV radiation in the range 350-475 nanometres, which is far longer than UVA rays. Needless to say, this is a very exciting discovery for the medical and cosmetics industries as all longer wave radiation is directly linked to skin cancer in many forms, including melanomas.

Promar AS, a Norwegian company, commissioned researchers at SINTEF to include in their bioprospecting a search for an organism with the ability to filter long-wavelength radiation. After experimenting with hundreds of microorganisms, researchers found Micrococcus luteus. Promar AS have now taken out patents for both the manufacture and use in future sunscreens of a light-filtering substance extracted from this bacterium.

This is close to my heart, in that SINTEF have managed to locate microorganisms in the natural environment that they can then use in sunscreens for a naturally healthy means of protection. The trick will be in how they manage to extract the particular carotenoid-pigment from a bacteria that measures 1-2 micrometers wide, in quantities sufficient for cost effective commercial use in sunscreens.

I look forward to their updates.

New revolutionary Melanoma treatment in trial

Tue, 24 Sep 2013 09:35:20 -0400

The Moffitt Cancer Center released information about their first human trial of a new single injection treatment that may revolutionise melanoma treatments.

All their early clinical trials with mice have shown that a dye solution called PV-10 is able to increase the immune response in melanoma tumours, as well as in the blood stream.

Results have shown a significant reduction in skin cancer lesions, as well as a sizeable reduction in melanoma tumours that had spread to the lungs.

The PV-10 solution has been developed from 'Rose Bengal', which is a water-soluble xanthene dye that is commonly used by ophthalmologists to stain damaged cells in the human eye.

This first human clinical trial is being conducted with people with advanced melanomas. They will be injecting the melanoma with the dye and besides measuring the response from the actual melanoma, they will measure any increase in their anti-tumour immune cells.

How wonderful if these trials are successful.

Another preservative bites the dust

Fri, 20 Sep 2013 09:52:57 -0400

Piz Buin sunscreen, part of Johnson and Johnson's range, has recently announced that they will reformulate without use of the preservative MI - short for Methylisothiazolinone. This is as a result of at least 150 complaints registered with them for a variety of allergic reactions that included red lumps on the skin, fluid-filled bumps, blisters, itchy eyes, and in a few cases severe swelling.

Industry will address this in due course, starting with discussions between dermatologists, the CTPA and the British Association of Dermatologists. These things take time of course. In the meantime, perhaps it is in all of our interest to make sure to avoid this ingredient wherever possible.

Not an easy one to remember, but if you suffer any sort of allergic reactions, perhaps it is worthwhile to make a note and remember to look it up on ingredient lists?

My advice is always to go with a mineral sunscreen with a natural preservative and added organic ingredients.

Celebrities abandon the tanned look for a natural skin look

Tue, 17 Sep 2013 10:38:33 -0400

The Japanese have always been known to love the really pale skin look. However, it seems that the really sun-kissed tanned look so prominent in Western cultures is getting a knock from the "red carpet" brigade. This has been happening for a while but seems there are some new celebrities embracing a more natural skin in the movie and modelling industry.

The Skin Cancer Foundation interviewed some celebrity makeup artists and some encouraging trends were revealed. They talked about the need for a "lit-from-within glow instead of a bronzed tan from artificial UV light or sun exposure" and the resultant focus on skincare, rather than that bronzed image that has been so popular the last few decades. With their focus on style plus their knowledge of skin care, makeup artists are actually positioned well to influence this reversal of the tanning trend.

Celebrities enjoying this new focus of looking after their skin include Toni Collette, Cindy Crawford, Debra Winger, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Zooey Deschanel, Celine Dion and Lee Ann Womack. Part of this trend is that the stars have come to recognise that their own unique skin tone is part of what "distinguishes and defines them", rather than a more homogenised tanned look.

As stated by the Skin Cancer Foundation, new research indicates that just one indoor tanning session raises your risk of developing potentially deadly melanomas by 20 percent and each additional session per year will boost the risk another two percent. So this trending is wonderfully encouraging when considering the number of people using tanning salons every year.

Another habit of the makeup artists that I liked was that "when they spot sun damage, they go into repair mode, moisturising their client’s skin and using vitamin-rich antioxidant serums", while at the same time, educating them about skin care.

Not that I am too much of a fan of no sunshine however. On the contrary, I advocate lots of healthy sun exposure, if at the very least for great Vitamin D creation. I'm all for abandoning the fake baked look or even hours of sunbathing, instead of just enjoying good healthy activities outdoors. As long as you have a healthy respect for not overdoing the sun, wear quality, non-toxic sunscreen protection, preferably with added antioxidants, and know your skin type's limits, time outdoors is fabulous! However, knowing your skin type is an integral part of looking after your skin.

Sea Coral: another potential solution from nature for healthy sunscreen?

Sun, 15 Sep 2013 13:17:38 -0400

Another exciting new development is happening 'down under' where the sun is extremely hot almost all year round. This adds to the number of projects across the globe, where scientists are looking to nature for new innovative solutions in sun care.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia, as the national government body for scientific research, has focussed their attention on the incredible sun protective qualities present in The Great Barrier Reef's coral. Having spent the last two years adjusting the coral's 'sunscreen code' to be more human safe, they anticipate being able to use this as a sunscreen ingredient for humans. Apparently they have created a "suite of 48 new sunscreen filters". Seeing as the current FDA approved list of sunscreen filter ingredients is 17, the Australian's approved list around 25, the EU's 22 and Japan's 28, what this suite will consist of is highly intriguing. Hopefully we will see it way before the 5 years that they predict for them to be available to the public?

However, I was a little disappointed to read that the natural sun protection properties used by the corals could not be harnessed without too much synthetic intervention. CSIRO partnered with a skincare company called Larissa Bright Australia to create this sunscreen filter, said to protect from both UVA and UVB rays. So, we wait to see how healthy an option this offering will be, especially when compared with all the toxic sunscreen ingredient options available today.

This discovery has the possibility to generate a whole new exciting approach to sunscreen manufacture, harnessing the same protective barriers in Australia's Great Barrier Reef corals that have been developed over millions of years. If we can survive the harsh Australian sun the way the coral does, then we really have cause for celebration.

Another great example of looking to nature for healthier, natural solutions in suncare.

Broccoli for skin cancer prevention

Sun, 15 Sep 2013 12:57:42 -0400

With a steady increase in the number of research programs looking for healthier alternatives for sun protection, it was really excellent to read about Dr Sally Dickinson's work with broccoli sprout extracts in topical applications. The University of Arizona has been testing the capacity of the naturally occurring compound in broccoli called sulforaphane, which is loaded with chemopreventive properties. “We already know that it is very effective in blocking sunburns, and we have seen cases where it can induce protective enzymes in the skin,” Dickinson said.

Dr. Dickinson’s research shows that sulforaphane is a highly adaptable, highly effective agent when it comes to inhibiting cancer-causing pathways (such as the AP-1 protein), while activating chemoprotective genes (such as the Nrf2 gene).

Sulforaphane is one of the many natural products being explored for use in topical prevention of UV-induced skin cancers through the Chemoprevention of Skin Cancer Program Project, headed by Dr. Bowden at University of Arizona Cancer Center. In the future, they believe, it is possible that patients with compromised immune systems may be able to apply a topical sulforaphane mixture to their skin in order to reduce their risk of skin cancer.

Sunumbra sunscreens, however, have been using broccoli sprout extract in all their suncare products since their inception. It's partly why it's been seen as a sunscreen so healthy you can eat it! Certainly it's a easy way to get kids to enjoy their broccoli.

How do whales deal with sun protection?

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 08:59:38 -0400

In Nov 2010 the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) reported on 3 species of whales showing signs of being sunburnt. They were also worried, with all the climate change concerns, about it getting worse for them over time. Their studies over 3 years focussed on blue whales, fin whales and sperm whales in the Gulf of California, determining the effect of increasing levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on their health. Photographs were taken of the whales to chart any visible damage, and small samples taken with a crossbow-fired dart, were collected to examine the state of their skin cells.

As with humans, the lighter-skinned whales seemed to have the most difficulty dealing with the sun. Blue whales had more severe skin damage than their darker-skinned counterparts, fin whales and sperm whales, even though the latter spend bigger chunks of time at the surface.

In Sep 2013, a follow up to this study was done by ZSL to understand the knock-on effects of this skin damage at a surface as well as a molecular level and whether whales can respond by enhancing their own natural sun-protection mechanisms.

The correlation between whale and human responses to sun exposure was “very clear and very pronounced,” they said.

They analysed 106 blue whales, 23 sperm whales and 55 fin whales during their annual migration from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of California, lasting from Feb to April. The increase in melanocytes was greatest in blue whales, the palest whale. The sperm whales had a slight change and the fin whales, being the darkest, had no change.

Examining their mitochondrial DNA, which is also damaged in sunburned human skin, the researchers found that Blue whales suffered the worst mitochondrial DNA damage, then sperm whales and lastly fin whales. These results suggested that melanin protects whales against UV radiation, in the same way it does in us humans.

One area not yet examined, is whether there are any defensive mechanisms that are unique to whales, that could help improve sun protection in humans. Once again, we can look to nature for best solutions to protect ourselves, besides using whales like UV barometers, telling us how much UV is getting to a specific part of the ocean.

The Future of Sunscreens

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 03:31:40 -0400

A recent statement from the University of Bath researchers talks about their having developed a new compound which boosts the body's defences specifically against the sun's UVA rays.

Dr Charareh Pourzand, one of the researchers in their department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology said: “Antioxidants have already been used as a means to counteract the skin damage caused by UVA. However these agents are not effective, since the simultaneous release of iron in the cells continues to generate more harmful free radicals.”

So what they seem to have done is create a synthetic compound that traps the labile iron with an iron chelator. This effectively prevents the production of any more free radicals. In 3 - 5 years time we could see this being available on the market.

Besides this new development in sunscreen research for a healthier means of protection from the sun, there have been other innovations happening that is very encouraging to see. Examples include the Norwegian researchers' microorganism which has the capability to block very long-wave UV radiation, plus the Australians research into the creation of a sunscreen ingredient based on coral.

Asked where they thought all this new research was taking the industry, scientists from Bath said that "future sun creams should contain multifunctional photo-protective compounds that not only provide protection against the UVB component of sunlight, but also provide protection against the carcinogenic and aging effects of the more damaging UVA component"

This, as you know, has been my mantra in looking for healthy alternatives in natural sunscreens with added organic ingredients for additional protection as well as healthy skin boosting qualities.