I asked Donna Reid to share her knowledge with us on the very important subject of skin care and sun protection.  Thank you Donna for compiling this information and forwarding.  It is sincerely appreciated.

Sunscreens and Sun Care

The warmer Spring weather will soon be here and we are all looking forward to playing golf and enjoying other outdoor activities.

The sun is good and 20 minutes of daily sunlight (without sunscreen) gives you a healthy dose of Vitamin D, which is essential for good health.  However, the bad news is, one in five of us will get skin cancer due to sun exposure. The good news is, we can reduce the risk by 80% simply by applying approved sun care products.

There are two types of sunscreens:

1. Chemical sunscreens which work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays.  The FDA is investigating these ingredients and although they may not be toxic, they do over time accumulate in your body. It is important for consumers to research the many sunscreens that are available and feel comfortable with their choice. The CDA (Canadian Dermatology Association) and ADA (American Dermatology Association) and the FDA have helpful information.  The chemical ingredients that are harmful and should be avoided are Oxybenzone, Octinoxate and Retinyl Palmitate.  Benzene is a known carcinogen and hormone disrupter.

2.  Physical Sunscreens (Mineral) act like a shield sitting on the skin, they deflect the sun’s rays. The active ingredients in them are titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide or both. They are non toxic and are not absorbed into the body.  Dermatologists highly recommend them.

 

The EWG (Environmental Working Group) has a guide to safe sunscreens that it recommends.  https://www.ewg.org./sunscreen/

They include:

• Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30 & 50
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 30&50
• Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 & 50
• Banana Boat Fragrance Free SPF30
• CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Gentle SPF 50.

For the face I personally use a product my dermatologist recommended;  

• Skin Ceuticals Fusion UV Defence 50 Sunscreen which is tinted to even out your skin tone.  
• Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Face Mineral sunscreen SPF 50 
• La Roche Posay also has a mineral sunscreen for the face which is white or tinted.

Sun Care Info

Apply at least twenty minutes before going out into the sun.  Re-apply every 2 hours.
To protect against UVA and UVB rays use a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen.  The           
 approximate percentage of UVB rays blocked with various SPF’s are:

            SPF 15 = 93%  

            SPF 30 = 97%  

            SPF 50 = 98% 

The difference seems minimal, but a higher SPF helps if you are fair skinned or have a history of skin cancer. Even on a cloudy day, 90% of UV rays get though. Reflection off water and snow can increase exposure by up to 50%.  Whenever possible, cover up with clothing - including a broadbrimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses. 

Visit a Dermatologist for a full body scan.  We must advocate for our health!