Not All Sunscreens Are Created Equal
As a professional in the aesthetics community, you already that not all sunscreens are created equal. In fact, some can be downright harmful to your skin and health. With summer in full swing, we’re sizing up sunscreens and taking a look at what should and should not be in them. Read on for our healthy and safe sunscreen recommendations.
A Safe Sunscreen Should…
- Be all natural and formulated with mineral sunscreens, such as Zinc Oxide. Zinc Oxide is one of the safest ingredients for protecting the skin against harmful UV rays that can penetrate the skin and damage tissue. It is also effective in healing the skin and is an excellent astringent.
- Be broad spectrum. This means that it protects the skin against both UVA and UVB rays. Both UVA and UVB rays are responsible for sunburns, with UVA rays being the ones that can get down into the underlying layers of skin causing wrinkling, aging and sometimes skin cancer.
- Be a lotion, not a spray. Spray sunscreens pose an inhalation risk and may not provide a thick and even coating on the skin. So forego the convenience in favor of skin health and pick a lotion sunscreen.
- Do more than just protect your skin from the sun. A good sunscreen is multifunctional with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection as well as being anti-inflammatory, hydrating and delivering anti-aging benefits.
A Safe Sunscreen Should NOT…
- Be formulated with Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor, which can affect the nervous system. It has also been linked to cancer in some laboratory studies. And it reported to cause the release of free-radicals when exposed to the sun.
- Have a sky-high SPF value. Chose a sunscreen with an SPF, or sunburn protection factor, of around 30. Higher SPF values don’t necessarily offer greater protection against UV-related skin damage. Recently the FDA determined that high SPF claims may be “inherently misleading” and proposed to cap SPF values at 50+. However, the rule has not been finalized yet.
- Contain retinol palmitate, or Vitamin A. This antioxidant combats skin again, however may scientists say that it can trigger the development of skin tumors and lesions when used on skin the presence of sunlight.
- Be formulated with harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, PEG’s (polyethylene glycols), propylene Glycol, phenoxyethanol, or SLS/SLES.
Stemology Skincare offers a suite of sun care products including Cell Renew SunVeil™ Complete OneTint™ Moisturizer SPF 17, a multifunctional, 3-in-1 formula that delivers deep hydration to skin, while Full Spectrum SPF 17 defends against harmful UVA/UVB rays, and Cell Renew EnviroExpose Repair and Restore Crème, a revolutionary formula featuring a unique blend of cell nutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents that has clinically proven ingredients to reduce skin inflammation by 31%*.
For more information about Stemology skincare, visit http://medresultsnetwork.com/stemology-skincare/.
Sources: Safe Mama, Live Strong, EWG
Contributed by Dr. Hal Simeroth, Chief Technical Officer for Stemology Skincare
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Stemology is a preferred partner of MedResults Network and Guest Blogger. Members receive discounts and rebates on their unique stem cell-based product line.
