UV Exposure and Sun Protection ∙ Exposure to ultraviolet light is a major factor in aging skin and can damage collagen fibers, increase wrinkles, compromise the immune system, and increase the risk for cancer. The sun emits a broad spectrum of electromagnetic energy waves that radiate toward the earth. Most of the wavelengths are filtered out by the earth’s atmosphere, with the exception of UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for causing skin aging and skin cancer. UVA and UVB rays have some uniquely important differences:
UVA rays are longer rays and are believed to penetrate more deeply into the skin, causing damage to collagen and dermal cells. UVA rays cause skin tanning, age spots, and wrinkles, as well as contribute to the development of skin cancer.
UVB rays are shorter, more powerful rays that affect the epidermis and are responsible for sunburns. Research shows that chronic exposure to UVB rays can cause direct DNA damage, affect the immune system and lead to various types of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma, the most deadly form.
Avoiding UV rays is impossible, but there are steps we can take to reduce negative effects of the sun. Studies show that many people do not use sunscreens properly, either because they do not apply enough product or they do not reapply frequently.
Physical and Chemical Sun Protection
There are two types of sun protection: physical and chemical.
Physical sunscreens protect your skin from the sun by deflecting or blocking the sun’s rays.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s rays. Some chemical filters can scatter sun rays, but still mostly just absorb them.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
- SPF refers to UVB protection only. Be sure to look for UVA filtering ingredients such as: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, and Oxybenzone.
- SPF helps determine the length of time the sunscreen is able to protect the skin from UVB rays.
- SPF is a percentage based rating system. For example an SPF 15 will protect from approximately 93% of UVB rays while an SPF 30 will protect from approximately 97%. No SPF protects 100% of UVB rays.
- According to the FDA, we cannot rely on Sunscreen with an SPF lower than 15 to protect against sunburns or premature aging. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 for incidental exposure, applying generously and as directed to all exposed areas at least 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply again at least every two hours–especially after swimming or sweating. Even on cloudy days, you should apply sunscreen before going outside.
- Clothing can provide UV protection as well, so in locations where the UV index is high, wear protective clothing when possible, including a hat that covers your neck and face, and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Protect children’s skin with sunscreen, clothing, and limited sun exposure. Many studies show that overexposure before the age of 20 may increase the chances of skin cancer later in life.
- While ethnic skin types do have more of a natural defense from UV rays and historically have a lower rate of contracting skin cancer than caucasians, they can be more susceptible to fatal causes of skin cancer due to the lack of detection as a result of their darker complexion. This is an essential reason why ethnic skin types must apply sun protection on a regular basis.
Whether you’re looking for a “physical or chemical” sun protection that suits your skin type, we have a solution for you. Listed below are the Epicuren sun protection options, including a list of the active ingredients. If you have questions, feel free to contact us.
Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27: Physical
A whipped, antioxidant-rich sunscreen that naturally protects your skin from UV-related damage, including premature aging and hyperpigmentation. This transparent, all zinc protection helps to lightly hydrate, reduce the appearance of dark spots, visibly even skin tone, and perfect your skin’s overall look.
Featured Ingredients:
- Zinc Oxide: A physical UV filter that is considered to be one of the safest and most effective sunscreens available today. It protects against UVA (aging rays that penetrate and affect the dermis) and UVB (burning rays that penetrate and affect the epidermis and upper parts of the dermis). The zinc particles used in this product are less than 50 nanometers in size. Although they are nano-sized, the particles REMAIN ON THE SURFACE. Nearly all studies performed show no absorption of small-scale zinc ingredients into the dermis through healthy, non-compromised skin. The zinc particles in our sunscreen are also coated to prevent the small particles from clumping together and diminishing sun protection, allowing for a complete and even layer of protection.
- Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract: A natural skin-lightening agent derived from daisy flowers. This extract effectively diminishes the appearance of age spots, pigmentation disorders, and freckles through a multi-tiered approach: inhibits tyrosinase, prevents the activation of MSH (melanin stimulating hormone), and reduces the melanosome transfer to keratinocytes.
- Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Ferula Assa Foetida Root Extract, Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: A synergistic blend of direct and indirect antioxidants that provides 100% protection to skin cells when introduced to UV exposure and completely inhibits UV-induced (mutated) cell production.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: The salt of hyaluronic acid, Sodium Hyaluronate has a smaller molecular weight, allowing it to deeply penetrate the skin while attracting and locking in moisture.
X-Treme Cream Proplis Sunscreen SPF 45+: Chemical aka Organic Compound
A moisturizing formula enhanced with Propolis; provides an invisible shield from harsh environmental elements while helping the skin appear supple and more radiant.
Featured Ingredients:
- Propolis: A resin-like substance produced by honeybees used to seal and sterilize the beehive. The Propolis used in Epicuren® products is imported from the rainforests of Brazil in order to provide a very pure, nutrient-rich, and potent extract. Propolis is used for its incredible immune supporting factors and is comprised of a multitude of vitamins, flavanoids, minerals, proteins, and amino acids. Propolis is also known to be effective in treating sunburns and is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral.
- Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil (Buriti Fruit): A deeply hydrating oil extracted from the Moriche Palm, native to the Amazon Rainforest. This orange-reddish oil contains high concentrations of vitamin C, tocopherols, and is known to be the richest natural source of betacarotene, making this ingredient ideal for UV filtering formulations.
- Zinc Oxide: A physical UV filter that is considered to be one of the safest and most effective sunscreens available today. It protects against UVA (aging rays that penetrate and affect the dermis) and UVB (burning rays that penetrate and affect the epidermis and upper parts of the dermis). The zinc particles used in this product are less than 50 nanometers in size. Although they are nano-sized, the particles REMAIN ON THE SURFACE. Nearly all studies performed show no absorption of small-scale zinc ingredients into the dermis through healthy, non-compromised skin. The zinc particles in our sunscreen are also coated to prevent the small particles from clumping together and diminishing sun protection, allowing for a complete and even layer of protection.
- Octinoxate: A compound used in sunscreens that absorbs UVB and UVA rays.
- Octocrylene: A compound used in sunscreens that absorbs UVB and UVA rays.
- Avobenzone: A compound used in sunscreens that absorbs the full spectrum of UVA rays.
- Homosalate: A compound used in sunscreens that absorbs UVB rays.
- Octisalate: A compound used in sunscreens that absorbs UVB rays.
- Octocrylene: A compound used in sunscreens that absorbs UVB and UVA rays.
Active Sport Treat Sunscreen SPF 30: Hybrid Physical and Chemical
A water resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen, that provides protection from UVA and UVB rays while in the water for up to 80 minutes. This sunscreen includes moisturizers and antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Green Tea Extract, Hawaiian Kukui Nut Oil, and many other herbal extracts that are known to counteract the damaging effects of the sun
Featured Ingredients:
- Zinc Oxide: A physical UV filter that is considered to be one of the safest and most effective sunscreens available today. It protects against UVA (aging rays that penetrate and affect the dermis) and UVB (burning rays that penetrate and affect the epidermis and upper parts of the dermis). The Zinc particles used in this product are less than 50 nanometers in size. Although they are nano-sized, the particles REMAIN ON THE SURFACE. Nearly all studies performed show no absorption of small-scale Zinc ingredients into the dermis through healthy, non-compromised skin. The Zinc particles in our sunscreen are also coated to prevent the small particles from clumping together and diminishing sun protection, allowing for a homogeneous layer of protection.
- Kukui Nut Seed Oil: An emollient that is easily absorbed into the skin without clogging the pores.
- Vitamin E: An oil-soluble antioxidant that is best known for its ability to protect the cellular membrane from damage caused by free-radicals and for its photo-protective properties, minimizing damage caused by UV radiation.
- Green Tea Extract: Contains a calming phyto-nutrient, EGCG, which possesses potent antioxidant characteristics and helps to rejuvenate the skin.
- Octinoxate: A compound used in sunscreens that absorbs UVB and UVA rays.