Tag Archives: uv rays

07.12.10
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Is Your Sunscreen Causing Skin Cancer?

A new study has found that an overwhelming amount of sunscreens on the market contain an ingredient that speeds cancerous cell growth. That’s right: sunscreen might cause cancer, the very thing people lather it on to protect themselves from.

 These results come from the EWG Sunscreen Guide 2010. It is kind of scary to think that what we use to “protect” us from the harmful uv rays of the sun is actually causing and speeding up cancerous cell growth. That is why it is so important as consumers to stay educated on the products we buy for ourselves and our families.

According to that study, nearly half of the 500 most popular sunscreens may actually increase the speed at which malignant cells develop and spread skin cancer such as melanoma.

Why? Because they contain Vitamin A, an ingredient that was added to sunscreen formulations because it’s an antioxidant that slows skin aging.

Check the product label. Make sure your sunscreen includes zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act as physical barriers and keep ultraviolet light out best.

Don’t worry about SPF. Sun protection factor is not regulated by the FDA, and as it turns out, sunscreens with a high SPF — like 70, 80, or 100+ — really don’t work any better than those half its count. “The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 60 is maybe five percent,” Rendon says. “Those with lighter complexion, freckles, or red hair should use SPF 45 to 50 with good UVA and UVB blockage. For normal complexions, SPF 30 is just fine.”

Don’t under-do it. “A shot glass is the right amount, and reapply every two hours,” she says, adding that you can’t really ever put on too much.

Remember that sunscreen isn’t the only armor against sun damage. ”You have to be conscious of sun exposure,” Rendon warns. “Wear hats and sun-protective clothing.”

Look for European brands. “It’s true that Europe has better sunscreens because they process ingredients faster than we do,” she admits.

The above from, Dr. Marta Rendon, a board-certified dermatologist and global spokesperson for Procter & Gamble’s Head and Shoulders division, is definitely great advice. I have done some research and even though European Brand sunscreens are better they are a bit pricey; between $20 and $30 for a 50ml bottle of sunscreen.  

That is the average price of a UV Skinz swim shirt that will last a growing child one to two years and an adult at least 5 or more. Making the decision to purchase a couple of swim shirts that provide chemical-free and broad-spectrum uv protection is called being smart about your money and your health!

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07.08.10
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Video Review

 Review and vlog from Baby-Momma Blog:

As a mom protection is keywhen heading to the pool or at the beach.  The solar system is getting worse by the minute and the UV rays are stronger and stronger.  Knowing Isabella and I were going to be spending the weekends on the beach I was looking for a bathing suit with full coverage.  UVSkinz came to the rescue.  With UPF 50+ UV protection woven into the fabric gives me a piece of mind when Isabella is running around in the sun.  I know she is protected and after using this suit for half of the summer already, I can say we have had NO BURNS!!  I also love that there is a built-in swim liner for added protection for no need of swim bottoms or diapers.  If you insist on using a swim diaper just in case of a accident, there is plenty of room.  I use them under Isabella’s shorts and she seems to be comfortable and not bothered by them.   The fabric has a Chlorine resistant treatment for long lasting wear and has flat-lock stitching throughout the entire garment to eliminate irritating seams.  We love this suit so much we are buying a second set for the rest of the summer UVSkinz is Sealed with Approval by Baby & Momma!

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07.06.10
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Got Sunburn?

We are well into the summer months! Hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine. It’s easy to rush out the door and forget to put on your sunscreen or just spend too much time outdoors basking in the sun. Even though we advocate for safe sun protection–sunburns happen. Here are some ways to treat a sunburn and prevent them in the future.

What is Sunburn?

Sunburn is damage to skin tissue caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun’s light. Over-exposure to the sunlight causes damage to the skin’s DNA, which triggers the body to repair the damage. The burn then results in reddish skin, which can be hot to the touch.

Prolonged exposure to UV light over a number of years can result in malignant skin tumors that require surgery and chemotherapy to treat, according to the Mayo Clinic. Taking care to avoid sunburn and excessive exposure to UV light can help limit the potential of skin cancer. Using tanning beds is a major contributor to skin cancer as well, and should be avoided.

Side Effects of Sunburn

Sunburn can cause a number of problems aside from reddened, hot and itchy skin. Individuals who get sunburn can experience headaches, nausea and vomiting from over-exposure. Dizziness, pain in the sunburned area and eventual peeling of the skin also result.

In severe cases, the skin can become blistered. If symptoms are painful and prolonged, an individual may require medical attention to relieve the pain and prevent dehydration and illness.

Preventing Sunburn

Sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes in very bright sunlight. The easiest way to avoid sunburn is to keep skin covered by clothes and stay out of direct sunlight. However, for summer, there are other precautions that can be taken to avoid the irritation of sunburn.

Sun damage can also affect the eyes.

Treating Sunburn

If sunburn does occur, there is little that can be done to treat it aside from alleviating the symptoms. The body heals itself over time, and treating the symptoms of sunburn can help relieve the itching and pain.

Aloe vera is commonly used to alleviate the pain of burns. It is available in gel form and as a soothing spray. Apply the aloe as often as needed and spread it over the burned area. Anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers can also help relieve the pain of sunburn.

Keep hydrated. The body is better able to heal itself when properly hydrated, and sunburn itself can contribute to dehydration. Wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid irritating the burn. Taking a cool shower or bath can also help to temporarily relieve the burn and itch of sunburn.

Sunburn is an irritating, painful condition that can have very serious health consequences later on in life. Preventing sunburn is an important part of making sure summer is a fun, healthy time for everyone. Taking care to limit sun exposure and apply sunscreen regularly will help to keep summer free of sunburn.

Source: Mayoclinic.com, Article published by Bailey Shoemaker Richards.

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08.26.09
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Genes That Cause Melanoma Discovered!

Scientist from the “Queensland Institute of Medical Research have found two new genes that together double a persons risk of melanoma.”

A study team studied the genes of 6,000 people and found that “specific changes in two genes were found to make people more susceptible to developing moles. The researchers went on to show, in another 4,000 people, the same two genes increased the risk of developing melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer.”

It has been known that the more moles a person has increases their chance of melanoma, but now they ” have conclusive genetic evidence that having a large number of moles increases an individual’s risk of developing melanoma.”

One of the reasons Rhonda, Founder of UV Skinz, created this company with the mission to “get kids covered” was because her husband passed away at a young age from Melanoma. She has the constant thought that her sons are more at risk of developing the disease. It is important to know your family history and if you have cases of skin cancer in your family then take extra precautions to protect against Melanoma.

Here is some good advice!: Moles are normal but people should seek advice from their doctor if they observe any changes in size, colour or shape. People with lots of moles are at a higher risk of developing melanoma and should therefore take extra care to avoid overexposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Did you know?: Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world with more than 10,000 new cases and 1000 people dying from the disease every year. Queensland has the highest incidence of any state with seven Queenslanders diagnosed with melanoma every day. More than one in 20 Queenslanders is expected to develop melanoma during their lifetime.

Sourcehttp://www.discoveryon.info/2009/07/genes-that-cause-melanoma-discovered.html

07.27.09
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Are Commercial Sunscreens Safe?

I was checking my google alerts today and I found a shocking and eye-opening article on the safety and effectiveness on many of the commonly used sunscreens on the store shelves. According to a study done on 1,600 sunscreen products by the Environmental Working Group, 60% of sunscreens are unsafe or ineffective.

Here is more from the article (Source: Arizona Republic Online):

None of Coppertone’s 43 sunscreen products meet the group’s criteria for safety and effectiveness, and the group recommended only two of 152 products from Banana Boat and Neutrogena.

Coppertone spokeswoman Julie Lux said the company was committed to providing the highest quality of sun-care protection.

“We are concerned that reports like this will inappropriately discourage consumers from using sunscreen to protect themselves,” Lux said. “Sunscreen is only one part of a sun-protection program.”

Banana Boat and Neutrogena did not respond to multiple phone calls.

Most popular sunscreens contain oxybenzone, a potentially hazardous chemical that can penetrate skin and disrupt hormonal development, EWG senior analyst Sean Gray said.

Kevin and Karen Paschke, also of Tempe, said stricter government regulations may be necessary.

“We do need uniform standards for manufacturing,” Kevin said. “Right now, it’s like the Wild West. We need to know the long-term effects of some of these products.”

The study did find signs of improvement in many brands.

A similar investigation last summer found that only 29 percent of sunscreen products contained a strong UVA radiation filter, but the number jumped to 70 percent this year.

Still, one in nine products “confers dangerously low levels of UVA protection,” according to the study.

“Consumers should be cautious,” Gray said. “They need to look at labels and make careful decisions for their family.”

While a product’s rating corresponds to UVB protection, there is currently no standard to evaluate sunscreen’s effectiveness in blocking UVA radiation.

Many scientists believe UVA radiation damages skin and can lead to skin cancer and premature aging, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Wow! I grew up with Coppertone and Banana Boat, so now to know that they are unsafe and mostly ineffective is kind of a shocker. I have been careful about the sunscreens that I choose for my daughter’s because there is more of an option out there. Companies are coming up with all-natural and chemical-free sunscreens. Just like the article stated, sunscreen is just one part of sun protection.

Wearing a uv protective swim shirt that covers most of the body is a great idea if you are going to be outdoors for even a couple of hours. That will cut down on the amount of sunscreen and possible chemicals that would be absorbed by your skin. UV Skinz swim shirts protect against 98% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays–all day! They are chemical-free and dry quickly so that you can be comfortable in any outdoor activity.

If you haven’t gotten a swim shirt for yourself then this is your last week to get a UV Skinz swim shirt at 40% off!