About Sunscreens :
 View Resource Articles on Sun Damage
View Resource Articles on Sunscreens
Not all sunscreens are created equal. In fact, most do not block long UVA radiation. The term "broad spectrum," a term used liberally to describe sunscreen, actually means very little. The FDA is drafting more relevant labeling laws, but these will not be in effect for several years. The labeled SPF number is a measure of protection against UVB and only some short UVA, but not long UVA. These long UVA rays are now known to cause photo-aging and are likely to be involved in the more aggressive skin cancers, such as melanoma.
 The sunscreens that we sell on Skincare-MD.com already exceed the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendations to the FDA in regard to criteria for Broad Spectrum Labeling.
Thinning hair?
Besides protecting your face, it is also important to protect your ears, neck, scalp, hands and any other area exposed to the sun. Men and women with thinning hair who do not wear hats or scarves to protect their heads should apply sunscreen to the scalp daily to protect against sun damage and skin cancer.
FACTS
- 1.3 million new cases of skin cancer per year are projected
- Long UVA produces free radicals that contribute to photo-aging and skin cancer
- Most sunscreens on the market do not block long UVA (even though labelled "broad spectrum")
- Over one skin cancer death per hour in the U.S.
- Skin cancer kills more women in their late 20s and early 30s than breast cancer
- 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs prior to age 18
- 33% of adolescents never use sunscreen
- 93% of parents do not correctly use sunscreen on their children
- 3% of childhood cancers are skin cancers
SUN SMART FACTS
- Avoid direct exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Wear a broad rimmed hat and sunglasses
- Use a sunscreen that blocks long UVA
- Use high-SPF sunscreen and apply before exposure
- Re-apply after swimming or excessive perspiration
- Be sure to cover nose, ears, shoulders, feet, lips
- Many surfaces like sand and snow reflect UV rays
- Avoid tanning booths
For more complete information on Sun Damage and Sunscreens, please refer to our "The Long and Short of Sun Protection" series in our Newsletter Section.
Z-COTE Microfine Zinc Oxide
Z-COTE is a new patented form of microfine zinc oxide. With a particle size of less than 0.2 microns, it is truly transparent on the skin as opposed to the old fashioned white zinc oxide paste, yet Z-COTE is even more effective. Z-COTE is an inorganic sunblock, also known as a "non-chemical" sunblock, which sits on top of the skin and is not absorbed into the skin. Z COTE blocks both UVB and UVA including long UVA, the rays responsible for photoaging and implicated in aggressive skin cancers. Because Z-COTE blocks UVB as well as UVA, sunscreens can be formulated with fewer organic sunscreen agents. This makes for simpler, more appealing and less irritating formulations. Z-COTE provides the broadest spectrum protection of any single sunscreen ingredient. Z-COTE is effective, non-allergenic, stable and very safe for use on all skin types.
Other UVA sunscreens include titanium dioxide and two organic sunscreens, oxybenzone and avobenzone. Titanium dioxide blocks short UVA well and some long UVA but is generally considered too whitening and is thus inappropriate for many applications, especially daily care. The organic agents can be irritating, unstable or, in the case of oxybenzone, provide only short UVA protection. Z-COTE offers an aesthetically superior, stable, non-irritating and cost-effective solution for UVA protection.
Mexoryl SX
Mexoryl SX is the first new active sunscreen ingredient that the FDA has approved in almost 20 years. On July 21, 2006, La Roche-Posay, a division of L'Oreal, received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market a broad-spectrum sunscreen formula that contains Mexoryl SX (ecamsule) plus L'Oreal's patented association of avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and octocrylene. Mexoryl SX is a unique organic sun filter because it is highly photostable and provides potent protection against short-wavelength UVA (320 nm to 340 nm), thereby filling a gap left by existing UVA sunscreens.
Cell-OX Shield
Cell-OX Shield is the patent pending dual protection technology that is available in La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 sunscreens. Cell-OX Shield provides 2 lines of defense against cell damage. The first line of defense is the outstanding UV protection on the skin's surface. The second line of defense is the exclusive antioxidant protection. A powerful patent-pending new antioxidant combination, including Eienna Alata to provide added skin protection against cell damage.
About La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX, Anthelios 40 and Anthelios 60 Sunscreens
 Mexoryl SX is the first sun filter approved by the FDA in 18 years and is contained in Anthelios SX and Anthelios 40 products. CELL-OX Shield is the patent pending dual protection technology that is available in Anthelios 45 sunscreens including Anthelios 45 Ultra-Light Fluid for Face and Anthelios 45 Ultra-Light Fluid for Body. CELL-OX Shield is also available in Anthelios 60 sunscreens including Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Lotion and Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk.
About Obagi Nu-Derm, Obagi-C Rx Sunscreens, and Obagi Rosaclear
 Obagi Nu-Derm, Obagi-C Rx and Obagi Rosaclear sunscreens both provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without leaving a white residue. The ultra-smooth Z-Cote formula helps prevent sunburn from UVB radiation and protects against long-UVA rays linked to deep premature skin-aging.
About Applied Therapeutics Sunscreens
 NPR Healthcare introduces Applied Therapeutics® skin care and treatment products which offer patients clinically proven solar ultraviolet protection and skin care treatment results. Applied Therapeutics® sunscreens incorporate Z-COTE® transparent zinc oxide and SUN CAPS® encapsulated active ingredients for complete UVB/ UVA solar protection at substantially lower concentrations of chemical ingredients than competitive products. In doing so, the risk of irritation is greatly reduced.
If you have any questions regarding our products or one of our skin care regimens, please call us at 1-877-415-0600 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 pm EST.
Chemical Sunscreen Advisory:
Pregnant women, women who are nursing and children should consult with their physician before using sunscreens containing oxybenzone.
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