C’watre Blog

We get a lot of questions about SPF and who to believe on sun protection, and with summer now upon us, we think there is no better way to kick off Summer Skin Boot Camp than with a primer on what it all means.

WHAT’S THE DEAL? WHY DO I NEED IT?

• According to EPA research, the sun causes 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 65% of melanomas.
• Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) from the sun produces DNA damage that may lead to mutations in genes which result in skin cancer.
• Photoaging is also a result of sun exposure, though not life-threatening, it does diminish quality of life. Photoaging has been found to cause premature wrinkling, sagging, hyperpigmentation, and a leathery texture in the skin.
• UVR weakens immune surveillance mechanisms, allowing tumor cells to proliferate more freely.

Sunburn is the most obvious example of UVR damage. This DNA damage can be the beginning step towards skin cancer. According to research published in the British Journal of Dermatology intermittent, intense UVR exposure, often producing sunburn, is believed to be more closely associated with melanoma than is chronic sun exposure. One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence doubles the risk of melanoma later in life; five sunburns by any age doubles the risk as well.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Sunscreens are a critical tool to prevent UVR damage on all levels. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, this should be just a part of your overall photoprotection program along with sun avoidance or use of shade during peak sunlight hours (10 AM to 4 PM), and protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UVR-blocking sunglasses.

There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Physical is also often called “sunblock.” Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb UVR. These products are colorless and create a thin film on the skin. Physical sunscreens contain ingredients such a titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which physically block UVR. Physical sunscreens provide broad protection against both UVB and UVA light, however they can be cosmetically unacceptable to many people, because they are often messy, visible and do not easily wash off.

Our Twitter friend BeautyWithBrains also does a great job of discussing the difference between Chemical and Physical Sunscreens.

PROPER USE OF SUNSCREENS

There are a lot of sunscreen options on the shelves today and its important to think about your lifestyle and activities when choosing the sunscreen that’s right for you.

SPF: The Skin Cancer Foundation considers SPFs of 15 and higher to be acceptable protection. It is important to be aware that protection does not increase proportionally with an increase in SPF. SPF 2 will absorb 50% of UVR, an SPF 15 absorbs 93%, while SPF 30 protects against 97% and SPF 50 98%. (American Melanoma Foundation)

APPLICATION: Always apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Dermatologists also recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours because sunscreens tend to be rubbed or washed off with sweating and water exposure. You should also immediately reapply sunscreen after swimming or heavy sweating. At least one ounce, approximately two tablespoons, is needed to cover the entire body surface.

WATER-RESISTANT/WATER-PROOF: Following the FDA guidelines, a “water resistant” product must maintain its SPF after 40 minutes of water immersion, and a “water proof” or “very water resistant” product after 80 minutes.

C’WATRE AND SUNSCREENS

C’watre products do not include SPF ingredients. After reading this post, you may be wondering why. At C’watre we excel at remineralization and skin nutrition technologies and products, and our philosophy on products is to only include the highest quality ingredients and only at effective levels. SPF and sun protection is an incredibly dynamic field, offering hundreds of options to address the variety of sun protection needs and lifestyles. After much deliberation, we knew that our customers would be best served by using their favorite C’watre products in conjunction with the sun protection products that best fit each individuals needs.

Kanreki products are a very important component of your sun protection program. Research published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine, found that ingredients in chemical sunscreens can generate free radicals which can lead to skin aging. Scientists with the Skin Cancer Foundation have recommended including anti-oxidants (free radical scavengers) to combat the potential for free radicals. Kanreki Tonic, Kanreki Cream, and Kanreki Serum all contain anti-oxidants and your sun protection regimen should begin with one or more of these products, followed by the application of a sunscreen, and then for your face if you choose, apply make-up.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Summer is upon us, and we hope you head out and enjoy the sun and the all the outdoor activities you desire! But we want to help you keep your skin healthy so choose a sunscreen that fits your lifestyle and apply regularly!