Sunscreen blog

UVA rays

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:34:03 GMT

The sun's UVA rays and UVB rays, being the two Ultra Violet rays that reach us here on earth, are both potentially harmful to us humans and we need protection from them both

Sun damage

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:27:11 GMT

Sun exposure and environmental pollutants can cause free radical sun damage that leads to wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and premature aging of your skin

Organic sunscreen

Wed, 01 May 2013 08:12:46 GMT

Where sun care is concerned, the demand for a truly organic sunscreen continues to rise. In response, there is an increasing number of organic sunscreen products becoming available, but there are vast areas for improvement.

Sunscreen products

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:27:39 GMT

It is the opinion of many researchers out there, that the majority of the sunscreen products today offer inadequate protection against the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet radiation.

Skin types

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:14:36 GMT

Which of the multitude of skin types is yours is one of the key things to understand when you are concerned about protecting your skin from the potentially damaging UV rays of the sun.

Sun shades

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:21:34 GMT

Sun shades are sold globally in all sorts of shapes and sizes with a multitude of functions to meet the ever increasing needs of sun savvy people.

Vitamin D deficiency treatment

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:29:46 GMT

Vitamin D deficiency treatment may be required by any number of people around the globe as a vitamin D deficiency can be found in people of all ages, sexes, cultures and geographical locations

Swedish public outcry against tanning

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:10:54 GMT

An H&M swimsuit advertising campaign across 43 countries globally, featuring a really deeply tanned model, received a wave of objections in Sweden. This prompted the Swedish Cancer Society to accuse H&M of actually endorsing cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) tanning—and a potentially life-threatening habit. This can be likened to the whole cigarette world of advertising, which has been severely curtailed and no longer promotes smoking as the trendy thing to do, but now warns every person either reading an advert or buying a cigarette box, about the dangers of smoking and cancer.

These H&M adverts are seen by the Swedish Cancer Society as lucrative adverts to a trend that will contribute to more people dying of cancer, in this instance, skin cancer. The Swedish Cancer Society said in a newspaper editorial. “Every year more people in Sweden die of skin cancer than in traffic accidents, and the main cause is too much sunning.”

However, the one thing many Swedish people seem to need is more Vitamin D and the absolute best way to obtain this is through exposure to the sun's UVB rays, unprotected. So, the more aware we all are about how great the sun's health qualities are, but that moderation is a key factor, the better off we will all be.

Needless to say, H&M apologised in an email sent to the global news agency Agence France-Presse, explaining: “It was not our intention to show off a specific ideal or to encourage dangerous behaviour.”

'Organic' from China exposed

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:41:38 GMT

Fascinating article on the environmental issues China faces, in relation to us consumers who end up eating or using products originating from China and labelled 'organic'.

Organic farming in a clean environment produces clean, organic foods and cosmetic ingredients. But organic farming in a polluted environment produces contaminated 'organic' foods. And China is known to be one of the most polluted chemical cesspools on the planet.

China is a nation that has virtually no environmental regulation enforcement. In China, anything goes: You can dump mercury into rivers. You can spray raw human sewage sludge on crops. You can produce factory-made chemicals and blow the waste products right into the air through smokestacks. In China, many rivers are so toxic that, from time to time, they actually catch on fire and burn.

It's so bad that a Chinese environmental official was recently offered over US$30,000 to take a 20-minute swim in a local river.

He DECLINED. Why? Because the river there is so polluted that swimming in it would mean certain death.

Without any legislature or organic bodies in China enforcing anything, the global consumer ends up with a choice - do I consume anything "made in China", never mind something labelled organic and "made in China"? A pair of shoes maybe, or a shirt, but foods or cosmetics - no thanks.

Another study supporting the benefits of zinc for our health

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 15:18:21 GMT

Of all the active sunscreen ingredients approved of by the various global legislative health organisations, zinc oxide seems to ride way ahead of the rest from a health perspective. This new study further enhances the wonderful benefits of zinc. I love the vision of the zinc particles being 'lured away' to help defend anything threatening the body's immune system. Also, rather a natural mineral as a base for me than any other synthetic chemical and especially not the mineral titanium.

Mens skin care

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:04:48 GMT

In our rapidly urbanised lifestyle, mens skin care has become of increasing interest as the benefits are appreciated more.

What can I do if I am allergic to sunscreen?

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:05:00 GMT

When I use a sunscreen, or even when there is sun protection in my face moisturiser, I seem to react with these small red bumps all over my face, neck

Topical Vitamin D good for Dry Skin Conditions?

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:31:05 GMT

Johnson and Johnson may be looking to put vitamin D in some of their products for dry skin or xerosis. This comment is made by The Vitamin D Council's Dr. Cannell after looking into some research done by J&J on the effectiveness of Vitamin D creams.

The results look encouraging and some of the comments received to the article affirm how good Vitamin D creams have been for some people's various skin conditions, including excema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Complex chemical sunscreens seen as superior to natural sunscreens?

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:07:59 GMT

University of Canberra in Australia's head of pharmacy, Greg Kyle, believes that complex chemical sunscreens are a better bet than the natural alternatives, like zinc oxide. Although he agrees that parents should keep their children away from contaminating chemicals wherever possible, he seems to have no faith in the natural based sunscreens.

This is despite the fact that there are some extremely effective natural sunscreens that not only provide quality protection, they cover more of the UV spectrum. Most importantly for me, they provide the best protection possible from the deeper penetrating UVA rays and can provide for over SPF40 for UVB protection, which is effectively about 97.8% protection.

Vitamin D and Obesity

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 08:28:22 GMT

Vitamin D being fat soluble has shown up in obese people's tendency to have lower levels of the vitamin in their blood. In a recent study, obese women were shown to transfer less vitamin D to their offspring compared to lean women.

Although it is unknown what health risks babies born with vitamin D insufficiency may face, there is increasing evidence that it is linked to an increase in autoimmune diseases, inflammation and obesity itself.

Black is beautiful - or is it?

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:03:07 GMT

The University of Cape Town in South Africa have recently been studying the reasons why Black South Africans like to use skin whiteners - seemingly in increasing numbers.

What is extra confounding is the fact that the chemicals used are extremely dangerous, commonly causing a severe skin condition called ochronosis, plus blood cancers such as leukaemia and cancers of the liver and kidneys.

It seems a white skin is seen as that much more desirable that they flaunt the potential dangers. One mother even used skin lightening creams on her child from a very young age.

The flip side is that so many of those with white skins desire a tanned looking skin to feel that much more healthy and sexy looking!

How crazy are we all? To just be happy as we are is not enough it seems?

Exciting UVA sunscreen breakthrough

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 10:47:51 GMT

An exciting scientific breakthrough where UVA protection is concerned has recently been disclosed. UVA-activated caged iron chelators (CIC's) will only activate when a certain level of UVA has been reached. Sort of intelligent sun protection?! And especially exciting to see such research where UVA is concerned, which does a far deeper level damage than the UVB rays.

Cellulite and Tanning

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 08:11:02 GMT

How sorry was I to read that it's a myth that tanning can hide cellulite! What was interesting to learn was that tanning may make the cellulite less obvious, but when the tan fades, the cellulite might look even worse. That's because frequent exposure to UV rays can damage the skin, making it thinner and less resilient, according to the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology. But better than this, there are great tips on how best to deal with your cellulite. Roll on 2013 - I'm going to go for no cellulite!

Vitamin D, K2 and Magnesium are the combination is the secret to healthy bones!

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 08:15:50 GMT

Just when I thought Vitamin D was all I needed to make sure my health status was optimised and my bones will be strong into my elderly years, along comes compelling research to tel me that not all revolves around vitamin D. Vitamin K2 and Magnesium are also required and Calcium is not the bone essential I thought it was. This video interview provides the detail.

Is vitamin D the wonder vitamin?

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:43:40 GMT

Can Vitamin D prevent certain cancers and chronic diseases? These answers and more are addressed in this educational video brought to you by UCSD School of Medicine and GrassrootsHealth.

Sunscreen allergies

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 13:46:31 GMT

I used to think that allergic reactions to sunscreens were rare events, but as sunscreens have become more and more prevalent I have become aware of how common allergies actually are. The chemical sunscreens are 99% of the time the culprits, so the safest solution is to get a sunscreen that contains no chemical sunscreens, but rather choose ONLY zinc oxide based sunscreens. Without ANY combination with the chemical ones. ie one active ingredient only.

Broccoli seen to be an incredible health food

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 13:30:30 GMT

It always amazes me how many people really hate eating broccoli, and it's not just children. Especially after finding out just how much goodness there is in the compound sulforaphane, found in abundance in Broccoli. It is believed to have both preventive and therapeutic properties for fighting off blood cancers and solid tumors. Better than eating loads of the vegetable, you can also absorb the compound in concentrated form transdermally through creams or sunscreens.

Free Vitamin D Detective

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 09:54:20 GMT

What a fabulous way to start the new year - a free offering to test the amount of Vitamin D you are getting every day! Not only is this valuable tool free but it is also a wonderful gift to yourself to make sure you have good levels of Vitamin D for optimum health.

New sunscreen regulations 'Go Live' in USA

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 06:13:38 GMT

How wonderful that the new sunscreen regulations for the US have finally gone into practise! The best part for me is the broad spectrum testing in combination with a maximum SPF of 50. Balancing the quality of protection from both the UVA and UVB rays is vitally important.

Australians to test the new sunscreen regulations

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 05:17:59 GMT

Always interesting to see what the Australians and New Zealanders are doing when it comes to sunscreen regulations. Their revised sunscreen standard 2012 focuses on 2 items I agree with wholeheartedly - lifting the limits on SPF from 30 to 50 and making broad spectrum compliance compulsory.

Nanoparticles in sunscreens

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:15:03 GMT

An excellent debate regarding the latest scientific research and opinions on whether or not nanoparticles in zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreens are safe. What is your opinion?

Nontoxic skin care

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:33:55 GMT

When out there looking for nontoxic skin care products, what do you focus on? Depending on your motivation this can be a relatively simple process.

What are antioxidants?

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:21:01 GMT

What are antioxidants? They are molecules that help our bodies to neutralise free radicals.

Antioxidant supplements

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 14:52:08 GMT

In looking to understand more about antioxidant supplements and their effect on us, the video below explains things with clarity at a basic level.

Vitamin D and Diabetes: Exciting new research

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 14:24:41 GMT

Low Vitamin D has been highlighted as the culprit for people with diabetes with clogged arteries, increased vascular inflammation and related heart disease. New research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis tested diabetes patients identified as having low vitamin D (<30 ng per ml blood). "We took everything into account," says first author Amy E. Riek, MD, instructor in medicine. "We looked at blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes control, body weight and race.” But only vitamin D levels correlated with test criteria. Patients with insufficient vitamin D, showed immune cells binding to blood vessels near the heart, then trapping cholesterol to block those blood vessels. "About 26 million Americans now have type 2 diabetes," said the principal investigator Carlos Bernal-Mizrachi, MD and as obesity rates rise in the US, even more people are expected to develop diabetes. Vitamin D appears to play a key role in heart disease. This new study takes this specific research work a step further by suggesting that when vitamin D levels are low, a particular class of white blood cell is more likely to adhere to cells in the walls of blood vessels. A further 2 clinical trials are of interest: lower blood pressure: researchers are giving vitamin D to people with diabetes and hypertension. African Americans with type 2 diabetes are getting vitamin D along with their other daily medications, and the research team is evaluating whether vitamin D supplements can slow or reverse the progression of heart disease.

Banana Boat recalls more sunscreen products

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 08:04:30 GMT

After the initial recall of half a million products from shelves and a message sent out to their consumers who had already bought their products not to use it, Energizer Holdings have now added another 2 products to the list for recall. Both are sunscreen sprays and seem to have the same nozzle that they claim is the real issue as its aperture is too large and so too much sunscreen gets applied and therefore takes too long to dry.

The 2 products are Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF30 spray sunscreen and Ultra Defence SPF30 spray sunscreen - both 180mls.

I can't help but wonder at a couple of issues here:

Surely other sprays out there are equally at risk? The key element being the presence of a flammable ingredient makes this situation apply to most of the manufacturers of spray sunscreens.
The consumers 'never read' the instructions according to many dermatologists, so having something that is flammable as an ingredient will always pose as a risk. Knowing that it doesn't matter if you have warnings printed on the bottle, the manufacturer is taking that risk.

I don't believe that these products required a recall. Perhaps Banana Boat are able to absorb these losses and maybe even win with the negative publicity (?) but I think the reality is they have taken a big hit here.

Instead, I believe that all of us consumers need to start to be more accountable for our own actions and not expect the State and its' various organisations to 'protect' us with legislation. We need to read the labels and we need to become more knowledgeable about what we are putting onto our bodies.

Sunscreen botanicals

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:48:24 GMT

Sunscreen botanicals are becoming of greater interest to those wishing to source non-toxic sunscreens.

Chemical free sunscreen

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:53:09 GMT

When looking for a chemical free sunscreen, my main objective is to find a sunscreen that is non-toxic

Summer safety

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:28:37 GMT

When it comes to summer safety issues I was never one to be overly protective or plan for disaster except when it came to sun care.

Discount tanning lotion

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:58:44 GMT

When out there searching for a discount tanning lotion make sure to keep this in mind... to tan really successfully, you would be at a great advantage if you start by having a healthy skin

2000 IU vitamin D

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:33:47 GMT

2000 IU vitamin D is often recommended as a daily dose maximum but in many people's opinions, whether professional or lay person, this falls way too short in terms of our general health needs, never mind when we are not well and need a boost.

Vitamin D dosage

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 08:37:53 GMT

How much vitamin D dosage is enough and how little is not enough, is a controversial subject

High Dose of Vitamin D

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 07:36:52 GMT

Key to whatever disease you may wish to fend off is how a high dose of vitamin D will affect you

Melanoma

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:46:45 GMT

Always being attracted to publications around anything to do with Melanoma skin cancer, having experienced tragic family Melanomas that drive my interest and research, the latest newsletter from the Skin Cancer Foundation really caught my eye

Goth sunblock clothing

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:06:55 GMT

Wherever you are in the world, it appears quite a difficult task to locate Goth sunblock clothing

Dog sunscreen

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:05:53 GMT

Whether or not dog sunscreen is a valid solution or not depends on a number of circumstances

Vitamin D

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 12:40:32 GMT

One aspect connected to the whole story of Vitamin D that is of interest to me is that of the color of my skin

Sunscreen allergy

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:57:25 GMT

It is encouraging to see fewer sunscreen allergy side effects due to an increasing number of effective sunscreens being developed

Spray sunscreen

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:58:36 GMT

Spray sunscreen has been around for approximately the last 10 years or so after it was created in response primarily to sportsmen on the move wanting to be able to quickly reapply their sunscreen

Multiple Sclerosis and Vitamin D

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:18:17 GMT

There have been several studies on multiple sclerosis and vitamin D suggesting that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D has a possible protective effect plus the ability to lower the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS)

Vitamin D Requirements

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:31:42 GMT

The following list provides the top ten tips for optimising your Vitamin D requirements

History of sunscreens

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 11:38:34 GMT

The history of sunscreens is quite fascinating, from very ancient times where there is evidence of people having used plants for sun protection, to the current plethora of sunscreens available today

Low Vitamin D Level

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:20:24 GMT

The best way to determine whether or not you have a low vitamin D level is to have your vitamin D blood levels measured

Banana Boat Sunscreen

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:34:51 GMT

Banana Boat Sunscreen is a very well known sunscreen on the global market, coming out with new products each year in response to demand and trends such as sun sticks, sun sprays and higher SPF

Sun safety tips

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:30:08 GMT

As with all good things in life, too much 'sun' becomes a bad thing and so some of the sun safety tips here could help significantly towards an improved love affair with the sun and keeping your skin healthy