At age 63, my mom to this day has perfect skin. Always a firm believer in sunscreen, she preached the wrinkle prevention benefits of lathering sunscreen whenever there was a potential sun threat during an outdoors outing. And growing up in an average household, well known sunscreen brands such as Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic, and Banana Boat were my friends. However, it wasn’t until I started becoming more aware of natural skincare brands did I find out that conventional/synthetic sunscreen wasn’t necessarily good for me.
In fact, recently released scientific studies by Switzerland's Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology (conducted in 2001) prove a link between synthetic sunscreens and hormonal disturbances in the body.The chemical compounds in synthetic sunscreens have been found to accumulate in body fats and in breast milk, and, by mimicking the effects of estrogen, can induce undesirable hormonal changes. Eek I say!
On that note, I turn to our client and natural skin care expert Ulrike Jacob-Dewor of Lavera to explain how to protect yourself from the sun safely AND naturally. Ulrike Jacob-Dewor has a PhD in biochemistry, has worked as an environmental consultant and is a firm believer in organic and natural skin care. Here are her top 10 tips to ensure everyone enjoys this summer safely:
1) Find out the required SPF for your skin type. Here’s how:
a. Know your skin’s sun safety time (how long you can safely stay in the sun before burning): Fair skin - 10 minutes, olive skin - 15 minutes, and dark skin - 20 minutes.
b. Identify the SPF on your sunscreen (eg. SPF 20).
c. To calculate your sunscreen protection time (the amount of time you can stay outside before burning), multiply your skin type’s sun safety time with the SPF listed on your sunscreen. For example, 15 minutes (for olive skin) x SPF 20 = 300 minutes (5 hours) of sun protection. Result: Olive skin using a sunscreen with SPF 20 can under ideal conditions stay in the sun for up to 5 hours.
2) Be natural. There is a proven link between chemicals in synthetic sunscreens and hormonal disturbances in the body. Use natural, mineral-based sunscreens to avoid any undesirable hormonal changes. This is especially important for pregnant or breastfeeding women as studies have shown the chemicals in synthetic sunscreens can accumulate in the body; they have even been found in breast milk. Avoid synthetic chemicals such as 4-Methyl-Benzylidencamphor, (4-MBC), Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-3, Octyl-methoyl-cinnamates(OMC), Octyl-Dimethyl-Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid(OD-PABA), Homosalate(HMS).
3) At the start of the summer, choose a high factor of SPF 30 or higher, and only stay in the sun for short periods in order to acclimatize your skin gradually.
4) Apply sun screen carefully and generously. Re-apply after swimming and perspiration.
5) Apply sun protection even while in the shade; you are still exposed to 40% of the sun's UV radiation.
6) For the best protection under make-up, use a two-in-one moisturizer/sunscreen such as Lavera’s Anti-Aging Sun Screen SPF 20 for Face.
7) Take particular care of babies and children in the sun, and always ensure they are wearing clothing and a hat for extra protection. Pediatricians recommend babies under 6 months stay in the shade and receive minimal exposure to direct sunlight.
8) Avoid direct sun exposure between 11am and 3pm as sunlight is strongest during these times.
9) When traveling, remember that snow and water reflect sunlight, intensifying its UV rays. In these conditions, it’s best to wear a SPF 30 or higher. Also, use SPF 30 and up when near the equator and in mountainous areas where the sun's rays are more intense.
10) If you do sunbath, re-nourish and nurture skin with a heavy duty moisturizer such as Lavera’s After Sun Lotion with organic jojoba and vitamin E.
You can find all products mentioned by Ulrike at www.Lavera.com.
Photo Credit: EcoSalon.com
Tags: Beauty PR
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