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the Products Sunforgettable (SPF30) - All Clear by Colorescience !!!
This decade should
bring major changes in the way we perceive and use sunscreens. Look for new and
better sunscreens that prevent both skin aging and skin cancer caused by ultraviolet
light exposure.
Most sunscreens
are not completely protecting consumers’ skin from sun damage. Current
sunscreens certainly protect the skin from sunburn by absorbing UVB rays while
other forms of ultraviolet light like UVA can continue to contribute to skin
aging and skin cancer. These rays are not completely or may be only partially
blocked by sunscreen.
Natotechnology
offers a new medium for applying sunscreens. It is being introduced to minimize
the drawbacks currently associated with traditional sunscreens. This medium
is powder. Powder can easily be brushed and washed off, giving instant full
spectrum sun protection does not have to be reapplied even after perspiring
and swimming. Powder, properly formulated, is inert is not absorbed into the
skin and does not produce free radical damage. This means it is safe for all
ages.
The new technology
relies on the reflective and refractive properties of titanium dioxide and zinc
oxide. Both ingredients have been widely used in sunscreens for years but the
they clump together, reducing their ability to reflect light and leaving a pasty
white film on the skin. New formulations can be mostly clear. The new technology
also had made the formulation process easier and more effective.
ORGANIC
(AK CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS VS INORGANIC (AKA PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS)
Most people, including
estheticians, are unclear on what the terms organic and inorganic sunscreens
actually mean. Sunscreens are either organic or inorganic. Inorganic sunscreens.
Organic does NOT mean the sunscreens are naturally produced. Rather, an organic
sunscreen is one that composed of carbon and hydrogen (among other things).
ORGANIC
SUNSCREENS
1. Organic sunscreens
are absorbed into the skin to some extent. Most organic sunscreens block only
UVB rays. The exception is Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) which blocks only UVA, but
is reported to be stable on the skin in the sunlight for as little as one hour.
2. Organic sunscreens absorb the radiation and the body must get rid of it.
They regenerate UV radiation as heat retransmitted as infrared. In other words,
they absorb light energy and then release it in the form of heat energy (infrared).
Organics get rid of UV by creating free radicals. Free radicals can also damage
DNA, create spots and wrinkles and depress the immune system, increasing the
risk of skin cancer. Antioxidants help stop free radical damage.
3. Some studies suggest that organic sunscreen chemicals pass through the skin
and mimic the effects of estrogen, which may disrupt the delicate balance of
the body’s natural hormones.
INORGANIC SUNSCREENS
1. Inorganic (aka
physical sunscreens) contain inery, microscoptic solid and particulate minerals
– the most common bring zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Most physical
sunscreens are now micro fine and with particles so small they are almost clear
(unlike the thick white paste of past lifeguard fame).
2. Zinc oxide is generally considered very safe and very rarely causes allergic reactions and zinc oxide blocks more UVR than any other single ingredient.
3. Titanium dioxide blocks some UVA and most UVB.
4. Zinc Oxide and TitaniumDioxide lie on top of the skin and are not absorbed.
They work by reflecting and refracting the ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays away
from the skin. They do not absorb into the body and create the opportunity for
free radical scavengers.
NEW SUNSCREEN DELIVERY SYSTEMS: NANOPOWERS
Most of us now
rely on sunscreens for protection. New user friendly SPF inorganic powders are
odor free, clear on the skin, waterproof and perspiration proof, won’t
stain clothing and will wash off with soap and water. A new generation of sunscreen
ingredients are hitting the market, relying on a revolutionary process that
uses a powder so fine that each particle is smaller than the wavelength of visible
light.
When spread on
the skin they reflect and refract almost all-dangerous ultraviolet rays. And
they do this on the surface of the skin preventing free radical damage. They
will not burn the eyes when perspiring and are practically weightless, as if
you are wearing nothing at all. One application can last for all day protection.
The future is nanopowders.
Nanopowders are solid and particulate so they will not clog pores. Most are
fragrance can actually cause a chemical burn on the skin when they come into
contact with the sun. The simplicity of the formulation also has additional
of the formulated properly, there is no need to add any chemical additives to
ensure stability in the formula. The challenge is to improve the delivery.
FORMULATING
WITH POWDER AS A NEW SUNSCREEN MEDIUM
Power sun protection
is a very recent medium used to deliver sun care and skin care benefits. The
active ingredients used to formulate powder sunscreens are zinc and titanium
dioxide. Carriers like iron oxide, oat, rice, mica, silicone powders, marine
algae and even talc may be used as inactive ingredients
Powder
offers several advantages:
1. It is easy to apply. It has good flowability, glides easily over an irregular
surface (the skin).
2. Actual film thickness of the actives is thicker than that with lotion, which
dilutes the pigment.
3. Powders can be layered for more protection, like clothing.
4. Waterproof, Perspiration Proof and Rub Proof.
5. Powders can be brushed on and washed off at the end of the day without leaving
chemicals in the body and create the opportunity for free radical damage.
6. Powders are inorganic and offer full spectrum (UVA, UVB, and infrared protection).
7. Perfectly clear protection is available.
8. Colored or sparkly powders are also an option to help insure that the product
is easy to see if an area of the skin has been missed in the application process.
9. Powder feels weightless and nongreasy.
10. Protection is instant so a fifteen to twenty minute wait is not necessary.
11. Physical sun protection in the form of powder can be effective even after
erythema has occurred.
One down side of
cream sunscreen formulas is that they can be washed off or rubbed off easily.
This can be remedied by formulation in a dry power medium or in a silicone medium.
This means they can be applied in the morning and will protect all say even
with swimming and perspiration.
MICRONIZED
MINERALS
Micronized minerals are one example of nanopowders. They were introduced into
the market in the 1977 and were marketed as natural sun protection for the face.
In the early 1990’s, micronized minerals were officially rated SPF 15
when micronized titanium dioxide was recognized by the FDA and an OTC (Over-The-Counter-Drug).
In the mid nineties,
zinc oxide was micronized and also recognized as an OTC. This led to minerals
offering and SPF 20 rating. The minerals offering and SPF 20 rating. The minerals
worked well but had a few limitations. They were primarily used on the face,
not the body. The colors inhibited use by men and children. The color would
transfer onto clothing. The delivery system was traditional ( in pots) and could
be awkward and messy. Today, self dispensing brushes make application a breeze.
The Best powdered
sunscreen should be formulated with more than one active and variety of inactives
with differing molecular sizes. In doing so, this offers even more assurance
that all areas of the skin are protected. Note the billiard ball theory.
Pretend to fill
a billiard table full of balls. Now climb up on an imaginary ladder and look
down on the table. You will see the green felt surface between the balls. Similarly,
some areas of the skin may be exposed if only one size molecule is used for
sun protection. On the other hand, layer different size molecules as shown in
the billiard ball drawing to insure complete protection.
BABIES
AND SUN PROTECTION
It is generally
agreed that the skin of infants had the potential to absorb a greater proportion
of chemicals than that of adults. This has led to concern about the use of organic
sunscreens on babies under the age of months. At this age, it has also been
suggested that the lives may be slightly less able to metabolize some of the
absorbed organic sunscreen chemicals than the liver of an adult. The University
of Maryland Medicine had suggested that organic sunscreen use be limited to
children over the age of six months. This also would suggested that organic
sunscreen use be limited to children over the age of six months. This also would
suggest that pregnant women not use organic sunscreen. Physical sunscreens are
not absorbed into the skin, so it should be safe for babies and pregnant women.
Zinc has been classified as an FDA Category I Skin Protecant and diaperrash
treatment.
Another new powder
ingredient on the market today is “pigmentary titanium dioxide”
which is a 1000 micron material, as opposed to a 40 micron micronized titanium
dioxide material. The particle size is at least 25 times larger than micronized
titanium it is difficult to produce, so it is very expensive. Yet research substantiates
that pigmentary titanium is much more effective at blocking IR (infrared) radiation.
This ingredient keeps the heat level on the skin to a minimum and even produces
a cooling sensation. This is extremely significant for dermatologists who are
dealing with skin problems like rosacia, cancer eczema and possibly hyper and
hypo pigmentation which are exacerbated by heat. Physical sun protection can
be applied to skin that has already reached erythema to experience a cooling
effect. Titanium dioxide is very sticky and helps the formula stay on the skin
to prevent rubbing or wearing off.
It is important to note that neither organic formulas nor inorganic micro fine
oxides protect against visible light, which is a problem for people who have
light sensitive skin conditions, including actinic prurigo, prophyria and chronic
actinic dermatitis. Iron oxide pigment powders can be beneficial here as they
do absorb different parts of visible light, but not much UVB.
It would seem that
the best sun protection on the market at this time should be formulated with
micro fine zinc (for UVA & UVB), pigmentary titanium with a particle size
up to 1000 microns (for infrared) and iron oxide (for visible light) and a combination
of vitamins, especially C, E, and B5, and antioxidant serums applied before
the powder formulations can be a very effective combination for good skin and
sun care.
CONCLUSION
New user-friendly
SPF inorganic powders are odor free, clear on the skin, waterproof and perspiration
proof. They will not stain clothing and will wash off with soap and water. A
new generation of sunscreen ingredients is hitting the market, relying on a
revolutionary process that uses a powder so fine that each particle is smaller
than a wavelength of visible light. When spread on the skin, they will reflect
and refract almost all dangerous ultraviolet rays. And they do this on the surface
of the skin preventing free radical damage.
If you use an organic sunscreen, choose one that provides a combination of chemicals
that protect from both UVA and UVB and are formulated with vitamins and anti-oxidants,
especially vitamin c, B5 and E. Avoid using organic sunscreens on pregnant women
and children under six months of age.
There will always
be a requirement for UVB (sunburn) protection. And for sun care at least, SPF
( the UVB factor) will remain the prime consumer motivator for purchase decision.
But there is a strong and growing requirement for increased levels of UVA protection
in sun care, skin care and decorative products. New technology and unique product
formulations will offer better and more user-friendly ways to make sun protection
a part of our everyday life, and will hopefully help in the diminution of skin
cancer.
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