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Forecast: Sunny
Dear Friends,
Our local weather forecast is finally more "sunny" than not. In our rush to get out and soak it in, let's not forget that the growing body of evidence the sun's damage to unprotected and overexposed skin can be substantial. You and your family can avoid premature aging and more serious skin issues by selecting quality sun protection products and using them consistently. Consider the following factors when selecting your products:
Skin Types -- While certain northern European Caucasian skin types are most susceptible to sun damage and demand greater protection vigilance, the damaging power of the sun's rays affects all. The skin sensitivity of infants under 6 months mandates shade and clothes cover-ups rather than any sunscreen.
Activity Appropriate -- Chances are that your variety of family summer activities will require various sun protection products, including waterproof and sweat resistant products for aquatic and athletic sports.
Effectiveness -- The standard measure of effectiveness for skin care products is Sun Protection Factor or SPF. Unfortunately, this measure only considers protection against UVB rays, ignoring the UVA rays that can also be harmful. Studies show that products without zinc oxide and titanium oxide generally exposure users to 20 percent more UVA radiation - with increased risks for UVA-induced skin damage,
premature aging, wrinkling, and UV-induced immune system damage. For this
reason, I believe choosing "full spectrum" protection
against UVA and UVB rays is more important than a high SPF rating.
Generally speaking, an SPF 15 is the minimum requirement while anything over 30 provides only a marginal advantage. An SPF of 50 only blocks the sun about 1.3% more from UVB radiation than an SPF 30. Moreover, the higher ratings are generally achieved by including chemicals that many believe are dangerous in and of themselves.
Ingredient Safety -- Your skin is the body's largest organ, making it vital to think holistically about product ingredients before you absorb them through your skin.
Zinc oxide is actually a nutrient required for good health. While the Environmental Working Group voices general concerns about manufacturing worker exposure and
environmental impact from the use of nano sized mineral particles, EWG
concedes that nano-sized zinc and titanium oxides are not readily absorbed through the skin and that products based on
these ingredients are the only safe "full spectrum" choices available
in the U. S.
To boost SPF without zinc or titanium oxide, many lower end products include chemicals with the potential to become unstable in sunlight. They contain four
times as many high hazard ingredients known or strongly suspected to
cause cancer or birth defects, to disrupt human reproduction or damage
the growing brain of a child. They also contain more toxins on average
in every major category of health harm considered: cancer (10% more),
birth defects and reproductive harm (40% more), neurotoxins (20% more),
endocrine system disruptors (70% more), and chemicals that can damage
the immune system (70% more).
I believe that these health risks exceed the value of any added
sun protection implied by a higher SPF rating, and that is why zinc oxide and
titanium dioxide are your best sunscreen ingredient choices.
As with all cosmetic products, Amy's Skin Care aims to avoid parabens in our sun protection choices. We avoid the use of chemical ingredients except where needed for protection in certain intensive sport and water sport applications. While natural essential oils are perfectly fine, we avoid unspecified "fragrance" that could represent hundreds of different chemical compounds and sensitive users may prefer no fragrance at all.
To simplify the process of choosing the best sunscreen for your needs, this month's Skinformation issue features reviews of some of the healthier alternatives I have personally tested. For a more detailed study covering all of the health and environmental considerations regarding sunscreen products, I recommend the analysis and Q&A on the EWG website.
A shady place and few minutes with this Skinformation Newsletter will have you well-versed on the subject of sun protection, just in time for the beginning of summer.
Warmly,
Amy
P. S. If a someone you know would benefit from receiving this newsletter, won't you please take a moment to make them aware?
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Amy's Reviewed and Rated Sunscreen List
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In a new investigation of 978 name-brand sunscreens, the Environmental
Working Group (EWG) found that 4 out of 5 sunscreen products offer
inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with
significant safety concerns. Leading brands were the worst offenders:
None of market leader Coppertone's 39 sunscreen products met EWG's
criteria for safety and effectiveness, and only 1 of 90 products from
Banana Boat and Neutrogena, the second- and third-largest
manufacturers, are recommended by EWG.
 A sunscreen that doesn't look good or feel right won't be used. To assist and encourage your selection of quality sunscreens to meet your everyday skin protection needs, I recently shopped for some of the safer alternatives and had my family put a dozen of them to the test. Here are those products, where they should be used, active ingredients and our overall impressions:
1. Badger SPF 30
Face & Body
Zinc Oxide
Amy's Review: This cream with a slight citrus fragrance is effective and highly-rated by the Environmental Working Group for safety. However, some might find the texture way too thick and it leaves a chalky, white appearance long after application. Available at PCC for about $16.
2. California Baby SPF 30+
Face & Body
Micronized titanium
Amy's Review: As the name implies,
this water resistant cream is a good choice for water babies of all
ages. Both of the California Baby products reviewed are labeled as
non-chemical, tear-free and PABA-free, as well as having no nut oils,
gluten, soy, oat or dairy. Love it! About $21.50 at PCC/Whole Foods. Also available online here:
California Baby Spf 30 Sunscreen Lotion 2.9oz.
3. California Baby Sunblock Stick SPF 30+
Face & Body
Titanium dioxide
 Amy's Review: This convenient pocket-sized stick version of this product is also water resistant. This solid product is perfect for air travel and there is no liquid to leak in your purse if it doesn't melt. Stick application takes a little more effort than cream products. Your kids may enjoy putting it on as well. About $15.50 at Whole Foods and also available online here:
California Baby Spf 30 Sunblock Stick .5oz.
4. Eminence Sun Defense Minerals SPF 30
Face
Micronized Zinc Oxide, Micronized Titanium Dioxide, Freeze-dried fruit 
Amy's Review: With full spectrum protection and approved ingredients, this weighless physical non-chemical powder product is perfect for people with acne, oily skin, rosacea and sensitive skins, and can be combined with Eminence toners to make it water resistant. Those that dislike the texture of any sunscreen creams will enjoy Eminence Sun Defense Minerals, but it isn't recommended for dry skin that the powder may exacerbate.
· Effective SPF 30 protection
· Water-resistant; great for exercise or swimming
· Hypoallergenic for all skin types and great for both men and women
· Anti-inflammatory, excellent for post-treatment (especially for red or blotchy skin)
· Clean, anti-bacterial and will not clog pores
· Loaded with vitamins and bioflavonoids
· Reflects the sun and keeps skin cool reducing Rosacea flare-ups and oil production
· Available in various shades for added cosmetic coverage; darker shades can be used as a bronzer
· Easy to use, apply and carry anywhere
Eminence Sun Defense Minerals come in five shades to match all skin tones
Eminence Sun Defense Minerals are available through Amy's Skin Care. $58
EWG notes that micronized powders may be absorbed through inhalation with unknown effects, and adult supervision and care is advised when applying any powder products.
5. Tomato Sun Cream SPF 16
Face, Micronized Zinc Oxide Amy's Review: This Eminence facial moisturizer provides great everyday facial protection with an SPF of 16. It's perfect for normal, combination and dry skin types and has a lovely mint aroma. Key Ingredients:
· Tomato: beta hydroxy acids, lycopene, anti aging agent
· Chestnut Pulp: antioxidant
· Aloe Vera: helps to calm and reduce irritation
· Orange Oil: softens and enriches the skin
· Micronized Zinc Oxide: sun protection, anti-inflammatory
· Biocomplex™: an antioxidant booster of Vitamin A, Vitamin C Ester, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid
6. Goddess Garden Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
Face & Body
Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Amy's Review: We thought this product lacked a "Shake Well Before Using" directive as the ingredients in our tube needed to be better blended. The product made our skin feel slightly greasy. The slight lavender fragrance is pleasant. It's available at PCC for about $12.
7. Goddess Garden Kid's Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
Face & Body
Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Amy's Review: The kid's version of the Goddess Garden cream goes on more smoothly than the non-kid's version, with a less greasy feel and nice texture overall. This also has a slight lavender fragrance and is available at PCC for about $12.
8. JASON Sunbrellas Mineral Based physical
Sunblock SPF 30+
Face and Body
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
Amy's Review: This effective cream with no fragrance dries into your skin leaving a slightly white appearance and the least greasy texture of creams tested. Find it at Whole Foods for about $15.
9. Mychelle Sun Shield SPF 28
Face
Zinc Oxide (ZinClear), Titanium Dioxide
Amy's Review: This very effective clear gel features Mychelle's ZinClear brand of zinc oxide nano-particles in a nuturing Aloe Vera base. It enables a smooth application over moisturizer. Because it is said to be non-eye irritating, this could be a great choice for face protection while participating in sweaty summer sports. Love the texture over my moisturizer! Available at PCC / Whole Foods for about $20 and also available online here:
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield SPF 28
 10. Nature's Gate Mineral Sportblock SPF 20
Face and Body
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
Amy's Review: I personally liked this effective cream for its smooth application, dry finish with no white, chalky look and has fragrance-free formula offering good value. Thumbs up! Find it at Whole Foods for about $7.
11. Nature's Gate Sport Block Dry Finish SPF 30
Face and Body
Homosalate, Oxtinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone,
Titanium Dioxide
Amy's Review: Unlike the Nature's Gate product mentioned as #10 above, this product contains oxybenzone combined with titanium dioxide that makes it a sweat-resistant choice for athletic activity -- but we would choose a more natural alternative for everyday use. With a dry finish you hardly feel this product on your skin. It is available at Whole Foods for about $7.
12. Nature's Gate Aqua Block SPF 50
Face and Body
Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Zinc Oxide
Amy's Review: This Nature's Gate product also contains oxybenzone combined with 10% zinc oxide for extra-strength water-resistance you need for extended beach or pool use. We would choose a more natural alternative for everyday use. It's available at Whole Foods for about $8.
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Cool Down Over-Exposed Skin with Eminence Stone Crop Masque
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| Be prepared to treat over-exposed skin with a cooling, calming masque from Eminence.
Stone Crop Masque
Stone Crop is a succulent plant that helps to hydrate, calm and even pigmentation, and it feels great on sun-damaged skin.
Ahhhh...
Skin Type: Oily to mature, lack of tone, irritated and pigmented skin types
Key Ingredients:
· Stone Crop: helps reduce pigmentation and moisturizes
· Lemon: contains high amounts of Vitamin C, antioxidant
· Bioflavonoids: fights against free radicals, protective agent
· Honey: nourishing and moisturizing agent
· Biocomplex™: functions as an antioxidant booster of Vitamin A, Vitamin C Ester, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid
Eminence Stone Crop Masque is available through Amy's Skin Care. $48
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12th Annual Bastyr Herb & Food Fair |
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See Amy at the
12th Annual Herb & Food Fair
Saturday, June 6, 2009
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Bastyr University Campus Grounds. Bastyr University is located adjacent to St. Edward State Park. |
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Amy Skin Care Gift Certificates
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Amy's Gift Certificates make a great gift for anyone. They are available in various denominations and come with an attractive certificate in a gift envelope that you'll be proud to present. And ordering couldn't be easier with Priority Mail service or location pick-up to meet your last-minute gifting needs. PayPal and Major credit cards accepted.
Call me at 206-999-6336, email or use these links for quick online Gift Certificate orders!
Customized Facials Series of three - $195
Back Facial Series of three - $150
Microdermabrasion Series of three - $240 | |
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