Your Top 6 Sunscreen Questions Answered
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Sunday March 7, 2010
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With the SPF myths battling the skin cancer realities out there, choosing the right sunscreen for you is a more challenging feat than you might think. We caught up with Kristen Ma, owner of Toronto’s Pure + Simple Beauty, and BeautyGeek Janine Falcon to get the scoop on suncare shopping. ChickAdvisor: What is SPF (sun protection factor)?
Kristen Ma: SPF is the given factor multiplied by your burn time. For example, if you burn in five minutes and wear an SPF 10, you will now burn in 50 minutes.
CA: How do you know which SPF is right for you?
Janine Falcon: Use an SPF 30 at the minimum, and an SPF 60 if you have sensitive skin, but the difference in how much it blocks isn’t really that much. There is an SPF 100 coming up, and the worry here is that people will forget to reapply, or won’t think they need to. The truth is, the SPF is only as good as your SPF habits.
CA: How often to you need to reapply?
JF: You should reapply every 2 to 2½ hours, depending on what you’re doing outside. Keep a small amount in your bag for incidental sun exposure, and keep track of time to figure out how long you’ve been in the sun. Sunblock breaks down on the skin in exposure to light, including UV rays that transcend through windows. If you apply your sunblock in the morning and you’re indoors for two hours, you should reapply it before going outdoors for lunch.
CA: What are some important advantages of using a natural sunblock?
KM: A natural mineral block has zinc and titanium. It is a barrier against UV rays – almost like an umbrella for your skin. It gives you a longer lasting sun protection. It is very hard to find a natural block that is over SPF 30, but I usually advise that because of the side effects of non-natural blocks, use an SPF 30 and take breaks every few hours to cool the skin down and allow for all day protection.
CA: What are the advantages of using a conventional sunblock?
JF: Some conventional sunblocks contain ingredients such as Helioplex or Mexoryl SX/XL, which studies show increase the stability of the sunscreen components to ensure effective protection against UVA/UVB damage.
CA: So how do you know which one is best for you?
JF: Sometimes the only way you can tell is by trying them. At the end of the day most of the responsibility lies with the person applying the sunscreen. You have to be diligent and it’s down to your habits, and how careful you are with putting on your sunscreen.
What to buy? We have your top recommendations for suncare here:
Protection:(1) Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 60 with Helioplex: Gives your skin a cooling sensation when you apply it, rather than a greasy, sticky one.
(2) Cliniderm Gentle Protective Lotion, SPF 45: Protects with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both natural sunscreen ingredients. "It's a micronized formula that doesn't doesn't feel sticky in the least when you put it on," says Falcon.
(3) Lise Watier SUN Smart Universal UV Shield: Leaves your skin so velvety smooth you'll look forward to applying it.
(4) Dermatone: A natural sunblock available in a handy on-the-go tube for your unexpected sun exposure sessions.
(5) Pure + Simple All Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Sensitive Skin: For a natural beauty addict's suncare needs
After sun:
(6) Hawaiian tropic ICE burn relief with cool aloe: Member tip: Store it in the fridge to maximize cooling sensation
(7) Vichy Capital Soleil Après-Soleil SOS Repair Balm: Go straight for this product if you get a sunburn, advises Falcon.
by Julie-Anne Cleyn
PureandSimple
BeautyGeeks
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