It’s that time of year again, when the sun peaks through and your skin soaks it all up like a sponge. Sure you’ll get a nice tan, but the sun’s harmful rays will affect your skin, and when it does, that tan won’t even be worth it. Here’s how to protect your sensitive skin from that powerful sun.
Most people think that an SPF 30 or more will completely shield them from the sun’s damaging rays. Wrong. SPF only refers to UVB rays, which is the shorter end of the sun’s spectrum of light that causes sunburns. The longer rays, which are called UVA, are only filtered out by some sunscreens, not all. Since UVA rays are not harmful instantly, they do damage in the long run, and companies are now working to bring out sunscreens that contain protection against UVA rays as well.
In the beginning, sunscreen formulas weren’t photostable, which meant that they only worked for a short period of time. Fortunately, intense research has resulted in the discovery of a new generation of sunscreen formulas that have improved photostable, which lasts hours longer.
The main ingredient, which was patented by L’Oreal research, is called Mexoryl XL and it has taken the company a whopping a years to bring it to Canada! “Mexoryl is the world’s first broad-spectrum UVA and UVB filter and the only one so far on the Canadian Monograph”, says DR. Josso, who works for the research facilities at L’Oreal. “It is very photostable and has been designed to blend easily in cosmetic formulations with no negative impact on skin feel, unlike many conventional UV filters.”
He goes on to say that it is crucial to use a product that contains balanced UVA and UVB protection. “Balanced UV protection, by screening equally UVA and UVB radiation, does not modify the sun’s natural UV spectrum, but reduces the intensity to a level manageable by the body’s natural defense system. With only UVB protection, the skin can be bombarded with high levels of UVA radiation, while the user thinks he is adequately protected since sunburns are prevented. ”
So although you may think you’re safe in the sun’s rays with your SPF 30 sunscreen, think again. Do your research, and find products that contain Mexoryl XL. You know very well the sun is bad for you, so don’t take a chance!