Category Archives: Sunscreen

Key points about commonly used herbals

Dr. Darrell Hulisz from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio has written a continuing education article on herbals.

Here are the author’s take-away points, with additional references added. Continue reading Key points about commonly used herbals

Recommending a UVA sunscreen

Earlier this year, the FDA approved Anthelios SX, an over-the-counter product that contains a camphor derivative (ecamsule/Mexoryl SX), which is photostable and targets UVA radiation. In addition, Neutrogena has added a stabilizer, Helioplex, to several of its products containing avobenzone and other UVA blockers, which might boost their efficacy in protecting against a spectrum of UVA wavelengths.

The questions are, “How good are they? Which is better?” asks Dr. DeLeo from St. Luke’s-Roosevelt and Beth Israel Medical Centers in New York City.

Continue reading Recommending a UVA sunscreen

Another reason to use lots of sunscreen

When sunscreen is applied, its UV filters reduce the amount of UV radiation that penetrates the skin. Over time however, the filters themselves penetrate below the surface of the outer layer of skin, leaving the body vulnerable to UV radiation.

In fact, when commonly used sunscreens (octylmethoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3 and octocrylene) are abasorbed, they actually generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative damage. This leads to skin damage and increases in the visible signs of aging, according to researchers at the University of California, Riverside.

Continue reading Another reason to use lots of sunscreen