The End of Summer is NOT the End of Sunscreen

So, the end of summer is very nearly upon us—Labor Day is less than two weeks away, if you can believe it—and soon we’ll be packing up our straw hats and bathing suits, beach bags and flip-flops. But not, we repeat, not the sunscreen.

Never the sunscreen, people, and we’ll tell you why: excessive exposure to the sun not only causes wrinkles but increases your risk for developing skin cancer—your vulnerable face is still out there for those hardcore UV rays to shine on. And although the sun is at its least powerful in the winter months, it’s very nearly impossible to avoid all of the sun’s damaging UV rays (unless of course you live in a cave). So, you need to be vigilant in your efforts to protect your gorgeous mug for all 365 days of the year.

However, take heart: This doesn’t require an extra half hour in front of the bathroom mirror. It’s as simple as adding a quick step in your morning beauty regimen (which you should be in the habit of doing anyway after the past three months!): Cleanse first, then your sunscreen/moisturizer combo, and finally, if you choose, your makeup. It’s as easy as that.

What’s not so easy is figuring out what kind of sun protection to buy and use. There’s a lot of information in the marketplace right now and not all of it is accurate (or decipherable). And since we are committed to protecting you and your family from both harmful skincare ingredients and the UV rays of the sun, we’ve developed a quick list for choosing the best sunscreen:

  • Be wary of products claiming waterproof, hypoallergenic, eight-hour or all-day/continuous protection, and/or chemical-free (the FDA deems these claims unacceptable)
  • The FDA recognizes claims that can be substantiated with numbers such as “clinically tested,” “water resistant (up to 40 minutes),” and “very water resistant (up to 80 minutes)”
  • Read the ingredient list. If you see things like oxybenzone (a.k.a. benzophenone-3), methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, propylene glycol, fragrances, and dyes-Move On.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for safer ingredients, such as Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) or alternatively, the whole particle physical blocks titanium dioxide and zinc
  • Look for SPF 30+ in combination with UVA Active Ingredients or the words “broad spectrum” to ensure protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Even better, ask your favorite brand to send you the UVA testing paperwork because in the U.S. alone, it is acceptable for any sunscreen brand to claim “broad spectrum” without having any tests to back it up

And because we like to make things as easy as possible, Supergoop! meets all of the above criterion AND we are giving sample packs to 50 new Facebook fans who tell us your preference (before Labor Day!) for SPF lip balm flavors: Mint, Vanilla, Coconut or Acai Berry.

Posted on August 25, 2010 3:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (View)
It’s what’s INSIDE that counts!

BE SUN SAVVY:
One of the greatest challenges of creating safe UV protection is balancing performance, texture and feel, and body-friendly ingredients. With the proposed changes to the FDA’s sunscreen guidelines still waiting approval, companies are labeling sun protective products with claims that, according to the Environmental Working Group’s 2009 Sunscreen Investigation, could not possibly be true.

BE SUN SMART:
Until the FDA guidelines are updated and consumers are finally provided more information on product labels to guide their purchases, companies are free to sell products that would be considered misbranded if the guidelines were already in place. So why do so many mass manufactured lines continue to use misleading marketing terms, such as “waterproof”, “sweatproof”, and “continuous protection”? Clearly, the lack of regulation has resulted in far too many exaggerated and inaccurate claims in advertising and labeling to gain market share. What’s a confused consumer to do?!

We’ve compiled our 2010 TOP TIPS for reading a sunscreen bottle to help you better understand what’s INSIDE!

  • Know how to spot common misleading claims:

Products claiming waterproof, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-approved, 8 hour or All-day/continuous protection, and/or Chemical Free, should make the consumer skeptical. According to the FDA, the above mentioned claims are unacceptable. If the brand is careless with their marketing lingo, how can we trust other claims for legitimacy as well? Do you want these products in your home or beach bag?

Look for recognized claims by the FDA and claims that can be substantiated with numbers, such as Clinically Tested, Water Resistant (up to 40 minutes) or Very Water Resistant (up to 80 minutes). While dermatologist approved sounds comforting, most dermatologists are not set up to perform stability, skin compatibility and UVA testing. It is the responsibility of the brand to ensure that the proper testing protocol is completed in independent, clinical labs and these results are transparent to the consumer. Ask for the clinical test results.

  • Read the Ingredient labels carefully:

The FDA requires over-the-counter manufacturers to disclose a complete active and inactive ingredient list on all SPF packaging. It doesn’t take long to spot the common cosmetic ingredients that are widely recognized as possibly carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and allergens. (oxybenzone -also written as benzophenone-3, methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, propylene glycol, synthetic fragrances, dyes)

Ask the brand if their products contain any ingredients on the SIN (Substitute it Now!) list. The International Chemical Secretariat organization provides this list of 356 chemicals identified as substances of very high concern based on the criteria established by the new EU chemical regulation. These ingredients should be avoided in all cosmetics and sunscreens are no different. Where you’ll find one, you’ll often find many, so be sure to be a good label detective.

  • Look for SPF 30+ in combination with UVA Active Ingredients

The FDA currently has no regulations about what degree of UVA protection a sunscreen must provide in U.S. to be able to make the claim of “UVA/UVB” or “Broad-Spectrum”, so you won’t know how much protection you are actually getting by reading these claims on the bottle. Look for either Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) or alternatively, look for the whole particle physical blocks, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc. And remember, SPF numbers refer only to the ability to protect from UVB rays —they tell you nothing about UVA protection.

Finally, a few last words as a sunscreen manufacturer and a mom of two: While the challenge will continue for us to push for innovation in creating safe UV protection that meets European standards with beneficial natural ingredients, the challenge will continue for consumers to read and understand the labels, and make a commitment to form healthy habits that include everyday use of safe suncare products. For us, total brand transparency is a must. For our consumers, read your labels and ask questions. Together we can prioritize our health and the health of our environment.

Posted on March 31, 2010 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (View)
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