some sunscreen info - Rachael

[Guest guest]

Rachael,

 

thanks for your very thorough search about sunscreen! It was v concise, clear

and informative - I'm saving it for future reference

 

Big, thankful smiles

 

Huria

 

 

-

smartgirl27us

Friday, April 19, 2002 7:01 PM

some sunscreen info

 

 

Okay - I just spent my lunch break on the web checking out different

sun safe articles (since this is something I want to know for my

daughter as well). Here is what I found - please take it with some

skepticism as I dont know if some of the articles were biased.

 

1. Sunscreen does not typically block UVA rays (only UVB). Sunblock

blocks both. It is important to protect against both.

 

2. Common ingredients in sunscreen, which ARE absorbed by the skin -

benzophenone (suspected free radical producer), triethanolamine (TEA)

(suspected carcinogenic). Bad stuff, stay away.

 

3. Common ingredients in sunblock, which are NOT absorbed by the skin

and are all natural - titanium dioxide, zinc.

 

4. Aubrey natural sun products contain PABA which is a possible

allergen and a suspected carcinogenic (even though it is natural it

is bad).

 

5. All Terain natural sun products contain zinc oxide (okay).

 

6. Bronzo Sensuale natural sun products are carrot based, PABA free,

and endorsed by PETA.

 

7. Antioxidants (which reduce free radicals) are beneficial in

helping protect against UV rays - Yams and Carrots are good

antioxidants (but should not be the sole form of sun protection)

 

8. Also good is ginkgo biloba and an enzyme called glutathione

peroxide (I have no idea what this actually is).

 

9. UVA rays are not blocked by clouds so just because the sun isnt

shining doesnt mean youre safe.

 

10. Most importantly for children - HATS, sun safe clothes (tight

weave or chemically treated), limited sun exposure if possible, and

sun block when exposure is neccessary. And a little carrot juice

couldnt hurt!!

 

I hope this helps somebody - it was an interesting search.

 

Rachael

 

 

 

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