Sun Protection Facts

If you have sensitive skin, suffer from rosacea or acne, or experience a burning sensation after applying a sunscreen to your face; I encourage you to read the following information. The newest addition to the PEL Basics line, Protective Sun Crème, offers excellent sun protection using all-natural ingredients that are actually good for your skin.

In recent years the medical community has exposed the negative effects of UVA rays. One breakthrough study published in 1999 by the American Medical Association concluded that UVA rays account for as much as 90% of all UV radiation. Exposure to UVA may not produce obvious short-term damage such as sunburn, but the danger of these deep penetrating rays is long term. Long wave UVA rays can cause age spots, wrinkling and loss of skin's elasticity and has necessitated the development of fuller broad-spectrum sunscreen protection. At present, only the three following UVA protectors have the FDA approval; titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and Parsol 1789. The problem with Parsol 1789 is its tendency to photodegrade. To counter the effect complex chemical stabilizers must be added. Protective Sun Crème is an all-natural formulation using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for maximum protection without chemicals.

There are two types of harmful ultraviolet rays in sunlight, UVA that pass through window glass and UVB that are blocked by window glass. Both types of rays are harmful and cause sunburn and skin cancers. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

It is estimated that children get 80% of their total sun damage by the time they turn 18. The earlier parents incorporate sun protection into their children's daily activities, the lower their lifetime risk of skin cancer. Protective Sun Crème, a 100% all natural formulation, is extremely safe for all ages including babies.

Sunscreens must be reapplied often to insure protection. Perspiring and swimming will deplete their effectiveness. If you suffer with acne, a waterproof sunscreen could make you break out. Try reapplying Protective Sun Crème more often, instead.

Sunscreens should be worn all year round and even on cloudy days. Just going for a walk exposes you to damaging sunlight and a lifetime of these "incidental exposures" adds up. As long as the sun is up you are being bombarded by harmful ultraviolet rays.

Whenever possible your sun protection program should include sun protective clothing, avoiding the sun between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm and of course a broad-spectrum sun cream.

Recent testing has revealed that commercial sunscreens contain ingredients that can be toxic. They often contain chemicals that not only give your face a burning sensation when applied, but can actually cause heat build up or "greenhouse" effect on your skin.

Avoiding sunburn is not the same as avoiding sun damage. Sunburn is just the immediate sign of overexposure, whereas sun damage can still develop over time. Sun exposure not only causes skin cancer and premature aging, but also suppresses the body's immune system.

Be careful when choosing a sunscreen. You want to be sure you choose a sunscreen that is PABA-free. PABA (para-amnio-benzoic-acid) is widely used in sunscreens and many people are allergic to it.

Q. Why should I try Protective Sun Crème?
A. Protective Sun Crème is an all-natural formulation that is actually beneficial to your skin. Since it is chemical-free it is gentle enough for folks with extremely sensitive skin and even babies. Protective Sun Crème is chock full of healing oils that will keep your skin soft and help to reverse the aged appearance of already damaged skin. You can be assured that all of the ingredients in Protective Sun Crème are good for your skin.

Q. Why is Protective Sun Crème a beige color instead of white?
A. Protective Sun Crème contains zinc oxide, a mineral essential for healthy skin and utilized for hundreds of years to heal multiple skin disorders. Zinc oxide, when applied to the skin, is stark white. Zinc oxide is recognized by the FDA as a broad-spectrum protection. Our doctors have lightly tinted Protective Sun Crème to make it blend beautifully with most skin types while not giving you the "pale face" associated with other zinc oxide products.

Q. Why is titanium dioxide in Protective Sun Crème?
A. Titanium dioxide is a sun block ingredient that physically deflects the sun's UV rays away from your skin. Titanium dioxide is not absorbed by the skin; therefore it is long lasting and is not known to cause allergic reactions for those who are extremely sensitive. Titanium dioxide is also recognized by the FDA as a broad-spectrum protection.

Q. Why is Protective Sun Crème more expensive than what I can buy at the store?
A. Protective Sun Crème is made from all-natural, 100% active ingredients. Most sun lotions sold in stores contain man-made chemicals and fillers that are much cheaper to manufacture and therefore can keep the price down. Unfortunately these synthetics result in a less effective sun protection.

Q. Can I go out in the sun and get a tan without damaging my skin?
A. There is no such thing as a "healthy tan". The tan you develop is actually the left over debris after the war between your skin and the sun has begun. To get that tan you need to expose yourself to dangerous amounts of radiation.

Q. Do darker skinned people need to use sun protection?
A. Absolutely. People who are born with very dark skin are naturally protected more than light skinned individuals, but even the darkest skinned people can get skin cancer and most certainly will show the signs of sun-related aging such as deep lines, wrinkles and sagging.

Q. Why does sun exposure cause your skin to look aged?
A. Below the top layer of your skin (the epidermis) there is the dermis that contains collagen. In undamaged skin the collagen resembles a tightly wrapped rope. As your skin is exposed to the sun and accumulates sun damage the collagen "rope" becomes frayed and tangled. This is what causes the skin to sag and become aged.

Q. How often and when should I use Protective Sun Crème?
A. A sunscreen should ideally be applied 10 to 15 minutes before going out in the sun to give your skin the ultimate protection. You should reapply sunscreens after swimming or strenuous exercise, as you will sweat them off. Protective Sun Crème is great to wear all year round. We are constantly being bombarded by the sun's damaging rays, not just during the summer months. While exercising, skiing, playing sports, working outdoors or even driving in the car (the windshield intensifies the sun's damaging effects), Protective Sun Crème will ward off the negative effects of sun exposure.

Q. Why don't I see an SPF listed for your Protective Sun Crème?
A. There is no SPF listed on Protective Sun Crème due to the fact that the FDA has it designated as a "cosmetic" product, not an OTC (Over-the-Counter) drug. The Protective Sun Crème has an SPF of approximately 15.

Q. I noticed small dots or bubbles of oil on top of the Protective Sun Crème when I opened the jar. What is that?
A. As with any all-natural product some percentage of separation of the natural, healing oils and all other ingredients can be expected. It has nothing to do with the performance of the product, strictly oils coming to the surface.

PEL Basics Protective Sun Creme