Busting the myths about sun protection … and an exclusive treat for Green Girls
With a bit of luck Summer might be just around the corner, and as we are collectively so passionate about a natural and organic approach to our lifestyles, it’s a good job that we can rely on some of the top organic beauty brands to provide us with safe and effective SPF protection so that we can make the most of the sun’s rays.
A gorgeous gift set for Green Girls
In fact, all Green Girls can enter a competition to win a sun-sational Lavera Beach Set, worth £25, which has everything you need for carefree yet conscientious hours basking in the sun. There’s an organic SPF15 Sun Spray, After Sun, Sun Lip Balm SPF10 and a handy raffia beach mat which packs up neatly with a carry handle. All you need do is sign up to the newsletter at online organic beauty boutique, by sending an email to offers@lucyrose.biz and you will be automatically entered in to the exclusive ‘Green Girls Global’ draw to win this must-have Lavera Beach Set. Draw will take place on 30 June 2009.
Unravelling the science of suncare
However, understanding the array of sun products that are available can be a tall order, even within the organic sector. Especially when you take into account recent recommended changes to labelling and to the ratio of UVA versus UVB protection.
This is designed to be a straightforward guide to unravelling some of the common myths, misconceptions and complex science relating to sun care in the hope that you will be able to relax safe in the knowledge that you are slapping on the best protection for you and your family.
UVA or UVB?
UVA protection is more important in preventing long term skin damage than UVB protection
UVA radiation penetrates deep under the skin’s surface and is responsible for long-term cell damage including premature ageing and skin cancer. UVB radiation causes sun burn and therefore warns the body that it has been in the sun for too long. It is really important to ensure that your sun lotion has adequate UVA protection as well as UVB. New recommendations suggest that the ratio of UVA to UVB protection should be 1:3.
How effective are SPFs?
SPF 30 does not offer double the protection of SPF 15
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and only measures the amount of UVB protection provided by a sun screen (not UVA). So for example, an SPF 15 will protect you against roughly 93% of UVB rays while an SPF 30 protects you against approximately 97% UVB – you are therefore only achieving a marginal increase in UVB protection with the higher SPFs. It is more important to reapply the sun screen every 2-3 hours, or after swimming or wiping with a towel, to provide effective protection from the sun’s rays.
Should I worry about nano particles?
Nano particles in 100% natural mineral sunscreens are completely safe to use
Yes, organic sun lotions do contain nano-particles which in synthetic products cause concern for two reasons: they can penetrate the skin and enter the body and they can cause the formation of free-radicals when exposed to UV light. However, the good news is that for 100% natural mineral sunscreens, the nano-particles are covered in a film which prevents them from being exposed to UV light and once combined with the cream base, they will also be unable to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin.
Will I be safe in the shade or when it’s cloudy?
The sun’s rays can still be damaging regardless of cloudy or shady conditions
Make sure you are protected from the sun even if it’s cloudy or you are in the shade – up to 40% of the sun’s rays can still break through even in shady conditions – and the rays are just as strong through the cloud.
What’s good for you
The right protection for you will depend on your skin type, the strength of the sun, your age e.g. adult, child or baby, the climate, the location e.g. in the sea, in the desert or up mountains, the season and the time of day.
To be on the safe side, if in doubt, wear protective clothing, avoid the sun or sun bathing at the hottest times of the day and remember to keep applying a 100% natural sun screen.
Five good reasons to go natural
Natural mineral sunscreens work well because
1. They act as a natural filter using mineral ingredients such as titanium dioxide
2. They begin to work immediately after application
3. The UVA and UVB rays are reflected rather than absorbed
4. They won’t cause any skin irritation
5. And last, but not least, they are waterproof.
If you’ve any further questions about organic sun care, you can email/speak to the experts at Lucy Rose (www.lucyrose.biz) who provide an extensive selection of organic sun care products, including Lavera and Green People, hand-picked because of their authenticity, safety and effectiveness.
We hope that your overall enjoyment of the sun will be enhanced by the comfort of knowing you are fully protected by totally natural, organic and beautiful sun products. So here’s to happy times in the sunshine and a long hot summer!
June 15th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
This is not true, many organic suncream manufacturers do use nano particles including green people, lavera, badger, etc
June 17th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Thanks so much for this useful information! I have been pondering over this at our house because of our son’s allergies and Eczema. He has become 90% better from using Vidazorb probiotics and after three long yrs of suffering, he looks and feels so so so much better. It has been an answer to prayer! However, we are still very careful about what we put on his skin as I think he is still a bit sensitive. I have been looking for a natural sunscreen and bug repellent for him and for our whole family…I do not want us covered in chemicals! Good to know the scoop on nano-particles, I have been confused about this. Thanks again, smilinggreenmom **find me on twitter!
June 21st, 2009 at 11:16 am
In 2005, the UK Government commissioned the Royal Society and Royal Engineering Academy to write a report on nano technology. The report unambiguously concludes that uncertainties about the risks of manufactured nanoparticles “need to be addressed immediately to safeguard workers and consumers”. Oddly the Government failed to commission any further research despite the clear call for such research and regulation. It is highly unethical for companies claiming to be ethical to be using such technology. Thanks to this article I know about this company now and will avoid their products for the following reasons:
1 Ingredients in the form of nanoparticles should undergo full safety assessment (even if the substance has already been assessed in larger forms) before being commercialized. [De facto moratorium? What should be done about nanotech products already on the shelf?]
2 The use of free manufactured nanoparticles (not fixed to or within a material) in environmental applications such as remediation should be prohibited until appropriate research has been undertaken.
3 Chemicals in the forms of nanoparticles should be treated by regulators as new substances (thus acknowledging that properties of nanoscale particles may be different from the same chemical substance in larger forms).
4 Factories and research laboratories should treat manufactured nanoparticles and nanotubes as if they are hazardous and seek to reduce or remove them from waste streams.
5 Industry should make public all relevant data related to safety assessments of manufactured nanoparticles, and demonstrate how they have taken into account that properties of nanoparticles may be different from larger forms.
6 Consumer products containing manufactured nanoparticles should be labeled on ingredients lists.
7 All relevant regulatory bodies in the UK should review whether existing regulations are appropriate to protect humans and the environment from potential nanotech hazards, and report on how regulatory gaps will be addressed.
8 With the support of the UK, the European Commission should review the adequacy of current regulations with respect to the introduction of nanoparticles into any consumer products.
I disagree that nano particles are safe unless you want to rely on research done solely by Lavera who are also trying to get customers to buy their product. There are a host of issues not addressed by companies like Lavera but I will never trust or purchase products from this company again.
June 21st, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Green People also use nano technology and I also do not think it is safe. This article is written by journos not peer reviewed scienctists.
Journals report: “The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering have expressed serious concern at the Government’s lack of progress in improving the understanding of the potential health and environmental impacts of free nanoparticles in a new report published today.
Despite the growing number of products on the market containing these manufactured, ultra small substances, the report says that, “the Government’s approach to reducing the uncertainties around the health and environmental impacts of nanomaterials&has not been effective. Its reluctance to commit adequate funding or set a time table for achieving objectives is of serious concern.”
Uncertainties about the potential effects of nanoparticles on human health and the environment were highlighted in 2004 in a Government-commissioned report(4) undertaken by the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering. Some materials in nanoparticulate form have special properties, different from those of the same material on a larger scale, which may create potential risks along with their benefits. The novel properties of nanoparticles are currently being exploited in products such as stain-resistant clothing, anti-ageing’ creams and sunscreens.”
so watch out and do not believe everything you read, research, research yourself