Sun Protection
How
to: Avoid Sunburns - July 27, 2008
A recent study by a cosmetics industry watchdog group may hold part of the
answer. Analyzing 952 brand-name sunscreens, the nonprofit Environmental
Working Group found that only 15 percent offered 'very good' protection from
both UVB and UVA radiation, remained stable in sunlight and posed few if any
known or suspected hazards. In plain language, 4 out of 5 failed its tests —
with leading brands among the worst offenders.
BASF's highly active UV filters help protect skin from
UV radiation. BASF supplies many big-name sunscreen product manufacturers and
is one of the world's leading cosmetic industry suppliers. More and more
skincare and decorative cosmetic products now contain UV filters. "A good
product should give two-fold protection against sunburn and premature skin
aging," says Dr. Heike Floesser-Mueller, sunscreen expert and European
marketing specialist for cosmetic ingredients at BASF. "So cosmetic products
should contain UVB and UVA filters."
Increasing
Sun Exposure is Not The Way to Decrease Breast Cancer Risk, Despite New Data,
Warn Cancer Experts - May 15, 2008
Cancer researchers and physicians have warned of the
link between unprotected sun exposure and the development of skin cancer for
decades, but experts from Yale Cancer Center warn that recent publicity about a
new study linking a decreased risk of breast cancer to increased levels of
vitamin D may be confusing.
Screen
your Sun Protection for Safe Coverage - May 12, 2008
A recent report by the CDC also found that 95 percent
of Americans have oxybenzone, an ingredient found in sunscreens, in their
bloodstream. The chemical is linked to cell damage, allergies and hormone
disruption.
Users can search the Skin Deep sunscreen database for
the highest- and lowest-rated sunscreens or search by brand name. A scale rates
each sunscreen a low, moderate or high health hazard as well as effective,
moderately effective or not effective sun protection.
Melanoma Rates Continue to Rise - August 17, 2007
The incidence of melanoma has steadily increased in
the
United States
, and from 1995 to 2004, the rate of melanoma rose by more
than 1% per year.
Understanding Sunscreen Labels Helps Achieve Maximum Protection -
July 25, 2007
Sixty-two percent of Americans surveyed in a new
survey* by PreSun Sunscreen products indicate they do not purchase a new
sunscreen at the start of every spring/summer season (instead, using what was
left from last summer). "Extreme temperatures, including being in a
suitcase or hot car, can shorten sunscreen's shelf life, so it's safest to
buy a new bottle at least every summer season," explains Florida-based
dermatologist Craig Eichler, M.D. Here, Dr. Eichler offers his tips for
purchasing sunscreen:
EU bans misleading "sunblock" labels - July 9, 2007
There is no such thing as 100 percent protection from
the sun, the European Union's consumer chief warned holidaymakers on Monday and
she banned the words "sunblock" and "100 percent sun protection" on sun cream.
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