All Sun Blocks Are Created Equal: NOT
August 14, 2009 by cathiebeck
Filed under 'A New Face' blog
If you read the previous post, you’ll know about Beryl.
If you know Beryl, you also know that you very much want her skin.
In this blog, we’re going to visit and revisit Beryl a bit. Why? Because she’s got the very best skin I’ve ever seen on a woman “over 40.”
What the hell. I’ve attached a photo of her — before she “did” her skin — and after.
She’s Dr. Joel Meyers M.D.’s skin “wizard,” and here’s a bit from when she and I conversed about sun block, why and when to use it, and how I’ve managed to blow what should have been a decent contribution to my retirement fund on years of inadequate sun block.
Me to Beryl: What are the TOP THINGS women (or anyone) can do — that cost little to nothing — to preserve the life of their skin?
Beryl (this is a partial answer; come back for continuation of this conversation):
“Genetics plays a roll, but if that’s something that may be working against a person, then nutrition and health habits are the No. 1 thing.
“Using sun protection effectively is equally important. First, putting it on just once in the morning — unless you’re really going to sit in an office all day long — won’t do it.
“Sun block needs to be reapplied every two to three hours if you’re out in the environment. I’ve seen it: Having someone start using a good sunblock can make a dramatic difference in their skin.
“There are two kinds of rays: UVA, the aging rays — and UVB rays, the burning rays.
“Most over-the-counter sun blocks contain chemicals — not minerals. A “chemical” sun block will allow the UVA — or “aging” rays — through. Zinc and titanium dioxide is a mineral combination in some sun blocks that reflect both UVA and UVB rays away from your skin. The combination is like putting a film on your skin that reflects the rays away. Whole Foods and REI are more cognizant of sun blocks and the minerals in them.
“Here’s what the number means on sun block: If you burn in 10 minutes and you put an SPF 30 on, you’re protected 30 times as much as if you put nothing on in that 10 minutes against UVB (burning) rays. However, activity, i.e., sweating, swimming, etc., reduces the effectiveness of the original application.
“It’s important to reapply sun block so that you’re building protection – even if it’s chemical. It protects you from being burned.
“Look hard for minerals in a sun block. Blue Lizard is one of them, which you can order online. REI has a zinc oxide sunblock. Look for mineral percentages of 9 or 10 and over.
“Also, if you put a chemical sunblock on, you have to wait 20 to 30 minutes before you’re protected. The mineral protects immediately.”
Yikes. No more Walgreens-brand block for me.
