Sunshine Blues

Couple of years ago I started this page, and I've had only occasional updates along the line. Now I have Sphynxcat helping me with some of the product information, and believe me, I'd be lost without it. Once I move and get settled again, I have every intention of setting up camp at a big department store, taking down names and addresses off all the high-SPF bottles I can possibly find, and contacting the companies. Until then, this is a collection of notes on what works, what doesn't, and some idea as to why.

IMPORTANT AVOBENZONE NOTE: This is a little technical, but really, it's worth the read-through--it tells you why avobenzone works, and when it stops working, and a little about the FDA's soon-to-be-implemented new labeling regulations for sunscreens as a class.

Some words on the science of sunburn. First of all, all sunscreens can do is protect against short-wavelength UV-B light--this is the type of ultraviolet radiation that sits on the surface of the skin. This is what I had been thinking was the type of UV radiation that I--and everyone else--got burns from.

However, there's another type of UV radiation, UV-A. This is the longer-wavelength radiation, the type that sinks beneath the surface of the skin and burns deep cells. UV-A radiation causes melanoma, a rather lethal form of skin cancer, and the list of those afflicted--sometimes fatally--with melanoma gets bigger every year.

Only one ingredient, avobenzone, is FDA-confirmed to block all types of UV-A light. Whatever that means--these are the people, after all, who approved rBGH and aspartame, among others, for use in food. But let's go back to that--a lot of sunscreens make the claim to block both forms of UV light, but if the ingredients don't specifically list avobenzone it's just label hype. Unfortunately, another study I've read (this comes from the Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service, June 5, 1998) lists avobenzone as a chemical that increases sun sensitivity (click here for a fairly complete list of products, medications and cosmetics that are believed to increase photosensitivity).

Another thing. Some recent studies (I'm pulling this from the May/June 1998 issue of Mother Jones Magazine, but there have been other studies done) state that to be properly protected, one must apply sunscreen thickly--and reapply it every few hours. How many of us do that? "We're talking at least one full bottle per person per day at the beach" says Michael Castleman, who wrote the Mother Jones article.

All of this leaves us frantically scanning labels, wondering which sunscreen is going to fail on us this time, and scurrying through the shadows. None of which is very fun.

Some links first...
Sungrubbies.com. These are the people who are currently selling Total Block, as well as sunblocking fabric items.

This is another technical bit, basically distilling down to what we all knew already: sunscreen prevents skin cancer. Go read for the technical details; otherwise, rest assured, the initial results are in.

This is a fantastic article from eMedicine.com that breaks down each sunscreen ingredient currently in use for its ability to block UV-A and UV-B rays, as well as several other interesting factors. Well, well, well worth your time to read.

This, another scientific article, goes a little into the whys of sunscreens harming the skin. There are two known ways sunscreens can harm the skin. The first one's obvious--protect the skin long enough from solar exposure, and photosensitive skin, by default, will develop. The other one's a little more complex--since energy, including solar energy, can be neither created nor destroyed, all sunscreen can do is change the energy it receives. This article goes into some of those changes, and which ones could potentially be harmful to the skin.

This is a great list of sunscreen brand names, ingredient lists, types of products, side effects (if any are known), plus some general preventative information.

Adding more fuel to the fire, this article details the differences between higher and lower SPF ratings, sunscreens versus sunblocks, and when to stay out of the sun. (Essentially, when it's visible, but they do narrow the hours down a bit.)

Coppertone Shade(R) Sunblock Lotion	We begin with one of the oldest sunscreen companies, this time with a fairly new product. Shade(R) is listed as being waterproof, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, PABA-free, and SPF 45, for both UV-A and UV-B protection. It retails for $7.99 in my area, and the active ingredients are as follows: Ethylhexyl p-Methoxycinnamate, 2-Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Oxybenzone, Homosalate. (Silly me--I thought the ingredients would be on the actual bottle, so I threw away the box. I'll try to get the complete ingredients list and post them soon.)	Test Run: I don't know if it's waterproof or not, but it's certainly not sweatproof. Also, it's only partially non-comedogenic--it doesn't cause blackheads on me, but it does increase the tendency my very oily skin has to produce water blisters--little raised clear bumps that occur whenever my skin can't breathe properly. I noticed that it didn't stop my skin from reddening, and that eventually I would sunburn--but it tripled my exposure, from a scant ten minutes outdoors without sunscreen to nearly thirty. Also, wearing Shade(R) helped in one area--if I'm wearing it when I go outside, my skin doesn't hurt from sunshine. Otherwise, within minutes it's painful and tingling.
Hawaiian Tropic Ozone® SPF 70 Sunscreen	I think this is the first time Hawaiian Tropic has come out with a sunscreen with this high a number. Comes in a shiny silver bottle, or alternatively, in a slightly lower-numbered solid stick (rated 50+, white container, usually seen blister-packed). I don't know what the stick runs for, but I have been informed the silver-bottled SPF 70 runs up to $10 for the something-like-8-to-12-ounce bottle. It does contain PABA, as well as these active ingredients: Homosalate, Octinoxate, Octyl Dimethyl PABA, Oxybenzone, Octisalate, and Titanium Dioxide.	*Test Run: The press says it's supposedly aloe-enriched, non-greasy, and 'dermotologist tested.' I rarely trust dermotologist tests. I do know that this stuph smells fantastic, with that familiar coconut-pineapple-exotic-fruits oil blend that has become Hawaiian Tropic's stock in trade. How'ver, because* they use their trademark oil blend, this supposedly non-greasy formula leaves you feeling like you're well-basted and waiting for the oven to fully heat up. And it works, but it works as a sunscreen, not a sunblock, which means it's been designed to let sun in. If that doesn't bother you, by all means, invest--it smells nummy and people will sniff you all day.
Banana Boat Baby Block SPF 50 Sunblock Lotion	Banana Boat actually works better than most, but we still have the burn factor. Baby Block is listed as being PABA-free, gentle, hypo-allergenic and 100% fragrance free. It is at least PABA-free and free of fragrance. It retails in the seven to eight dollar range for a tube of 4 ounces. The active ingredients include: Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Oxybenzone, Titanium Dioxide, Octyl Salicylate.	*Test Run:* I had the chance to give it an extreme workout recently--two parties on the same day, both outdoors. I am burned today, but it's light, and it's mostly on my face. HOWEVER, to achieve this I had to both apply lotion beforehand (Lubriderm) and THEN thickly coat with the Baby Block. I looked like a pink frosted donut by the time I was done, and felt extremely greasy. But it--more or less, anyway--works.
Alba Botanica SUN SPF 18	Alba Botanica SUN is a mostly all-natural, oil-free sunscreen with a fantastic fragrance. Retails in my area in about the eleven dollar range. Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, organic herbal infusions of Echinacea, Gingko Biloba, and Green Tea, Octyl Palminate (from Coconut), Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic acid, Octyl Alcohol, Vegetable Squaline, Sorbitol, Avena Sativa extract (oats), Lecithin, Chamomile extract, Panthenol, Allantoin, D-alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Retinyl Palminate (Vitamin A), Hydroxy-methycellulose, Silica, Methylpropylparaben, Phenoxyethanol (from Sage essential oil), and botanical fragrance.	*Test Run:* I never thought I'd ever say this, but this four-ounce tube LIVES in my purse. I still burn, but it doesn't sting, it doesn't itch, and it doesn't run when I sweat. Furthermore, I can stay four hours in the stuff before I have to wash my face (with some, I have a three hour window before I want to claw out my eyes), and I only have to reapply it every hour or so if I'm outdoors. I spent five hours at the Tri-Cities Greenwood Renfaire, and while I did stick to the shade of big trees as much as possible, I only came home with a mid-range burn. I reapplied twice, kept myself hydrated, kept moving from shady spot to shady spot, and didn't come home a drained, shaky lobster per usual. I like this stuff. Sadly, it doesn't come any higher.

As I said, more when I get them. Next I'm going to try to find Iguana sunscreen products, on the recommendation of a friend. Also, I've been informed about something possibly made in Thailand, called Sunplay SPF 130. This is, so far, the only link I've been able to find. Next section:

Some general sun tips.

Hats

First, you're trying to shield your head and face from sun, and occasionally the back of your neck. This pretty much leaves out the ballcap, although it's handy in a pinch. Also, unless you're interested in the fashion look, the full burka of the Middle East is also out--though that would prevent a great deal of skin from exposure. Take a tip from Australia--wide-brimmed hats of straw, cloth or raffia for the hot season--you can use an additional layer of cloth as a drape under said hat, or just tie a scarf around the hat and your head to tie things together; and warm, brimmed hats with optional scarves for the cold days--because then it's usually also important to prevent windburn.

Clothing

Obviously, whatever inspires you, sartorially speaking, is what you're going to wear; however, some things are just generic that they can be adapted to just about any personal style. Try not to make your fabric sheer, as sunlight will generally burn right through it. By the same token, try to make sure you're wearing a fabric that can breathe--cottons, poly-cotton blends, linens, silks and the like are good here. If it's a 95-degree summer day, why are you dragging out the black rubber dress anyway? Handy Tips: Make it lightweight, make it dark. Darker colors absorb more rays than light ones. But darker colors also retain heat better--you know the drill. So think non-sheer lightweight silk for summer, think multilayered thin dark shirts for winter.

Also, keep in mind the longer, the better, on truly sunny days. Long light sleeves--and by 'light' I mean fabric weight, not color--long legs or skirts, and lightweight stockings if you can stand them. Keep in mind bare feet can be wonderful, but there are few worse things than getting a burn just on your feet. Especially when the rest of your body is protected.

Environment

When nothing else works, make your environment fit you. UV Shield offers a window film that blocks up to 99% of UV rays, yet still allows visible light in cars. (Apparently they also offer a window film for houses. I'm trying to get a sample sent to me of either.) Also consider investing in sun-protective clothing. Here's two companies to investigate: Sun Protective and Solar Eclipse. These aren't the only ones on the market, nor probably even the best, but they will give you some idea of what to expect in sizing, styles and pricing. Remember the clothing tips above--you shouldn't need to do more than dress sensibly. But some people swear by these fabrics.

Finally, some links I'm finding helpful.

DermStore Sunscreens Over 100 products to keep your skin protected.

Photosensitivity Pretty good essay about what photosensitivity is, what causes it, and what treats it.

Photosensitivity & Lupus This is a site for sufferers of Lupus, but it has some solid information on not only when to avoid sun exposure (if you can) but what works best to protect you.

Sun Sensitivity Medications that cause photosensitivity, from the Mayo Clinic.

London Regional Cancer Centre's Photosensitivity Page Good list of chemotherapy drugs that can cause photosensitivity, plus general sun safety tips.

Chemical Photosensitivity Another great why-drugs-make-us-burn article.

Drugs in the Sun A good inclusive list to print out and throw at your doctor if you're having problems.

Death Tan Oh, I just had to. Who knew they existed?? And such cute little coffin boxes for their sunscreen. Sadly, they only go to SPF 30, and I don't know whether it's just UV-B protection or UV-A. Still, the graphics are nice.

Heliophobe Indispensable research mag that may be as dead as Blue Blood Magazine now is. Funny, that, because Forrest Jackson used to co-edit Blue Blood. Sad. At any rate, this is more of a fetish publication, but it does have tips for protecting skin, staying out of sunlight, and layouts to let you know you're not alone.

Sun Protection General sun safety tips, clean graphics, a good information site.

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