MYTH
Vitamin A causes photo sensitivity
The retinol and retinoic acid forms of
vitamin A do make the skin photosensitive, but the retinyl palmitate
form has extremely valuable photo-protective properties.
Research by the dermatology department at
University Hospital Geneva showed that at high levels, topical retinyl
palmitate was as efficient as an SPF20 sunscreen in preventing sunburn.
However, UV light breaks it down, so also taking it as a supplement is
recommended to support topical application.
“Retinol is an alcohol and is more
irritating to the skin and photosensitises it”, says Dr Fernandes. “retinyl
palmitate, on the other hand, absorbs the energy of UVB and UVA just like a
sunscreen does and that is why it disappears in sun-exposed skin and the skin
becomes depleted.”
"It is fundamentally the most important
molecule in addressing sun damage and anti-ageing. There is nothing else like
it.”
Environ® Founder Dr Des Fernandes
Adapted from a post in the
September 2017 IIAA Bulletin
Sun Damage or Sun Cream Damage?
See the Institute for Anti Ageing's report on the dangers of using sunscreen
SPF – Sun Protection Factor
We all know that sunscreens are caterogised by their SPF rating but
you probably have no idea what it actually means?? Or What it tells you
about the sunscreen? Let’s clarify this…
“It is important to
remember that the SPF rating largely refers to UVB protection, as the
index is based on reddening or sunburn, and is therefore an incomplete
and possibly misleading index in terms of cancer prevention in skin.”
Vitamin A Skin Science, Dr Des Fernandes & Dr Ernst Eiselen.
Just remember UVB is for burning and UVA is for ageing… UVB rays are
also responsible for the formation of skin cancers and that the effects
of even just one sunburn will last a lifetime.
What SPF is best?
We’re taught the higher the SPF the better the sunscreen and the
greater protection it will provide our skin… This often misleads
consumers into thinking that they can spend more time being exposed to
the sun. But in actual fact, higher SPFs could actually be causing more
long term damage to our skin. Think about it, to make a sunscreen with a
higher SPF lets say a 50+, it physically has to contain more chemicals.
“Scientists do not
recommend anything stronger than SPF 15 -20 because there is minimal
advantage from the higher SPFs, but significantly greater doses of
sunscreen chemcials.”
Vitamin A Skin Science, Dr Des Fernandes & Dr Ernst Eiselen.
These chemicals or organic sunscreen agents, are then converted into
free radicals once exposed to UV rays, which effectively ‘rusts’ our DNA
– changing the structure of our cells and leading to skin ageing and
skin cancer.
“A frightening statistic is
that skin cancer has risen since high SPF
products were introduced. We are not sure why. Do people perhaps stay
longer in the sun and incur more damage, or are the protective molecules
damaging our skin by generating free radicals?”
Vitamin A skin Science, Dr Des Fernandes & Dr Ernst Eiselen.
The general perception would be, that the level of protection
offered between a lower and higher SPF is a large percentage. In actual
fact the percentage is very low at about a 5% difference between an SPF
15 and SPF 50. This is really surprising and can be very misleading.
What should you look for in a sunscreen?
For your sunscreen to provide real protection from damaging
ultraviolet light it should contain three essential elements… Adequate
UVA cover, adequate UVB cover and sufficient antioxidant cover.
But why antioxidants?
“Antioxidants are free radical scavengers that help minimise the damage of UV rays that penetrate the sunscreen and filters”
Vitamin A Skin Science, Dr Des Fernandes & Dr Ernst Eiselen
Antioxidants help to protect our DNA to ensure its integrity. Using
antioxidants in conjunction with sunscreens is a fairly new idea but Dr
Des Fernandes has been incorporating them into his sunscreens since
1990. This way the sunscreen offers a wide range of protection to the
skin. Not only physically protecting it but also repairing any damage
that occurs due to UV exposure or the sunscreen ingredients. His
studies are proving that the inclusion of the antioxidants are providing
real protection to our DNA against the damage caused by the UV rays.
(If you aren’t able to find a sunscreen that also contains potent antioxidants you can always use a seperate product)
Look for ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that act as
reflectors. Reflectors are agents that reflect or block most UV rays,
rather than absorbing the UV rays. Titanium is a great, safe and very
effective alternative for people who suffer reactions from other UV
filters (chemicals). Zinc oxide is another great UV reflector and is
beneficial in reducing acne and enhancing collagen formation.
What sunscreen should I buy?
Since the introduction of SPF50+ sunscreens, it can be
very difficult to find a sunscreen that is only an SPF 15 or 20. It’s
definitely not impossible but you just have to do your research. We are
lucky that Environ manufacture RAD SPF15 with its unique formulation that includes antioxidants - it truly is a fantastic product, which we use regularly and can honestly say that it is the best sun cream that we have ever used.
Remember, Dr Des Fernandes recomends using a sunscreen containing
both UVA and UVB elements and potent antioxidants. Use a lower SPF and
apply it in an adequate dose to ensure you’re protected… The recommended
dosage is 2mg per centimeters squared. No sunscreen is going to offer
complete protection, so be sensible. Limit your time spent exposed to
the sun, cover up your skin, wear a hat and reapply your sunscreen!!!
Daily sunsreen and antioxidant protection can prevent photo ageing (premature ageing) and skin cancers!
