Water and Oil like Sun and Hydroxy's
My last two posts, …In 6 and Broad Spectrum, talk about the importance of using a proper sun screen and the dangers of tanning, as well as, busting a few common myths.
This week, the discussion is about the adverse reactions to hydroxy’s in conjunction with the sun. The A’s & B’s of hydroxy’s are important enough to warrant their own series but for now, let me tell you that hydroxy’s are a must in your tool box to prevent aging and fight acne. Modern science works diligently to keep up with the demands of today’s quest for perfect skin and everlasting youth. I hear my young ones say, “if only I could stop breaking out, I’ll do anything to have perfect skin”. While those who are in the anti-age arena are continuously asking for ways to keep the skin they had ten years ago; let me add here that I’m asked this from men and women as early as in their 30′s. In my opinion, the earlier you begin the better off you will be later. Invest in your skin now.
As Simple As A Hat
There are two hydroxy’s, alpha (aha) and beta (bha). Alpha Hydroxy (AHA), is the warrior in the anti-age battle, while beta hydroxy is most commonly used to fight excessively oily skin that can be prone to breakouts, comodones &/or milia.
chemical formulas
While the alpha’s job is to generate skin cell turn-over, beta hydroxy, in addition to fighting an acneic condition, can also be an excellent treatment for sun damage, (known as photo-aging or hyper-pigmentation). The irony here is that while the beta’s can be of aid to the damaged area, it can actually exacerbate or create this condition when sunscreen is neglected. It’s as simple as this… Alpha & Beta = “acid”. Hear the word people? “Acid”. What happens when an acid comes into contact with skin?? That’s right! It burns! It irritates! It leaves behind a sensitive, highly reactive situation. Using the hydroxy’s in a controlled manner can be beneficial to maintain and correct our skin issues but if the Sun’s UVA & UVB rays are added.. guess what? You burn, not only do you burn, but you can create deeper trauma that may not be fixable. The skin is susceptible as a result and adding sun to unprotected skin is “danger, danger, Will Robinson!”, which can lead to melanoma – Major Danger.
My message here is to be sure to use the best broad spectrum sunscreen available. Be certain you have a fresh tube because, yes, its efficacy can dwindle over time. Be certain to reapply hourly and protect yourself by wearing a hat, sunglasses & clothes with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. Also.. seek out shade, keeping in mind that if you happen to be sitting under an umbrella at the beach, you will still receive UVA’s & UVB’s as a result of reflection from sand and water.
Here’s a final statistic for you, UVA’s & UVB’s can reflect 30% off of Concrete, 40% from white sand and a whopping 80% from new snow
Be smart, protect your skin. Sun and hydroxy’s just don’t mix!
Just a quick answer for you Tanya. The answer to your question is that you should be good to use last year’s sunscreen.
My research is offering some conflicting info, but all seem to agree that sunscreen should be good for apx 3 years.
Here’s an idea, with a permaent marker, write the date of purchase on the tube. Then you won’t have to remember.
Thank you, Sylvia for the reminders and tips! Great info. here…keep it coming!
Hi Mary!
Thanks for taking the time to let me know you liked my info. I’m really enjoying this process.
See you Soon!!
This is really good! Vital information!!
Yes, doctors sometimes forget to forewarn their patients of the hazards. I’d like to see the appropriate precautionary sticker applied to the script.
Thanks!
Great info. Keep it coming!
Thanks Joe,
It’s been a great experience for me too.
Great info Sylvia, Thank you.
Thanks Tony for stopping by!
Thanks for the info, I’m getting a good education here.
Thanks Michael, Writing these articles are sharpening my skills too.
Good to know! So what is the minimum SPF we should be using? Do you have any recommendations on a good facial sunscreen with that SPF that is moderately priced? Most of the ones I see only offer SPF of 15.
I just scrolled down and saw the answers to my questions already here! You are best at what you do because you know your stuff!
Nina, Thanks so much for saying so. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find it!
Ni Nina,
I’ve Neutragena has a nice variety of SPF’s for the face that are under $10. I actually forgot my sunscreen on one trip south & used Tropic Tan (?), again for the face. I didn’t break out with that.
Thanks for your questions. The powers that be recommend a min of 15 SPF; however, I wear a min of 20 on a daily basis. When I’m in the sun, say the beach or such, I have been known to wear a 50. Especially, if it’s early in the season. But you can never gone wrong with a 30 SPF
I love the SkinCeuticals line but I understand that can be a little pricey, esp if you have lot’s of body’s to cover
Remember, you’ll still get color but at a slower pace which means, even color as well as lasting longer.
Cheers!
Great info, Sylvia! So are the tubes of sunscreen from last summer no good anymore then?
Thanks Tanya! I’ve been enjoying the process. As for last summer’s sunscreen.. Excellent question and SO prophetic.. It’s the next in the series. For now, look for an expiration date. If there isn’t a date and you can’t remember when you purchased the bottle.. Toss it! Otherwise, it “should” be good for apx three years. As I said, more to follow.
I will be looking forward to it! Thanks!