Are Nanoparticles Safe in Sunscreen?

Nanotechnology in sunscreens has received a buzz of attention with the consumer conscious wondering about the dangers outweighing the benefits.

Nanoparticles

What Is a Nanoparticle

Nanoparticles in sunscreen in short is taking the mineral active ingredients in sunscreen and making their particle size extremely small, measuring about 1 / 8,000th the size of a human hair. Nanoparticles are found naturally and recently have been manufactured in many applications, one being in sunscreen to allow the application to go on clear and lightweight, without a white film over the skin.

What Are the Danger's of Nanoparticles in Sunscreen?

Titanium Dioxide, and to a smaller extent Zinc Oxide are photocatalysts.  This means that UV rays can cause them to cause free radical damage in live skin cells.  The smaller the particle, or nanoparticle, the more the UV rays will cause this reaction, and the more opportunity it has to penetrate deep into the skin where their is live skin cells.  The smaller the particle also, the less effective it is with UVA rays, the type of ray that is prevelant all year around, all day.

Titanium Dioxide is used in many foods to give a white fresh look including ice cream, toothpaste, and the ever popular M&M's candy.  Nanoparticles in many ingredients are dangerous if inhaled as it is harder to remove from the lungs, making powder sunscreens more dangerous.

Are the Danger's Valid?

Research hasn't been able to determine if the nanoparticles reach live cells to cause damage.  Humans in a 5 day study showed a negligible amount of zinc oxide in the blood stream. (Gulson 2010)  To counteract the free radical damage, coatings such as silica and or alumina are put on the particles which result in the UV reaction to be encapsulated and not harmful by 99% effectiveness. (SCCNFP 2000, Pan 2009)  Careful precautions are also put into making the active ingredients stable to reduce this reaction.  The FDA lately has issued a draft guidance in looking further into the issue to decide the dangers.

How to Shop for Sunscreen Safely

Benefits for using sunscreen far outweigh the damaging effects of the free radical damage.  With special coatings on the particles, their may not be a reason for concern at all.  And the jury still is out on whether the sunscreen penetrates to live skin cells.  Using Vitamin C Serum daily in the morning will help free radical damage and counteract the effects of damage from UV rays caused naturally or with sunscreen.  Using sunscreen with antioxidants also help to mitigate free radical damage.  Non-Nano labelled on products can be misleading as their is not a regulation on size, and some particle sizes may be still at a nano level.  Many propose labeling to say whether it's nano or not to make an informed decision.  Simply, the thicker the sunscreen looks and feels, the less of a nano form it will be.

Ingredients in Sunscreen

Ingredients in Sunscreen

Ingredients can be described as two different types.  Chemical or organic ingredients absorb the rays and can easily be put in sprays and easy applied applications.  Physical or Mineral sit on top of the skin block UV rays and can go on heavy and give you the white film on your skin.  Their are pros and cons to both as we will discuss.

Chemical Sunscreens absorb into the skin and need 20 minutes to allow to soak in before being effective.  They can go on very lightweight and thin, allowing it to go into many easy applications for sunscreen like aerosol sprays which help with squirmy kids.  Chemical Sunscreens ingredients have been known if ingested to cause hormone disruption, but not conclusive on topical use (read more here).  Chemical Sunscreens can also cause irritation and allergic reactions.

Mineral or physical sunscreens usually go on thicker and can cause a film on your skin.  Mineral ingredients are rare to cause any sensitivity or allergic reactions.  Zinc Oxide absorbs the rays and changes it into infrared heat, completely harmless.  Titanium dioxide absorbs as well, but can transfer to nearby electrons which can lead to free radical DNA mutations.  To counteract this a layer of silica and or alumina captures the titanium dioxide to not allow the free radical damage.

Zinc Oxide is the number 1 sunscreen ingredient for broad spectrum coverage, no sensitivity and no adverse reactions.

A Broad Spectrum Sunscreen protects from UVA and UVB rays.  Here is a guide to the ultraviolet waves and note that there is a breakdown of UVA to 1 and 2, some sunscreens will work only certain rays.

UltraViolet Light Waves

Here is a list of FDA approved sunscreen ingredients and what they protect in the spectrum of rays:

Mineral or Physical:
Zinc Oxide -                                                  UVB, UVA1, UVA2
Titanium Dioxide -                                          UVB, UVA2

Chemical or Organic:
Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) -                         UVB
Avobenzone -                                                  UVA1
Cinoxate -                                                        UVB
Dioxybenzone -                                                UVB, UVA2
Ecamsule (Mexoryl SX) -                                 UVA2
Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimiazole Sulfonic Acid) - UVB
Homosalate -                                                    UVB
Meradimate (Menthyl Anthranilate -                  UVA2
Octocrylene -                                                    UVB
Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate) -            UVB
Octisalate ( Oxtyl Salicylate ) -                          UVB
Oxybenzone -                                                   UVB, UVA2
Padimate O -                                                    UVB
Sulisobenzone -                                                 UVB, UVA2
Trolamine Salicylate -                                        UVB

An Explaination of UVA and UVB Rays

UVA and UVB Rays

UVA Rays are prevelant all year long, and the same intensity all day long.  They are the longest wavelength and penetrate the deepest into the skin going to the dermis layer.  Clouds and glass does not stop UVA rays, and many people may not understand that not all sunscreens stop UVA rays.  Tanning Booths are mostly UVA rays.  And unfortunately, UVA is the major component in aging skin.

UVB Rays are shorter in wave length and follow the rotation of the sun.  UVB is most prevalent in the summer, and at peak daylight hours.  UVB affects the top layer of skin called the epidermis.  UVB is the culprit of sunburns, redness and skin cancer.  Clouds and glass as well as all sunscreens protect against UVB rays.

UltraViolet Light UVA\UVB Light Wave

To protect against both UVA\UVB rays, choose a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen.  Apply Liberally and don't forget the earlobes, chest and back of arms, many unforgotten spots.  COOLA Suncare offers organic sunscreen rich in antioxidants and with broad spectrum protection.  EltaMD Sunscreen offers a great doctor's choice for being fragrance free and great ingredients to hydrate, exfoliate and restore your skin.  Oxygenetix Foundation is breathable and a lightweight shear tint to keep up with the hot temperatures and conceal blemishes.  Revision Skincare offers our best selling Intellishade which is a tinted moisturizing sunscreen and also a Multi Broad Spectrum Sunscreen.  SkinCeuticals has Physical Fusion SPF 50 with a tint that matches all skin tones.

Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne Treatment

PCA Acne Cream

Benzoyl Peroxide is an important ingredient in acne treatment for cleansing skin from dirt, oils and dead skin cells.  It has been known to regulate the oil production in the skin created by sebum.  Benzoyl Peroxide helps to reduce blackheads as well as whiteheads, pimples and acne breakouts that can lead to acne scarring and cysts.  

Benzoyl Peroxide is an antibiotic, but unlike oral antibiotics, it won't reduce the resistance to bacteria.  Benzoyl Peroxide kills the Propionibacterium acnes which causes inflamation.  PCA Skin has a couple of great products that have Benzoyl Peroxide, PCA Skin BPO 5% Cleanser - $35, 10% OFF and
PCA Skin Acne Cream - $22, 15% OF.

How to Choose an Acne Product

Skincare Acne Treatments

Each acne product has different ingredients that aid in helping to reduce bacteria, clean skin pores, reduce inflammation, exfoliate dead skin cells and\or reduce oil production.  Here is a list of the major ingredients in acne products and what they do.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid ( AHA ) - Exfoliates and increases blood flow to the skin to reduce acne by clearing pores and removing blackheads.
Products with Alpha Hydroxy Acid
NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin - 20% Concentration
PCA Skin Acne Cream 
Exuviance Clear and Smooth
PCA Nutrient Toner

Benzoyl Peroxide -  Clears up acne sores and reduces future breakouts by removing dirt and oil from skin pores. Is an antibiotic that is more effective in killing bacteria than other acne products.
Products with Benzoyl Peroxide
PCA Skin BPO 5% Cleanser - $35, 10% OFF
PCA Skin Acne Cream - $22, 15% OFF 

Gluconolactone - A gentle exfoliator of dead skin and antibacterial.  Also an antioxidant, great for sensitive skin.     
Products with Gluconolactone
NeoStrata Antibacterial Facial Cleanser - 4%
NeoStrata Facial Cleanser  - 4%
NeoStrata Oil Control Gel - 4% 
NeoStrata Bionic Face Cream - 8%
NeoStrata Ultra Moisturizing Face Cream - 10%

Gylcolic Acid -  Reduces active acne by reducing blackheads and marks, cleaning pores, boosting collagen production and evening out skin tone.
Products with Glycolic Acid
NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash - 18% Concentration
NeoStrata High Potency Cream - 18% Concentration
NeoStrata Lotion Plus - 15% Concentration
NeoStrata Face Cream Plus - 15% Concentration
NeoStrata Daytime Protection Cream SPF 15 - 8% Concentration
NeoStrata Ultra Daytime Smoothing Cream SPF 15 - 8% Concentration

Lactobionic Acid - An AHA that is gentler and less of an irritant that glycolic.  Exfoliates and promotes collagen production.
Products with Lactobionic Acid
NeoStrata Bionic Face Serum -10% Concentration
NeoStrata Bionic Face Cream - 4% Concentration

Niacinamide -A great anti inflammatory ingredient for the skin.  Regulates oil production, exfoliation of dead skin cells and a skin brightener to reduce acne scars.

Products with Niacinamide

Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46 - $30, 20% OFF
PCA Skin Clearskin - $36 - 20% OFF

Retinol - Helps to exfoliate and reduce acne outbreaks and scarring by reducing oil production, bacteria and inflammation.
Products with Retinol
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5%

SkinCeuticals Retinol 1%
Revision Retinol Facial Repair

spaViolet Iron Me Out 1% Retinol

PCA Skin Clearskin - $36 - 20% OFF

Salicylic Acid - Well known to penetrate deep into pores, which cleans dirt, oil and dead skin aid in acne treatment as well as make other acne ingredients penetrate deeper and be more effective.  Has been known to control sebum production, the gland that creates oil in the skin.
Products with Salicylic Acid
SkinCeuticals Blemish plus Age Defense - $73.75 - 3.5% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment - $12.25 OFF
Exuviance Clear and Smooth - $28.80 - 2.5%  Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment - 10% OFF
Revision Brightening Facial Wash  - $3 Off

Dermatologist Recommended Acne Skincare

Revision Lumiquin is Skin Care for your Hands

Revision Skincare Lumiquin

You can tell a persons age by their skin.  An often overlooked telltale sign is the hands.  With wrinkles, age spots and veins a person can show their age on their hands no matter how much money they have invested in Botox, Plastic Surgery and anti aging creams for their face.

Revision Lumiquin is skin care specialized to treat your hands by volumizing to reduce the look of veins, brightening the age spots on the skin and moisturizing to renew the skin and give clarity.  Key ingredients are Myrothamnus flabellifolia as a powerful antioxidant, Licorice Extract as a powerful skin brightener, and Shea Butter as a moisturizer barrier and anti inflammatory.

Read more about the benefits and purchase with free shipping and $4 off retail here by going to
shopspaViolet.com

Great Waterproof Sunscreens for the Summer

Water Resistant Sunscreen

Water Resistant Sunscreen for Summer Fun

shopspaViolet offers the following water resistant sunscreens with great discounts:

COOLA SUNCARE - All are water resistant, organic and $4 off

Oxygenetix - Breathable Foundation with moisturizer, ALL colors to choose - 20% OFF

EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50  - Moisturizes, goes on lightweight and smooth.  10% OFF

EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 - No Chemical ingredients with Antioxidants - 10% OFF

waterproof sunscreen

Clarisonic Mia now has a Low Low Price

Clarisonic Mia

The Clarisonic Mia used to Retail for $125, and starting today the Retail price is $99.  Why?  Well for years Clarisonic was the one and only electronic brush cleanser for skin.  New products have come online and they are lowering their price to keep up with the competition, a win for the consumer!  Clarisonic Mia2, the next step up was reduced by $2, not really worth talking about.

Clarisonic Mia comes with a 1 year warranty and has a 1 speed for cleansing your skin giving you 6 times better cleansing than using just your hands.  Use the Clarisonic before putting on your antioxidant serums, acne creams and expensive anti aging creams to give you optimal results.

With shopspaViolet.com, when you order you will get FREE shipping and samples of great skincare AND with a coupon code SPA10OFF to save 10% off the Retail.  CLICK HERE

SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector

SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector

Many People have hyperpigmentation discolorations with their skins for many reasons.  Overproduction with melanin is a major reason, and their are a lot of great skin brightening products, one being SkinCeuticals new Advanced Pigment Corrector.  Miss Violet noticed that some reviews on the SkinCeuticals site were poor, however if you read them, they were hoping for reduction of acne scarring, not melanin... tsk tsk, this is about melanin and clearly noted.

Used for all skin types, the pigment corrector will not only correct but prevent melanin from overproducing on the skin.  This leaves the skin with an even skin tone, reducing the age spots, a great product for skin lightening.

Here are the key ingredients:

5% Yeast Extract will prevent melanin from continuing to produce
1% Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid – a better skin lightener than Kojic acid, with no adverse effects
.3% Salicylic Acid – Will exfoliate, and penetrates deep into the skin to allow the other ingredients to go deep.
.5% Ellagic Acid – Powerful antioxidant found in cranberries and raspberries.

Other Blog Posts with reducing Melanin and Skin Lightening:

What is all the hype with Hydroquinone?

Warm Weather Is When you Should Use Vitamin C Serum Daily

 

Vitamin C Serum

shopspaViolet's Guide to Vitamin C Serum :

We should all know about the importance of sunscreen, but do we all know about the importance of Liquid Gold ( Vitamin C ). Sunscreen blocks UVA, UVB and UVC rays. Vitamin C corrects and repairs sun and environmental damage, reduces sunburns....hyper-pigmentation. Adding Vitamin C under sunscreen is a daily must do.

spaViolet " C Me Clearly " = Miss violet's own potion. This 10% C Serum is our spa goer's FAV.
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic = 15% Vitamin C with Vitamin E and Ferulic acid.  Each an antioxidant working in a different way for great protection.
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF = Chock full of Vitamin E, recommended for our oily skin friends.  Phloretin increases skin's elasticity and is a skin lightener.
Revision Vitamin C 30% Lotion - The highest concentration on the market.
Revision Vitamin C 15% Lotion - Great for Vitamin C Virgins.

Clarisonic Gives you Optimal Results With your Skincare

Clarisonic

A lot of skincare that has great results can also come with a great big pricetag.  Getting the most out of your skin care regime can be accomplished by using a Clarisonic Brush System.  Clinical studies have shown that a Clarisonic device can improve cleansing your skin by six times!!!  What does this mean? Dirt, oil and dead skin are removed more effectively leaving your pores clean of debris and clear to accept your skincare with better penetration and effectiveness. Clarisonic is great for all skin types, but can be used as a treatment for acne and oily skin.

Clarisonic Brush Systems Penetrate Vitamin C 61% Better

Clarisonic allows your Vitamin C Serum penetrate your skin 61% better than without using.  With Top brand Vitamin C Serum costing over $100, Clarisonic is a great deal that will pay for itself over and over again.  shopspaViolet offers Clarisonic systems and replacement brushes as an Authorized Dealer.

P.S. You can use your favorite cleanser with the Clarisonic brush system!

Why Audrey Hepburn is an Inspiration to Beautiful

Audrey Hepburn

Google put Audrey Hepburn on their logo to acknowledge the inspirational icon's 85th birthday.  Audrey Hepburn lived from May 4th 1929 - January 20, 1993.  For many women she is an inspiration on her beauty made so simple and elegant while being classy and stylish.  A role model to many, she didn't care about the popularity and concerned herself with charity such as UNICEF and caring for others.

At shopspaViolet we LOVE making women feel and look beautiful inside and out with our skincare.  Of course beauty isn't skin deep, however healthy skin allows you to naturally look simply beautiful without covering up your true beauty.

Salicylic Acid ( Beta Acid ) is One of the Best Ways to Treat Acne

What does Salicylic Acid Do?

Salicylic Acid is one of the most effective ways to remove dirt and oil from your skin.  It is recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology as one of the best acne treatments on the market for exfoliating the build up of dead skin cells.

Beta Hydroxy Acid ( BHA ) or salicylic acid works by penetrating deeper into the skin that other treatments, such as AHA or alpha hydroxy acids.  One other benefit is how beta acids can control the sebum excretion glands, which is the glands that make the oily secretion that can cause acne.  Skin pores flush out the dead skin, control oil, and remove excess dirt with salicylic acid. Many estheticians can administer a salicylic peel that is at a higher concentration than most over the counter products on the market.

What Products Contain Salicylic Acid?

Acne Treatments
SkinCeuticals Blemish plus Age Defense - $73.75 - 3.5% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment - $12.25 OFF
Exuviance Clear and Smooth - $28.80 - 2.5%  Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment - 10% OFF

Cleanser
Revision Brightening Facial Wash  - $3 Off

Effective Salicylic Acid Products