Inadequate UVA Protection in Day Moisturisers

Research shows that not all daily moisturising creams that contain UV filters and claim to provide broad spectrum UV protection provide UVA  protection. Day moisturisers are an established part of our skincare routine and skincare manufacturers are increasingly adding UV filters to skin care products as the link between UV radiation and photo-ageing progresses has been proven.

A review of the ingredients of the 29 top selling day creams with claims of broad spectrum UV (using sales volumes from the US website Amazon) assessed the level of UVA protection that could be expected from the product,  looking for the presence of the UVA filters – avobenzone, octocrylene, ecamsule (L’Oreal patented Mexoryl SX) and zinc oxide.

• 6 of these 29 products contained no active ingredients that provide UVA protection.
• 7 of the remaining 23 contained zinc oxide but only 3 contained levels greater than 5 % required to provide ‘adequate’ UVA protection.
• 16 products contained avobenzone but only 3 had adequate concentrations of octocrylene necessary to stabilise the avobenzone, notoriously unstable on contact with UV rays.

Although the study notes that further research is needed to investigate the actual UVA protection provided by the products, the researchers conclude that many day creams do not offer long wave UVA protection.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21242349

Stay Safe in the Sun

The tanned face is attractive but over-exposure to the UV light is damaging to the skin cell’s DNA and causes sunburn (in severe cases also blistering and pain). Take care and prevent skin cancer (melanoma), now the most common cancer amongst women in their 20s!

Stay Safe in the Sun

- Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm. Find shade under umbrellas, trees or other shelters.

- Always cover up, sunscreen alone is not enough. Wear T-shirts, wide-brimmed hats and UV protective sunglasses.

- Apply sunscreen generously, also when travelling as sun will still have an effect on your skin through the windows.

- Use sunscreen with UVB protection of at least SPF 30 (SPF 50 for children and people with pale skin) and also high UVA protection.

- Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight!

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If concerned about changes in your skin following sun exposure – particular attention should be paid to moles that change in shape, size or colour – consult a local specialist. FaceWorkshops have teamed up with a Consultant Dermatologist, Dr James Britton, at Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital. You can see him privately or your GP can refer you via the NHS, please call for his contact details.