When the temperatures drop, it’s easy to let down your guard and forget about sun safety. It may not be warm in the winter, but sun damage is still in the cards.

Despite the cold weather and overcast, melanoma risk is still high in the winter, especially among those who spend a lot of time outside. Cancer doesn’t hibernate just because it’s cold outside. The sun still emits UV rays, which are the main cause of melanoma. Even on cloudy days, you should be equipped with a defense against UV rays. Learn why you should protect yourself from sun damage this winter season.

While everyone under the sky is at risk, winter sports enthusiasts are particularly so. High altitudes, paired with UV rays being reflected by the snow, put skiers and snowboarders at an increased risk of sun damage, and even cancer. UV radiation exposure jumps nearly 5 percent with each rise of 1,000 feet above sea level. This means that at 9,000-10,000 feet, UV radiation is up to 45 percent more intense than it is at sea level. Additionally, snow reflects nearly 80 percent of the UV light emitted by the sun, ultimately compacting sun exposure. Even when it is cloudy, the sun is harmful, because up to 80 percent of the sun’s dangerous UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.

For winter sports enthusiasts at high altitudes, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, making sure to get all the nooks and crannies. Reapply every two hours. For others, a moisturizer with a SPF of 15 or higher should be enough to protect your radiant skin. Use a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher and keep it in your pocket as you go about your day or hit the slopes.

If you are trying to maintain your summer tan throughout the cold months by regularly visiting the tanning salon, reconsider this habit. Recent studies show that using tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancer by 800 percent. Regardless of what tanning salons boast about the safety of their beds, don’t fall for it. Instead, save time, money and your healthy complexion by nabbing a tinted moisturizer for your face and body, like Ilia Beauty’s Sheer Vivid Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, which is made with organic ingredients, such as white tea, rosemary extracts and aloe, and is vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free.

Related on EcoSalon

EcoSalon Approved Sun Care Products

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Not all sunscreens are created equal.

Every summer for the past decade, the media has issued staunch advisories reminding consumers to wear sunscreen. But this year, their tone has changed. Studies are showing that not only are many sunscreens filled with potentially harmful chemicals, but also that sunscreen wearers can actually be more susceptible to dangerous skin cancer strains like melanoma. Too much time in the sun can increase the risk of damage, but too little can lead to vitamin D deficiencies. What gives? This week’s Behind The Label attempts to explain the current debate around sunscreen, just in time for Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

The Good

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than two million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, a scary statistic that doctors and dermatologists say can be prevented through regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens are formulated to block two kinds of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun: UVA rays, which are associated with premature aging and skin damage, and UVB rays, which are linked with sunburns. The SPF level of a sunscreen specifies its level of protection against UVB: an SPF of 15 filters out about 93 percent of incoming UVB rays, while an SPF of 50 keeps out approximately 98 percent. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, most SPF 15 sunscreens do a sufficient job of protecting against UVB rays, but the added protection provided by sunscreens over SPF 50 is negligible.

It’s UVA rays that are trickier to understand and protect against. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays, damaging skin cells in the basal layer of the epidermis where most skin cancers occur. Sunscreens marked “broad spectrum”, “multi spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” usually contain UVA-blocking ingredients like stabilized avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.

And now, those sunscreens will be easier to decipher thanks to a set of new regulations passed by the Food and Drug Administration last December. The new regulations introduce restrictions on using the terms “broad spectrum,” “waterproof,” and “sweatproof,” and it requires that any sunscreen under SPF 15 be labeled with a warning that reads. “Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.” 

The Bad

Despite better labeling standards, the Environmental Working Group’s 2013 Guide to Safer Sunscreens, released earlier this year, cautions consumers against taking manufacturer claims at face value. The annual review found “only minimal improvements” in products on the shelves and concludes that “many sunscreens available on the U.S. market do not filter sun-damaging rays safely and effectively.”

The guide reports that melanoma rates have tripled over the past 35 years, despite the fact that Americans seem to be more aware of the sun’s dangers. The EWG believes that one reason for this paradox may be misleading sunscreen marketing – “hype that causes people to believe, wrongly, that their products are blocking harmful rays.”

While the FDA’s new regulations may help to mitigate the hype, the EWG points out that the FDA’s criteria are weak compared to European Union standards. “Half of the U.S. sunscreens that meet the FDA rules would not make it to store shelves in Europe,” states the report.

Then, there’s the recent obsession with high SPFs, which can lead consumers to believe that they can stay in the sun longer than usual. But while a high SPF sunscreen can effectively block against UVB rays, they do nothing for skin-damaging, cancer-causing UVA rays. The European Union already levies a cap on SPF claims at 50+, and the FDA is considering a proposal to do the same.

And finally, there is the preponderance of potentially harmful chemicals present in conventional sunscreens. A form of vitamin A called retinyl palmitate (or retinol) is present in 20 percent of sport sunscreens and has been linked to the acceleration of skin tumors and lesions when exposed to the sun, according to the EWG. Oxybenzone, found in 80 percent of chemical sunscreens, is a suspected hormone disruptor.

The Skin Cancer Foundation maintains that both retinyl palmitate and oxybenzone are safe and effective when used as directed, and that claims otherwise are based on “questionable science that is not properly reviewed by experts in the field of photo medicine.”

So What Now?

Look for broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens.

One thing that the Environmental Working Group and Skin Cancer Foundation can agree on is the continued need to include sunscreen as part of a comprehensive sun safety plan. But not all sunscreens are created equal. U.S. consumers have the choice between chemical sunscreens, which penetrate the skin and may contain hormone disruptors, and mineral sunscreens, which often contain micronized particles of zinc or titanium, which are suspected to be toxic if absorbed. While each option has its chemical downside, the EWG recommends broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens as the safest option, since they don’t appear to penetrate the skin, are stable in sunlight, and offer superior UVA protection. Check out EcoSalon’s list of Eco-Beauty Approved Sun Care Products for our recommendations, or the EWG’s 2013 Guide to Safer Sunscreens report for a full list of the 180 products that met its criteria this year.

Stock up on European formulations.

Unlike the United States, the European Union requires that all sunscreens offer UVA protection that is at least a third as potent as its SPF – meaning that if a sunscreen is SPF 30, its UVA protection must be at least 10. Europe allows manufacturers to use seven chemicals specifically designed to filter UVA rays; the U.S., in comparison, has only approved three. According to the EWG, three chemicals – Tinosorb S, Tinsorb M, and Mexoryl SX – are effective in blocking against UVA rays, but their use in America has been held up by delayed FDA approvals.

Apply enough.

Make sure that you’re applying at least one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body, a half hour before going into the sun. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Dress appropriately.

That means dark clothing, a broad rimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Some performance activewear lines also include sun protection, such as prAna.

Avoid sunlight during peak hours.

Seek shade between the sun’s peak hours, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sun exposure during this time can be particularly harmful.

Get a free skin cancer screening.

The Skin Cancer Foundation sponsors the annual Road to Healthy Skin Tour each May at Rite Aid Pharmacy locations across America. For this year’s dates, visit skincancer.org.

Images: Robert S. Donovan, nemuneko.jc 

The post Behind The Label: The Safe Sunscreen Debate appeared first on EcoSalon.

Where you live can affect your skin as much as whether or not you wear sunscreen.

If you drink plenty of water and apply moisturizer, but still battle an oily T-zone, this new infographic may help you shed some light on the problem. The Daily Glow looked at the 55 biggest cities in the United States used an algorithm to weight factors like the number of dermatologists per capita and skin cancer rates. According to the data they compiled, you are more likely to have great skin when you live in the top 10 cities, which list Portland, Oregon; San Francisco, California; and Seattle, Washington as the top three choices for glowing complexions.

The Daily Glow’s researcher drew data from a number of reputable sources, and its conclusions were approved by the editorial team as well as by a number of dermatologists. Dermatologists aren’t necessarily statisticians or anthropologists, however, and the infographic sometimes offers contradictory conclusions.

For example, you might think that having great skin might mean moving somewhere with little sun, like Portland, Oregon or Milwaukee, Wisconsin. But Honolulu, Hawaii and Austin, Texas also rank in the top 10. Why does Austin, with its over 300 sunny days a year, have low rates of skin cancer while San Diego — seemingly an equally active, wealthy population — have the highest rates of melanoma in the country? If you think that living in an area with a low rate of pollution and zero ozone days means great skin, why should New York rank in the top 10 because it’s packed with dermatologists? Shouldn’t more dermatologists signal that there are more skin problems to treat?

Still, some general rules apply. If you want to avoid melanoma and sun spots, the best advice would be to leave California and the southern United States well alone. And being active is a fail-proof way to safeguard yourself against any number of health problems. Even if you don’t live in one of the top ten lucky cities, sunscreen and a little bit of common sense also goes a long way.

The post The Best U.S. Cities for Skin—Where Does Your City Rank? appeared first on EcoSalon.

Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body—the one that keeps all your other organs inside, where they belong. But by virtue of constant exposure to the elements, your skin also requires a lot of maintenance. Stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and scan these ten infographics for some data, tips and tricks on keeping your skin as healthy as possible.

The Best and Worst Cities for Your Skin: Your climate has just as much effect on your skin as your genes.

Get Enough Vitamin D?: A useful guide for untangling the myths and preconceptions of sun exposure and vitamin D production.

What’s Your Skin Eating?: How many substances do you slather on your skin a day? And what’s in them?

Skin Care: A History: Cleopatra bathed in sour milk to exfoliate, which doesn’t sound that dissimilar to modern-day skin care practices.

Guide to Summer Sun: How to protect yourself from sun exposure.

Tattoo Infographics: A tattoo infographic on tattoos.

Cosmetic Surgery in the U.S.: Eyelid surgeries were one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in 2010.

Important Facts about Natural Skin Care: Expensive creams are worth a lot less than drinking water and eating omega-3s.

The Skin Care Bad Experience: Find out the difference between an allergy and an irritation.

Skin Cancer Facts: A collection of information and tips on how to prevent skin cancer.

Image: Horia Varlan

The post 10 Infographics on Skin Care appeared first on EcoSalon.

There are pesticides on our food, so we eat organic. There are chemicals in our products, so we buy eco-friendly. There is danger in the sun, so we wear sunscreen. But a new study from the Environmental Working Group shows that skin cancer may be on the rise, partially from the overuse of chemical-laden sunscreens. Now everyone say it with me – “We. Can’t. Win.”

So the real dangers of the sun may not be from overexpose, but from the sunscreen we’ve been told to slather on since childhood? One fact is indisputable – melanoma, cancer of the skin, is on the rise. As we just reported, some experts feel this is because of the overuse of tanning beds.

But now authorities from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) propose that the extensive presence of chemicals in sunscreen may be causing damage on the cellular levels. And that the false sense of security provided by sunscreen may also be complicating the matter. In other words, people put on one coating of sunscreen and then spend the day in the sun sporting around chemically-sunscreen and a false sense of security. (So yes, you can either use too much sunscreen or too little. Your pick!)

Here are the facts as recently reported. Common sunscreens contain cinnamates, benzophenones and amino benzoic acid, which counteract sunlight when it is absorbed by the skin, thus causing genetic-material to damage. It doesn’t stop there. The EWG points out that 60 percent of beach and sport sunscreens contain the hormone-disrupting oxybenzene chemical. Another 40 percent include retinyl palmitate, a type of vitamin A that “may accelerate skin cancer-growth.”

So where is the FDA in all this? As Columbia Doctors East Side dermatologist Dr. Monica Halem told reporters, the FDA is developing a four star rating system for sunscreens – that they have been working on since 1978. Yes, the FDA has been writing this report for 32 years.

According to Dr. Halem, “The FDA is still trying to implement this four star monitoring system and hopefully within the next year or two this will be out so that patients are aware that they’re not just being covered by UVB but they are also being covered by UVA.”

The take-away from all this? It seems that safe guidelines to sun are about as complicated as a Real Housewives of New Jersey’s bank account. (Garden State love!) So we will try to keep it simple. Stay out for ten minutes without sunscreen, but slather on once you’ve gotten your allotment of vitamin D.

Keep your sunscreens and sun blocks eco-friendly. Why? Because they do contain less chemicals that traditional brands. Click here for safer face sunscreens. And here for safer body sunscreens. In the meantime, can someone please come hold my hand while we wait for the next news to break about the dangers of beauty?

For further reading:
Study reveals sunscreen’s darker side.

Image: Tom Purves

The post Now Even Your Sunscreen Will Kill You appeared first on EcoSalon.

This week’s medical news comes with a heaping side order of mixed messages. Tanning is bad! (But you already knew that.) Sunscreen is also bad! There’s a lot of conflicting medical advice out there about sun exposure. My advice? PANIC.

Medicine and health writers make a living from informing readers about the innocuous, daily habits that are killing you right now. It’s their bread and butter. So it’s important to take alarmist headlines with a grain of salt. But not too much salt, because you’re already eating too much and it’s slowly killing your sodium-bloated body. You’ll know it’s working when you’re afraid of everything.

Proponents for increased Vitamin D intake like Dr. Mark Hyman of The Huffington Post claim that Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to “cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression – and multiple sclerosis.” The human body naturally produces Vitamin D during sunlight exposure, so those of us who slather on the sunscreen religiously are missing out, especially because the only food sources that provide Vitamin D are herring and cod liver oil. Eating herring is (probably) worse than skin cancer or rickets.

For those of you who live in places where sunning yourself outside isn’t possible about eight months out of the year (hello, Minnesota readers!), you might be tempted to build up your Vitamin D levels by visiting a tanning salon. You’ll also build up your melanoma levels, unfortunately; the American Association of Cancer Research links indoor tanning with a “74-percent higher risk of skin cancer.” Thanks for playing!

There’s no need to despair just yet, however: NYU dermatology professor Dr. Darrell Rigel claims many studies show that elevated levels of Vitamin D don’t make a difference. So stay in. Or go out. Or go out, but only swathed in white cotton and SPF 45. Or rub yourself down with cod liver oil and go tanning. Just stop getting your medical advice from the Internet, okay?

Image: Evil Erin

The post Things That Will Probably Kill You, Vol. 3 appeared first on EcoSalon.