Sunscreen Saviors: chemical vs. mineral

Our skincare regimes may switch up throughout the year, based on climate changes, hormonal changes, and many other factors. But one thing remains consistent – rain or shine, sun or snow, you should always wear sunscreen. Proper sun care is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer, premature aging, and sun damage.  In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it is estimated that about 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun. And since the skin is the largest organ in the human body with so many crucial functions, its up to us to protect it so that we may continue to GLOW!

But with so many different types of sunscreens on the market, how can you tell which is right for you, and which to avoid?

Sunscreen has come a long way since the days of the Coppertone “baby bottom” ads, and formulas are so advanced now that there’s no reason not to call it what it is – an essential step in your morning skincare regime. Let’s not let it be an afterthought. 

The two main types of sunscreen available are mineral (sometimes known as physical sunblock) and synthetic (also known as chemical sunblock). They act in one of two, somewhat self-explanatory ways – by forming a mineral barrier, or by forming a chemical one.  While chemical sunscreens are definitely the most common type on the market, you may want to reconsider grabbing at the first SPF you see on the shelf at your local drugstore. 

Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin, and scatter and deflect the sun’s harmful rays upon absorption.  There are over 30 synthetic sun-protection chemicals that can be found in skincare products, including oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. These tend to be found in more water-resistant formulas, which can make them more appealing as a consumer, but in reality, they need to be reapplied just as often as their mineral-based counterparts.  If you’ve ever had a reaction or irritation from a sun protectant product, chances are, it was a chemical-based one.  Don’t be fooled by high SPF labels. They can tempt you into staying in the sun too long, and (above SPF 50) the higher the SPF, the more often they must be reapplied. 

Chemical sunscreen ingredients have been shown to cause damage to coral, accumulate in fish and the environment, and cause hormone disruptions in fish and amphibians. So imagine what they can do when absorbed into our own skin.  But what about FDA certification? The Food and Drug Administration has not reviewed evidence of potential hazards of sunscreen filters – instead it grandfathered in ingredients used in the late 1970s when it began to consider sunscreen safety.  Instead, the EWG has reviewed existing data about human exposure and toxicity levels in the 9 most commonly used sunscreen chemicals.  After testing over 1,400 popular sunscreens on the market, only 5% met their safety standards for human use.  And oxybenzone (a synthetic form of estrogen), the most prevalent ingredient in sunscreens on the market – showed worrisome results.  Present in nearly 65% of non-mineral sunscreens in their 2018 market database, it was found to cause allergic skin reactions and hormone disruptions in both men and women.  Because these chemicals are absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin, where capillaries and veins circulate blood, they in turn entire the body’s circulatory system.  In a recent study, traces of oxybenzone were been found in 96% of the American population. Traces were also found in breast milk – indicating that developing fetus and newborns may be exposed to these substances.  Interesting, considering their topical use has not been approved for infants.  Mineral sunscreens are the only form of sun protectant that has been approved for use on babies.  We all know that what we put into our bodies effects our skin, but the opposite is just as true as well – in most cases, what we apply to our skin externally, often finds its way into our bodies. We should always be sure that what we apply is safe.

Now as for the second type of sunscreen – mineral-based formulas, there is a lot more hope.  There are two main ingredients for mineral sunscreens – titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and they can often be found either together or separate.  Mineral sunscreens are known “physical” sun blockers because of their relatively large molecular size – hence, they won’t absorb into the deeper layers of skin, but rather coat the skin and act as a mirror, reflecting light and harmful rays away from our exposed flesh.

Naturally white in color, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are both powdered minerals. With their highly reflective particles, they are naturally “broad-spectrum,” meaning that they protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.  In addition, they won’t break down in the sun and have the EWG’s seal of approval, something that’s always been important to us over here at the Goddess of Skin. 

While titanium dioxide is the gentler of the two minerals and is best suited for the most sensitive skin types, zinc oxide is slightly more effective at blocking long UVA rays and in addition, is naturally antimicrobial.  Both are noncomedogenic – meaning that proper application (i.e. thin layers on clean skin) won’t clog your pores or contribute to skin congestion.

Bottom Line:

Use mineral over chemical sunscreens, reapply often, and drink lots of water for healthy, happy skin all summer long! While sunscreen should never be an afterthought in your skincare regiment, it also shouldn’t be the only step you take towards protecting from the sun’s harmful rays. 

⁃Studies show that proper attire (hats, shirts, shorts, etc.) can protect and reduce your burn risk by 27%. 

⁃Whenever possible, try to plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon with the sun is lower in the sky and the UV index is safer. 

⁃Sunglasses should always be worn! Not only are they cute, but they help prevent cataracts, protect from harmful UV rays, and prevent premature aging around the eyes by lessening subconscious need to squint. 

⁃Keep skin clean! Breakouts happen when dirt, oil and bacteria get trapped inside the pore – always wash your face and body after sunscreen use and sun exposure. 

⁃Avoid the tanning bed! As tempting as it may be to “build a base” or get that glow year round, tanning beds expose the skin to up to 15 times more ultraviolet radiation than the sun and contribute to rising increase in melanoma rates. 

⁃And lastly, we are all unique! Love the body you’re in and embrace your own natural levels of melanin – and the healthy glow provided by simply using a good, nightly body oil. Nourished skin will love you back!

https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/#.WxWU5dPwaYU – Guide to Sunscreens

https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/#.WxWWG9PwaYU – The Trouble With Sunscreen Chemicals

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts – Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics

Natural Skin toner by Goddes of Skin

Skin Toner and the Power of PH Balance

Everyone knows skin toner is the first step on a healthy path to keeping your skin tone at a neutral PH balance, right? …Well, maybe not. The joyful byproduct of being an esthetician for more than thirty years is that I am a teacher first for my clients and can share why skin toner is so important. But if you don’t see me in Los Angeles or New York, trust me when I say maintaining a neutral PH balance is imperative to your skin’s health. What does this even mean?

Normal or “neutral” PH balance is 7-7.5 and using a natural skin toner helps you maintain a healthy balance. Rachel Nazarian, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York further explains the benefits of maintaining a neutral PH balance but the most important benefit: Clearer skin which means a reduction of acne and breakouts.

Additionally when the skin is at a normal PH level your face creams and serums are absorbed better by the skin, helping you maintain a healthy skincare regime.

The types of toner you use are as important as when you use a skin toner. The Goddess of Skin Radiant Toner and Skin Pads are a natural product and safe to use every time you wash your face, or after a workout. We created toner wipes that offer an on-the-go solution, and then I always have a mister in my purse for a quick hydration fix, a cream and then always a layer of protection.

By eliminating the sweat and bacteria quickly, you reduce the chance of the sebum settling into pores and leading to blackheads. This is especially important since we go from different temperatures, air quality, and activities throughout the day. Once the sebum cools, it solidifies which leads to blackheads.

Now you get to choose your toner. Make sure you are not using a heavy alcohol based product as this can strip the skin. A Chamomile and licorice root toner helps brighten the skin. Check ingredients and post a question to me on Facebook about your skin to help decide on the best approach for your daily skincare routine.

If you have a favorite toner or question please share with me and learn more about the Goddess of Skin toner here.

Summer Skin Survival Advice

Summer Skin Survival Advice

Memorial Day weekend is here and that means it’s time to weatherproof your skin as Summer is right around the corner. It is a time to shift gears in the way we treat our complexions. A little bit of work, and you can be clear, protected and GLOWING all summer long.

Before we talk about summer skin and “safe sun” practice, I would like to address the issue I find most challenging. Being that I work on two coasts, I have experience with how weather effects our skin. Climate effects complexion and it’s time to understand your weather and how you need to adjust during each season.

Congestion in the pores is just as bad as the congestion in the streets for my New York City clients …and if you live in a humid climate you’re facing this skin care consideration as well. Sweat gets trapped in our pores and the perspiration from the summer heat will contribute to the level of blocked pores. This is the #1 culprit for skin breaking out during the summer. The frequency of stepping in and out of air conditioning is like adding layers of blockage in your pores. You see, the sebum that collects in our pores after a workout or a hot steamy day of walking around the city, solidifies when it is cooled. Just like the fat in a frying pan after frying bacon solidifies, so the the sebum in our pores once we cool down or enter an air conditioned building. This happens within 15 minutes after a work out session so it’s imperative to remove the salty film and sweat from your face.

If you can’t shower and wash your face after a workout use a medicated pad or my Radiant Skin Pads to keep your skin clean. This will help reduce breakouts. Have you ever noticed you breakout in areas where there is more sweating during the summer months? Now, I am not going to preach too much about the dangers of the sun. It is incredibly scary to read what is going on with our atmosphere, and I think we all know that the sun we currently have, is much stronger than the sun of years past. And now because of the ozone layer being depleted, we are facing the dangers of Infrared Rays as well as UVA and UVB.

Please be sure to apply a shot glass size of a sunscreen high in Zinc Dioxide and even better one that contains mega doses of anti-oxidants. These little gems actually chew up the free radicals caused by the sun and the pollution we are facing everyday. And read the label and do not be fooled by these 50-100 SPF’s for sunscreen. You need to re-apply every two hours and more frequently if swimming.

Use my “Let the World ‘C’ You” Serum under your sunscreen to amp up the protection …it even has a lightening effect on the complexion. And do not forget to wear a wide brimmed hat when out for extended periods of time. Washing your face before bed is also very important, the levels of pollution in our atmosphere are the worst chemicals you can leave on your skin overnight.

Let the World ‘C’ You

Keep your summer skin clear by keeping it clean, and keep your skin healthy by eating right, staying hydrated, and always be protected from the sun.

 

Yesterday was a very special day. We were featured in New York Magazine

Healthy skin begins with a healthy spirit and Beauty Editor, Ashley Weatherford, received the Goddess of Skin’s skin care services recently and shares her experience in this review. We were featured in New York Magazine! Beauty Editor Ashley Weatherford really got the “chi” of the treatment I gave her and was pretty spot on with her review! I am forever humbled to receive such sterling editorials and even more grateful to work with incredible clients open to receiving blessings while I heal and revitalize their skin.

Providing treatments for clients like Zoe Kravitz, Cara Delevingne and Marisa Tomei gives me such joy and these women are truly natural beauties committed to taking care of themselves, daily. Beauty truly begins on the inside and creating harmony between the skin and the spirit is my life’s work. Thank you Universe!