The skin is the most environmentally stressed organ in human beings. Not only is the skin subjected to toxic chemicals and hostile environments, but it also is the only organ directly exposed to Ultra Violet (UV) light in the presence of oxygen.
Consumers have become aware of the dangers caused by unprotected sun exposure and the increasing risk of skin cancer in recent years. But few people know that incidence rates have risen especially steeply since the mid 1970’s in locations where chemical sunscreens have been heavily promoted. Chemical sunscreens protect against sunburn but there is no scientific proof that they protect against skin cancer. In fact, many scientists studying cancer have come to the conclusion that sunscreen chemicals may increase the incidence of cancer.
Chemical UV filters (i. e. Benzophenone-3, Octyl-Methoxycinnamate, Homosalate, OD-PABA etc) can become unstable and generate free radicals by their chemical reaction to UV light. Whilst they protect against sunburn, they may be contributing to a higher risk of skin cancer. With Chemical Sunscreens, the skin absorbs the UV (or light) energy and has to convert it into chemical energy, which is normally released as free radicals. Chemical Sunscreens prevent sunburn by absorbing the UV rays while Physical Sunscreens such as Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide work by reflecting UV rays away from the skin.
We need sunlight to maintain good health and a positive mental state. Sunlight produces vitamin D in the skin, a hormone, which is absolutely necessary for the efficient absorption of calcium for strong bone reformation and essential for optimal health. Most of this is obtained primarily through synthesis by UVB radiation in the skin. Lack of sunlight or the use of improper sunscreens (sunblocks) may lead to vitamin D deficiency. Traditional sunscreens – the current gold standard of photoprotection - are inadequate¹ to prevent our body from sunburn and a number of undesirable skin conditions. New sunscreen products need to adequately reflect UV rays and have the capacity to stop the chain reaction initiated by free radicals: Antioxidants are vital to help to protect the cells against skin cancer and photoaging changes.
MelanSol®, a new generation of 100% natural sunscreen products with the super-antioxidant Bio-Melanin is now available. Bio-Melanin is a dynamic free radical scavenger and has a one thousand times greater capacity than vitamin E for capturing and terminating free radicals.
MelanSol® provides a dual cell protection:
- Reflecting UV rays away from the skin by most natural mineral pigments.
- Free radical scavenging with the super-antioxidant Bio-Melanin in combination with green tea and natural vitamin E.
UVB are shorter wavelengths that penetrate the outer layer of the skin and are responsible for acute UV damage (sunburn). UVA are longer wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for chronic UV damage (causing premature skin aging, wrinkles and sagging).
Skin naturally uses antioxidants to protect itself from photodamage. This new generation of sunscreen products, efficiently support the body’s own natural defense mechanism and therefore provide the best protection from sunburn and chronic UV damage. SPF 25’s of this new generation sunscreens are adequate enough to start tanning for skin that easily burns and also for kids. High SPF ratings increase the UV protection only minimally but give the wrong message and a false sense of security.
