Pharmacymix.com, Skin Care Pharmacy and Blog Specializing in Anthelios and Mexoryl Sunscreens

Beyond Sunscreen: Extra Protection From UV Rays

Most of us know that unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays not only puts us at risk for sunburn, but also precipitates premature aging and increases our chances of developing some types of skin cancer. So we wear our sunscreen and minimize our exposure to the sun.

But did you know that there are other ways to get additional protection from UV rays? Here are some things to consider:

1. UV Clothing. While an average T shirt provides SPF protection of around 5, specially manufactured clothing can deliver higher SPF protection. Look for various brands available through department stores and specialty clothing outlets. Hats and sunglasses should complete the look.
2. Sunproof Your Clothing. You can purchase products that will add UV protection to your clothing while they’re being washed. Look for products at craft stores.
3. Supplement. Products containing Fernblock as found in Heliocare capsules have been shown to help reduce skin damage caused by UV rays.
4. Complementary products. Topical antioxidants including green tea, Vitamin E and Vitamin C help to boost the performance of your sunscreen. Consider adding them to your daily routine. Products such as Reversa Antioxidant Booster Serum, La Roche Posay Derm AOX and Neostrata Skin Brightener are excellent ones to think about.

Threading

If you’re someone with darker skin, you quickly become knowledgeable about hair removal procedures like threading.  For along with darker skin, comes darker (and more noticeable) hair in unwanted places – trust me; I know!

Practiced in many countries including India, China and Iran, threading  is an ancient method of hair removal, which is gaining popularity in Western countries. Threading involves the use of a twisted cotton thread which is rolled over unwanted hair in hairlines, moustaches, eyebrows, etc. Hair is plucked at the follicle level and unlike tweezing, the procedure can remove an entire row of hair at a time. While most individuals tolerate threading well, it can painful for some.

Threading is inexpensive and fast and results can last from two to four weeks. Its main drawbacks are that it can be painful and may cause itching afterwards. Less frequent side effects include folliculitis, a bacterial infection of the hair follicles and changes in skin pigment. Try to work with a qualified professional where possible.

Toxic Sunscreens?

New reports of toxic sunscreens, or rather ingredients in sunscreens that may not be as safe as once thought, are confusing many of us. The issue? Many commonly included chemical sun filters that have been used for years in sunscreens have now been found to be associated with side effects.

Of particular concern is oxybenzone because it’s been shown to disrupt hormones, precipitate skin sensitivities and cause allergic reactions. Yet you’ll still find it in many different sunscreens, including those that are formulated for children. With the introduction of newer and safer chemical sunscreens such as Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX it’s hard to imagine why you’d need to use one that does come with such side effects.

Read labels to ensure that your sunscreen doesn’t contain oxybenzone. Look for Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX in our line of Anthelios sunscreens. And if you want to read more about sunscreens and toxicity, check out this article.

Linea Nigra

Linea nigra (Latin for “black line”) is a term for the dark vertical line that appears on a woman’s abdomen during pregnancy. Common in about 75% of pregnancies, the line appears as a brownish streak about a centimeter wide. It runs from the bottom of the rib cage to the pubic bone.

It is a type of hyperpigmentation more common in women with darker skin and is thought to be associated with an increased production of melanin. The cause is most likely an increase in the amount of circulating estrogen, which also causes the areolas to darken. Linea nigra tends to appear round the second trimester and may last for months after the baby is born. In some women the line may fade but never completely go away. Sun exposure may cause it to recur.

While linea nigra doesn’t pose any danger to either the baby or mother, it does bother some women. There isn’t much you can do to stop its development, but you can help to reduce the color and site of the line:

• Minimize exposure to the sun and wear sunscreen when you can’t. Chemical free options containing zinc oxide as found in Keys Solar Rx may be wise choices during pregnancy. Check with your physician if you aren’t sure
• Increase your intake of folic acid, which is essential to a healthy pregnancy. A deficiency may be associated with the development of linea nigra
• Consider using sing makeup to cover up the line.