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

Are Tanning Beds Safe?

Many people visit tanning salons for the convenience. They want their skin to have that bronzed glow without spending a lot of time to achieve it. Gyms and tanning salons have responded by increasing the number of tanning beds available for the customers. But, are tanning booths safe? Are you allowing your skin to be damaged without even realizing it. Below, I’ll explain how tanning beds work (you may be surprised) and why you might want to consider giving your tanning bed fix a thumbs down. 

Free From Ultraviolet Rays?

First, you may not realize that tanning booths work by emiting ultraviolet rays. These rays have the same damaging effect on your skin and DNA as those from the sun. Just as most dermatologists recommend avoiding the sun, you should also avoid UV exposure in tanning booths.

Tanning booths bathe your skin with both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns  (amongst other things). While UVA rays don’t cause sunburns, they’re longer than UVB rays and penetrate more deeply under the epidermis. This causes your skin to produce melanin and eventually tan. Because most of a tanning salon’s customers want to have tanned skin, the beds are typically calibrated to emit 95% UVA rays and 5% UVB rays. This reduces the likelihood of a sunburn while increasing the chances of producing a the tan that most customers want.  

Unfortunately, this exposure to UVA rays can cause the same skin and cellular damage as those from the sun. Because of the calibration of the tanning booth, focusing more on the UVA rays, the exposure can actually be more dangerous in the bed than if you’re outside in the sun. 

The Protective Base Tan

Some people claim that visiting a tanning booth can be beneficial because the tan provides a protective base over your skin. That way, when you’re outside, your skin is naturally shielded from the sun’s UV rays. In truth, a tan can’t provide protection over SPF 6. For true protection, most healthcare professionals will recommend a sunscreen that offers at least an SPF 30 with protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

You can find photostable broad spectrum protection from Mexoryl based sunscreens as found in Anthelios.  

A Safe Way To Tan

The only truly safe way to tan is to use an autobronzer or self-tanning product like La Roche Posay Autohelios. You’ll be able to enjoy the rich color you desire without damaging your skin or increasing the chances of developing skin cancer.

If you care about the health of your skin, you’ll give the tanning booth a miss and protect your skin with a well formulated, photostable UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen whenever you’re exposed to the sun.

Do Sunscreens Cause Cancer?

Over the past few years, you may have read reports on the internet and from other sources that sunscreen use can increase the risk of skin cancer. There are some ‘conspiracy’ theories as to how this assumption arose, one including a rumor perpetuated by tanning bed manufacturers to assure people that tanning beds are safe. (they’re not). Whether this is true or not is of course speculation, but it’s easy for rumors to spread.

Before you decide that you should stop using sunscreen altogether, keep in mind that many well respected organizations including the American Academy of Dermatology, the Canadian Dermatology Association and the Australian government strongly advise using a sunscreen that will protect against the full range of UVA and UVB rays (280 to 400 nanometers) whenever you are exposed to the sun to reduce the risk of skin cancer. So why is it that some individuals believe that sunscreens actually cause cancer?

Due to awareness of the link between sun exposure and skin cancer, sunscreens are used more widely today than years ago. Yet despite the awareness, the number of cases of melanoma and other skin cancers continues to rise. The conclusion? Sunscreens must cause skin cancer.

So are sunscreens really increasing the rate of skin cancers? Many health care professionals contend that in actuality that sunscreen users feel overly confident about being protected under the sun when using sunscreen. And others may be choosing inferior products that are only offering partial coverage againt the sun’s UV rays. That’s why it’s so important to read labels and know whether the filters in the formulation are giving you full protection against both UVB and UVA rays. It’s also important to remember that your first line of defense against the sun’s harmful effects isn’t sunscreen, rather smart sun habits. This includes covering up with sun protective clothing like hats, long sleeves and sunglasses; seeking shade where possible; and staying out of the sun between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are most intense.

Why UVA And UVB Protection Is Critical

Most healthcare professionals will agree that the proven benefits of UVA and UVB protection are far greater than the speculated risks of using sunscreens. We may not know for certain whether sunscreens lead to cancer (though it seems unlikely); we do know about the damaging effects that UVA and UVB rays have upon our skin and bodies. Both can lead to the development of skin cancer. The longer UVA rays can also lead to signs of accelerated aging such as wrinkles, leathery and sagging skin. It’s important that we protect ourselves from these rays with effective sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum coverage.

The use of topically applied antioxidants such as vitamins C and E can also protect skin from sun damage by boosting the effectivness of your sunscreen. Some sunscreens incorporate these vitamins. You may also want to consider applying a product like La Roche Posay Active C XL or La Roche Posay Active C that contains vitamin C prior to sunscreen application.

Which Sunscreen Works Best?

As a consumer, you have the choice of hundreds of sunscreen formulations to choose from. You probably realize that the level of protection offered by many of these sunscreens is less than ideal. Typically, the SPF or Sun Protection Factor (arguably, the measure by which most people judge the effectiveness of a sunscreen) reflects UVB protection only. An SPF rating doesn’t tell you how much UVA protection you’re getting as a UVA rating system has not yet been developed for North America. 

Sunscreens formulated with Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL as found in Anthelios sunscreens, protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Because each of us has a different skin type and lead different lifestyles, there are numerous Anthelios sunscreens available. Anthelios XL SPF 60, one of the best selling sunscreens in the Anthelios line offers face and body protection; Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Fluide Extreme is ideal for oily or sensitive facial protection.

Protecting your skin from the ravages of the sun’s UV rays is critical. The benefits of doing so overshadow any potential (and as yet, unproven) risks of using sunscreens. Until a definitive link between sunscreen usage and skin cancer has been established, there’s every reason to continue enjoying the proven advantages of a well formulated sunscreen like Anthelios.

Are Parabens Safe in Skin Care Products?

For those of you not familiar with parabens, they’re preservatives which help prevent the spread of fungus and bacteria. Cosmetics companies have been including parabens in products such as makeup, shaving gels, shampoos, moisturizers and dozens of other products for many years. Parabens are also included in various types of foods to ensure their safety for consumption.

Recently, the use of parabens as a preservative has attracted attention and criticism. One study reported that parabens were found in samples of breast tumours. And other studies have found them to exhibit estrogenic effects in animals. While the research is still being disputed, many individuals worry about parabens causing adverse health effects. Should you seek out products without parabens? Let’s look at the data to help you decide.

Parabens Maintain the Integrity of Skin Care Products

Parabens are effective for inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungus. Left unchecked, the spread of these microorganisms could prove harmful to your health. And while there is an argument for taking precautions when using any product that contains preservatives, it’s essential that we appreciate the benefits of parabens along with their potential risks. In addition to controlling the spread of bacteria, mold and fungus, parabens are very stable and highly efficacious. Counter that with the negative impact of using products that are contaminated with bacteria.

The Decision is Yours

But what about the possible downside? Whether to use or avoid products with parabens is an informed decision we each have to make by weighing the risks against benefits. Is the skin care product that you are using delivering benefits more important than the potential risks associated with it?

In the case of a skincare product like sunscreen, consider that you are protecting your skin against sunburns, photo aging as well as some types of skin cancers. Many of us would agree that the benefits of sunscreen far outweigh the potential risks associated with parabens, especially if we are using it for the most part just on our faces and décolleté. Because of potential safety issues, many cosmetics companies are opting for alternative preservative systems such as phenoxyethanol or grapefruit seed extract.

If you’re concerned about parabens, read labels. Common parabens include butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben. If you’re a sunscreen user (and there’s good reason why we all should be), here are some of our top sellers all formulated without parabens:

 Anthelios Fluide Extreme SPF 50+

Anthelios Creme SPF 50+
Anthelios Crème SPF 40
Anthelios Tinted Crème SPF 50+
Anthelios W SPF 40 Gel
Anthelios SPF 50+ Lait
Anthelios Dermo Pediatrics Lotion SPF 50+
Anthelios Dermo Pediatrics Spray SPF 50

After Sun Care for Your Skin

Your skin is more fragile than you may imagine. It can be easily-damaged by the elements, the sun and persistent dryness. Most people don’t realize the damage that’s happening to their skin because the effects aren’t obvious. For example, a suntan may not cause alarm because most people actually strive to have tanned skin. But, if you’re spending time in the sun, exposed to its ultraviolet rays, you should be taking steps to care for your skin once you come inside.

Applying emollients to your skin after sun exposure is an important step in after sun care. And there are a  few tips to help protect your skin when you just can’t avoid exposure to UV rays. Plus products are available that will help to repair and preserve skin.

Applying Emollients After UV Exposure

When you’ve been out in the sun, the UV rays that shower your skin have a number of effects. UVA rays are penetrating deep into the lower layers, causing tissue and cellular damage. UVB rays, which are shorter, may lead to sunburns. Both can potentially lead to skin cancer. Your exposure to the sun can also dry your skin, causing the top layer of your epidermis to lose water.

By using an emollient like the La Roche Posay Posthelios, you can help moisturize your skin. Posthelios contains lipid replenishing agents shea butter, dimethicone and lanolin to boost your skin’s ability to retain moisture, making it look more supple. It can also provide a layer over your skin to help trap moisture inside.

Sun that is dry from prolonged exposure to the sun may crack and become sore. La Roche Posay Posthelios can help to replenish the lost moisture and repair some of the damage caused by the UV rays.

Tips For After Sun Care

First, apply the emollient immediately after coming in from the sun. Quick application is essential in replacing the moisture that was lost. Second, massage it into your skin right after taking a warm bath or shower; this helps to trap moisture that is on your skin. Third, if you’ve been out in the sun for a long period of time, reapply the moisturizer if it wears off.

If you’re someone who enjoys life, it’s impossible to avoid exposure to the sun. A well formulated UVA and UVB blocking sunscreen like Anthelios is a must. You may also want to consider a good emollient that can help to protect skin after UV exposure.�