STORY OF MINERAL SUNSCREEN ( CORAL REEF SAFE)

Sunscreens are must and are advised by all dermatologist to be used religiously when exposed to sun .SPF rating is given depending on the amount of UV rays the sunscreen can reflect .

For daily general use SPF 15 is recommended so that the skin is protected from the damage caused by the sun exposure even in cold countries.Especially for fair skin types where the melanin( skins natural sun defence ) is not present .

Darker skin tones have abundant melanin and are naturally protected from sun rays to a extent but even the darker skin tones need SPF for skin recovery as constant exposure to sun and melanin production reduces the life of the skin cells and we get aged and wrinkled and develop melanin spots and uneven skin tone.

Different types of sunscreens:

MINERAL SUNSCREENS

CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS

Chemical sunscreens:

These sunscreens are made with chemicals which are potentially harm full to humans and environment as well.

Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into your skin and sit in the deeper layers. They absorb UV rays and change them into heat, then release the heat from the skin.

Since UV rays must penetrate the skin to reach these chemicals, chemical sunscreens may not protect against all UVA rays, which still causes damage to the deeper layers of the skin.

The main ingredient in chemical sunscreen is Oxybenzone, has been linked to numerous health risks, including endometriosis² and poor sperm quality.³ There may be a particular risk to pregnant women, because other studies report statistically significant associations between oxybenzone exposure and adverse birth outcomes, including shorter pregnancies, altered birth weights,⁴ and increased risk of Hirshsprung’s disease.

 oxybenzone, a chemical used in sunscreens to protect our skin from damaging UV light. Oxybenzone is bad news for corals, harming them by;

• Increasing a coral’s susceptibility to bleaching
• Damaging coral DNA which interferes with reproduction
• Causing deformities and growth anomalies
• Disrupting a coral’s hormonal processes for growth and reproduction.

  In short please stay away from the chemical loaded sunscreens they may be easy to apply and give a better feel and aesthetic but are very harmful to us and the Eco system.

MINERAL SUNSCREEN:

Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin’s surface, acting as a physical blocker by deflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin like tiny mirrors. Because they block UV rays at the surface level, mineral sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Zinc oxide and Titanium Di oxide are the two minerals which are proven to be effective sunshielders .Zinc oxide can be used on its own but Titanium Di oxide has to be paired with zinc oxide for maximum sun protection.

We should opt for non nano form of these minerals as the nano form is potentially dangerous as shown in the recent studies when inhaled and as we know sunscreen is liberally applied and there is every chance these particles can be inhaled.

The safest possible mineral for sunscreen is zinc oxide as its safety and efficiency is clinically proven and is safe for use in babies as well. 

In the USA FDA trails and GRASE status accreditation zinc oxide is one mineral sunscreen which is considered safe and can be bought over the counter when used by the manufacturers within the specified limit.

OUR SPF 30 SUNSCREEN:

SPF only measures how much a sunscreen will protect you from UVB rays, the type that cause sunburn. Only Broad Spectrum Sunscreens also protect you from UVA rays, the type that cause suntan and skin aging. Remember, UVB = burn, UVA = aging.

Many sunscreens on the shelves, even those for babies and kids, offer little or no protection from UVA rays. Any "Broad Spectrum Sunscreen" or "UVA Protection" label claims must be proven by laboratory critical wavelength testing.

Zinc oxide is the metal zinc that has been oxidized. The chemical formula is ZnO, 1 zinc atom and 1 oxygen atom held together by an ionic bond. Zinc oxide does occur in nature as the mineral zincite, but it is quite rare and commercially unavailable. We use zinc clear XP  manufactured using mined zinc which is then purified into pharmaceutical grade zinc oxide.

ZINC CLEAR XP: It is transparent/non-whitening, exceeds critical wavelength requirements, offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and is suitable for all skin types. This product is recommended for mass market suncare either as a sole UV filter, or in combination with other UV absorbers, low irritant or sensitive skin sunscreens, everyday moisturizers providing SPF, 'all natural' and 'mineral only' sunscreens, for infant/children suncare products, nappy rash creams and balms, colour cosmetics, and lip balms.

• Broad spectrum UV protection - UVB, UVA-I, UVA-II
• Mild suncare for sensitive skin types or sensitive areas such as face and neck
• Children’s sunscreens suitable for young skin at risk of sensitisation
• UV protection for daily use products, for example daily protection from UVA damage, skin ageing, skin darkening, skin pigmentation
• As an SPF booster and UVA absorber for suncare using organic absorbers or TiO₂

ZinClear^® XP active zinc oxide (ZnO) particles enables formulation of very safe mineral-based sunscreens, providing high SPF (up to 50) with exceptional high transparency, allowing the formulation of elegant skincare products that do not cause unacceptable whiteness on the skin.

 RED RASPBERRY SEED OIL:

There’s been plenty of research over the years confirming red raspberry seed oil’s ability to absorb UV rays.

The different types of UV radiation include UVB, UVC, and UVA. The risk of skin cancer varies depending on the type of radiation:

• UVC rays are absorbed by the atmosphere and don’t reach the earth’s surface. For this reason, it’s not a high risk factor for skin cancer.
• UVB radiation is linked to skin cancer because it can damage the top layer of skin and change the DNA in your skin.
• UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin. Unprotected exposure to these rays can lead to premature skin aging and increase your risk for skin cancer.

According to research, red raspberry seed oil can absorb UVB and UVC sun rays. But the oil offers limited protection from UVA. UVA rays increase the risk for skin cancer and other skin problems like wrinkles and premature aging.

How much sunscreen to use:

The Paediatricians recommend   sunscreen's SPF using 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter (2mg/cm2) of skin. This is about 1oz for a full adult body (about a shot glass full) or about 1/3 of a teaspoon to cover your face. It's nearly impossible to actually measure and evenly apply sunscreen according to these guidelines, so we suggest applying a visibly whitening coat of sunscreen to all exposed skin and rubbing it in to reduce the whitening effect. To ensure that you have achieved full and even coverage, let this coat dry/sink in for 15-30 minutes and then reapply. Think of it as a base coat and finish coat.

To maintain maximum effectiveness, sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and directly after extended swimming or sweating. For sensitive skin, apply a small amount of the product to test before full use. Keep out of eyes and keep off broken or unhealthy skin.

our sunscreens are used regularly for both face and body. We have additionally tested  as non-comedogenic, which means that they will not clog pores. Although we have not tested every sunscreen individually, the base formulas of the sunscreens are very similar and we would expect similar test results.

TESTING SUNSCREEN SPF:

product needs to be tested within a controlled, reliable environment. Testing will be required to make labeling claims regarding your product’s SPF and UVA protection. Although sunscreens are most commonly tested, SPF testing will be required for any product that contains sunscreen actives.

TESTS DONE ON OUR PRODUCT:

• ISO 24444 — Now adopted in nearly 60 countries, supportable claims include SPF number and sunscreen efficacy. This excludes the USA but includes countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Chile, New Zealand, India, Russia and various other global countries.
• ISO 24442 — In compliance with EU requirements, this method focuses on UVAPF — ultraviolet A Protection Factor. UVA has been linked to photoaging and skin cancer. When a product protects against both UVA and UVB radiation, this qualifies as a broad spectrum product.
• Broad spectrum efficacy — This measures a product’s absorbance of UV radiation across both the UVB and UVA spectrum.

We have done both INVIVO/INVITRO with PF factor determination.

Clinically tested and concluded to be SPF 30 with broad spectrum coverage.

1. Clinically tested with a human test group of different phototype skin .
2. Calculation of the label SPF- ISO24444( european & uk standard) and Australia / Newzealand test method.
3. Testing done by CPTC labs with 40 years of experience and used by market leaders
4. UVA and UVB tested with PF value with outcome of SPF 30
5. Made with Zinc clear xp which is a non nano zinc and listed as non carcinogenic and coral/marine life safe.

SUNSCREEN AND MARINE LIFE:

Healthy coral reefs are one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth. They provide billions of dollars in economic and environmental services, such as food, coastal protection, and tourism. However, coral ecosystems around the world face serious threats from a number of sources, including climate change, unsustainable fishing, land-based pollution, coastal development, disease, and invasive species.

Scientists have also discovered that some of the chemicals found in sunscreen and other personal health products threaten the health of coral reefs. How these, and other compounds, affect reef ecosystems remains an active area of research. Researchers are reviewing the environmental impacts of sunscreen ingredients as part of a National Academy of Sciences study expected to be completed in 2022. NOAA will review this study when it is available and update the information presented in this article as warranted.

• How sunscreen chemicals enter our environment: The sunscreen you apply may not stay on your skin. When we swim or shower, sunscreen may wash off and enter our waterways.
• How sunscreen chemicals can affect marine life:
• Green Algae: Can impair growth and photosynthesis.
• Coral: Accumulates in tissues. Can induce bleaching, damage DNA, deform young, and even kill.
• Mussels: Can induce defects in young.
• Sea Urchins: Can damage immune and reproductive systems, and deform young.
• Fish: Can decrease fertility and reproduction, and cause female characteristics in male fish.
• Dolphins: Can accumulate in tissue and be transferred to young.
• Chemicals in some sunscreens that can harm marine life include: Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, nano-Titanium dioxide, nano-Zinc oxide, Octinoxate, Octocrylene.

Our sunscreen is made with Non Nano Zinc Oxide .

https://sintranaturals.com/collections/facial-care/products/vegan-mineral-suncream-spf30.