Recent EU rulings on the UVA filtration capacity of sunscreens have sadly forced our friends at Dr Hauschka to withdraw their very popular natural organic sunscreen range. The new regulations demand a level of UVA protection from sunblock that would be impossible to achieve without adding chemical ingredients, which would really fly in the face of the Dr H ethos.   

There’s been a bit of an international hoo-ha over the changes, and at least one other manufacturer, Weleda, has been forced to step down from the natural sunscreen market for the time being.

While, of course, it’s great that the EU are looking after our skin so carefully, the changes do leave those of us who are interested in protecting our skin naturally a little bit up the creek.

Here at Anthyllis, our customers have been voicing pretty universal disappointment in the products’ withdrawal, and we’re now on a mission to find another brand that fits with the Anthyllis natural approach whilst also meeting the EU guidelines.

We’ve found a few names to look into – one of which is Lavera, who seem to have managed to meet the regulations up to factor 20, which is a start! In the meantime, if anybody out there has any recommendations or other products we might want to look at, please do leave us a comment.

http://www.drhauschka.co.uk/news/2009/04/story-9

It’s gotta be one of the most difficult things to do–going shopping for sunglasses.

And when you’re out there buying, a lot of thoughts are bound to swirl about in your head.

Which shape; which lens; what type of UV protection; how much; on-trend, or classic?

Karen Goldman, Design Director for Foster Grant and Quantum Optics Sunglasses, helps us with some of the answers.

Should you choose sunglasses according to your face shape? What styles look best on different face shapes?

Knowing which shapes fit your face will lead you in the right direction in picking out the perfect pair. The sunglasses should help to create contrast with the shape of your face, so people with round faces should choose square or rectangle shaped sunglasses. Square faces look good with oval or round frames, while aviators, rimless styles, and flat top styles are good fits for heart shaped faces. If you have an oval face, anything goes. However, you shouldn’t feel limited to these styles; the best way to pick the perfect pair is to try on as many as possible until you find the one that makes you feel fabulous!

What are the trends for sunglasses this summer?

We’re seeing a lot of two-tone colorations, with an emphasis on dark to light fades. Pastels and translucent colors are creating ultra feminine looks, while bright colors (red, pink, blue) make a bold statement. Cat eyes are making a big comeback, while aviators and wayfarer shapes continue to be popular.

When you’re shopping for sunglasses, what factors should be considered?

Comfort and fit are key when selecting sunglasses. The temple tips should rest against your head, behind your ears, but should not press too tightly. The glasses should sit on your nose bridge, high enough so your cheeks do not touch the bottom of the frame. All sunglasses should offer UVA/UVB protection, but check the tag or lens label to be sure. All our brands are 100% UVA/UVB protective.

What are the different types of lenses out there? What’s best?

The most common lens types are Acrylic (AC), Polycarbonate (PC) and Polarized. Acrylic lenses are used primarily on fashion styles and are scratch resistant. Polycarbonate lenses are shatter/impact resistant and are commonly used on sport/performance styles. Polarized lenses reduce glare and are great for water activities (fishing, boating, etc). A lot of consumers seem to prefer polarized lenses; however, the best type of lens is determined by the needs of the customer.

Does lens tint matter?

Lens tints have a variety of uses, from creating fashion statements to improving contrast on the ski slope. Gray/smoke colors are the most popular, as they transmit all colors evenly. Green tints also transmit colors evenly, and are becoming more popular in the fashion categories. Amber, yellow, and orange tints improve contrast and reduce glare and are preferred by hunters, fishermen, and snow sport enthusiasts. Brown tints are often used on fashion styles, but are also good for golfers, as they help highlight the different contrasts in green colors.

Written by: Kalisha

I always dread the day that my sunscreen runs out because that means I have to head to the drugstore and stare for what seems like forever at the huge wall of sunscreens trying to figure out which one is the best. I will usually stare and stare then decide to go pick out the toilet paper I need because that is always an easy decision; two-ply and quilted. Then come back to the wall of sunscreens to then just pick one that looks like it will protect well. I have never been able to figure out why there are so many different SPF’s. I figure if there is one that is better for everyone then why not just sell that one particular SPF. Why confuse me with all those different numbers?! Now I feel like my prayers have been answered and from now on I will be able to go to the store, pick out my sunscreen at first glance and be on my way. The FDA is changing the labeling on all sunscreens! Woo Hoo! They want the labeling on your sunscreen to tell you more about protection from the sun’s harmful rays as well as educate on sun protection.

Currently the labeling on sunscreen only provides the Sun Protection Factor that informs you how well the product protects against UVB rays. UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburns, but there is still UVA light that penetrates the skin more than UVB and causes you to tan. With the new labeling the FDA will require that all sunscreens show a four-star rating (along with the SPF) that tells you how well the product protects from UVA rays. Both UVA and UVB are types of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun and both contribute to premature skin aging, skin cancer, and other types of skin damage.

• 1 star; low UVA protection
• 2 stars; medium protection
• 3 stars; high protection
• 4 stars; the highest protection available in an over the counter sunscreen product

If the sunscreen product does not rate at least one star the FDA is proposing that its labeling bear a “no UVA protection” label. The FDA wants consumers to know that sunscreen is not the only option. Along with the star ratings they want labels to advise consumers about limiting time in the sun, wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen liberally and reapplying frequently.

If you would like to find out more information on the new FDA changes just visit these sites:

FDA Press Release
www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01687.html

Questions and Answers
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/sunscreen/qa.htm

FDA Sunscreen Web page
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/sunscreen/default.htm

FDA’s Web site for OTC drug products
www.fda.gov/cder/Offices/OTC/consumer.htm

FDA’s Tanning Web site
www.fda.gov/cdrh/tanning/

Sun Safety: Save Your Skin!
www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/sun072407.html

One of the products that we gave Catherine was the UV Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen from Elta MD.

There’s nothing worse than trying to work out, and as soon as you work up a sweat, your sunscreen is making your eyes burn. Elta MD’s Sport sunscreen is highly water-resistant, specifically to prevent this problem.

We put it to the test on Catherine and she reports “I was sweating and the Sport sunscreen didn’t bother my eyes.”

Elta MD’s sunscreens are ideal because they are unscented and combine the best physical and chemical sunscreen ingredients to give broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

The physical ingredient, zinc oxide, is micronized or finely ground so you don’t have a white residue on your skin.

This summer, you don’t have to choose between being active outdoors with no protection or with burning eyes from a regular sunscreen. Choose Elta MD UV Sport SPF 50.