By Cool Sun Care

what’s behind your tan

We want to be straight with you – there really is no safe way to tan. When the skin feels direct sun exposure, it screams “HELP!” In scientific terms, this means ultraviolet light is penetrating the epidermis causing the skin to react by producing melanin, aka your suntan. In your mind, a tan may give you that young, healthy glow, but over time it causes just the opposite: a change in skin texture, wrinkling, age spots or worse – the big C.  

We’ve done our research and we’d like to give you a little sun science lesson. This is important stuff that could save your life, or at the least keep you looking younger longer – and who wouldn’t love that?

UVA + UVB: the long and short of it

The sunlight that reaches us is made up of two types of harmful rays: long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) and short wave ultraviolet B (UVB). Basically, UVA rays can age us and UVB rays can burn us. Overexposure to either can damage the skin. There’s also a third type of ray, UVC – these are the shortest and strongest, but thankfully they’re absorbed by the ozone layer and don’t typically reach the Earth.

UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin’s thickest layer. Unprotected exposure can lead to premature skin aging and suppression of the immune system. And when your skin’s defenses are down, you’re at risk for skin cancer.

UVB rays will usually burn the superficial layers of your skin. The intensity of UVB rays vary by season, location and time of day, with 10AM to 4PM being the peak hours. Sunburned skin doesn’t just feel awful, it can cause permanent damage over time. 

This is why keeping your skin protected is imperative. The next question is what type and level of SPF to use, and what’s the difference between sunscreen and sunblock anyway?

Classic vs. Mineral: Which is Which?

The active sun protection ingredients are the main difference between the two. Our Classic Sunscreens use organic active ingredients (also commonly referred to as “chemicals”) designed to absorb and dissipate UVA/UVB rays, while our Mineral Sunscreens use mineral (also commonly referred to as “physical”) active ingredients like Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to scatter and reflect UVA/UVB rays. Our Classic Sunscreens and Mineral Sunscreens are blended into luxurious, moisturizing bases which make up about 90% of the product, and 70% of this includes certified organic ingredients.  

Remember this – our classic sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, while our mineral sunscreens are effective right after application.

All of our formulations, both classic and mineral, guarantee broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays!

sunscreen goes au natural

Coconut

We like natural. So our Mineral Sunscreens incorporate our unique method of independently suspending Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide actives in an organic ultra moisturizing base. When applied, these natural mineral blockers are evenly spaced, creating the most effective application on your skin (imagine a screen or net). You get the same protection that a lifeguard gets when their nose is white, only ours is transparent!

Note: We do NOT use Nano-Particles in our sunscreens

Our unique and recently reformulated (coming soon) Classic Sunscreens include Hydresia O technology derived from eco-certified and USDA certified organic Safflower Oleosomes. This just patented plant technology is rich in moisturizing Vitamin E and enhances sun safety by time-releasing UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protecting active ingredients – resulting in 75% less actives!

We’re really serious about sun protection, and follow the recommendations of the CDC, FDA, American Cancer Society and the Skin Cancer Foundation. In addition, COOLA manufactures in small batches. As a result we’re fortunate to be able to reformulate often, and take advantage of the latest developments in sun science!

Tomato, tomotto. Some prefer our Classic Sunscreens, others prefer our Mineral Sunscreens. COOLA is happy to offer the healthiest versions of both so you can decide which is best for you and your family. That way no one ends up looking like a tomato.

the spf scoop

SPF stands for sun protection factor. Sunscreens are classified by an SPF number which refers to their ability to deflect UVB rays.

SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to burn sunscreen-protected skin vs. unprotected skin. So if a person who might typically burn after 10 minutes in the sun puts on SPF 2, they have double that time before a sunburn, so 20 minutes. Skin protected with SPF 15 would take 15 times longer, or 150 minutes for a sunburn to occur.

Keep in mind though, the increase from 20 to 45 level SPF provides only 2.8% more UV protection.

give your spf a big squeeze

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths each year.

1 in 5 Americans and 1 in 3 Caucasians will develop skin cancer over the course of a lifetime. More than 90% of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. A person’s risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns. So love your SPF, it could save your life.

seek skin refuge

Unless you live in a cave, exposure to the sun is inevitable. But you can take precautions and protect you and your loved ones from sun damage.

• Generously apply a water-resistant sunscreen with minimum SPF 15 and UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection to any parts of your body that are exposed to the sun each day. Reapply every 2 hours if you’re in direct sun. A sufficient amount for your entire body is 1 ounce, or about 2 tablespoons.

• Don’t forget those kissable lips, be sure to use a lip balm that’s SPF 15 or higher.

• Cover up! Use a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long sleeved shirt or pants. Don’t be shy, fashion comes second here.

• Seek shade between 10AM and 4PM, when the sun’s burning rays are strongest. And don’t worry, no one will think you’re a wimp.

• Use extra caution near the water, sand and snow as they can reflect and strengthen the sun’s rays. Can you say double ouch?

• You may claim the Vitamin D defense when sunbathing. But you can still get Vitamin D safely through diet and supplements without putting your skin at risk.

• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should only be used on babies over the age of 6 months.

Examine your skin from head to toe every month and see your physician annually for a professional skin exam. Early detection is best.