MedEdge Products - Fallene, Ltd. Sunscreen

MEDICAL

Skin Types

Definitions

Sunburn

Light Facts

Light Benefits

Light Sensitive Conditions

Light Sensitivity & Drugs

More than one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, and many more with pre-cancerous conditions. These numbers continue to increase, not only in the United States, but worldwide. Despite the alarming increase in skin cancers, especially in the teen and young adult population, people continue to think that a tan is healthy, while the notion that sunscreen is an occasional summer-only accessory is still prevalent.
Several factors appear to be responsible for this alarming rise in skin cancer. The continual erosion of the earth's ozone layer due to pollution results in less available ozone protection than was afforded previous generations. Also, unlike previous generations, today there are over 400 medications prescribed that leave patients with an increased sensitivity to sun exposure and a heightened susceptibility to sun damage. Longer lifespan is also a contributing factor. Greater awareness, increased patient concern and better diagnosis may help to decrease this alarming rise in the rate of skin cancer.

Perhaps the most important factor in the rise of skin cancer rates is increased exposure to the UVA wavelength. Previously thought of as harmless, this wavelength is now known to contribute significantly to skin damage, skin cancer, DNA damage and immune system suppression. UVA rays penetrate the skin deeper and, unlike UVB rays (which cause initial redness and burning), damage from UVA rays is not immediately detected. Because UVA rays remain constant throughout the year and during the day, we are exposed to them continuously, whether it is midday in July, or 4 p.m. on an overcast winter afternoon.

When it comes to appearance, wrinkling and thinning of the skin are often thought of as a natural aging process. We now know that these effects are primarily the result of long-term exposure to sunlight. Cumulative exposure to the sun imparts damage to the epidermis (the outer layer) and the dermis, (the deeper layer where the skin's framework exists). Damage to the dermal layer changes the structural components, causing Elastin fibers to thicken and become more numerous. Collagen is damaged and degraded and 'reticulin' fibers appear throughout the dermis rather than outlining the specific dermal-epidermal junction.
With some simple and consistent steps, sun damaged skin can be repaired, and other sun related issues can be minimized and possibly even reversed. A crucial step is an awareness that sun protection needs to be a daily, year-round practice. In particular, children need to incorporate the use of sunscreen on a daily basis as frequent sun exposure and sunburn in childhood must be avoided as they appear to set the stage for high rates of melanoma later in life. A comprehensive sun protection program includes sunscreen as well as sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and sun avoidance between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Skin Types

Fitzpatrick Classification for Sun-Reactive Skin Types
Skin Type	Color	Reaction to UVA	Reaction to Sun
Type I	Caucasian; blond or red hair, freckles, fair skin, blue eyes	Very Sensitive	Always burns easily, never tans; very fair skin tone
Type II	Caucasian; blond or red hair, freckles, fair skin, blue eyes or green eyes	Very Sensitive	Usually burns easily, tans with difficulty; fair skin tone
Type III	Darker Caucasian, light Asian	Sensitive	Burns moderately, tans gradually; fair to medium skin tone
Type IV	Mediterranean, Asian, Hispanic	Moderately Sensitive	Rarely burns, always tans well; medium skin tone
Type V	Middle Eastern, Latin, light-skinned black, Indian	Minimally Sensitive	Very rarely burns, tans very easily; olive or dark skin tone
Type VI	Dark-skinned black	Least Sensitive	Never burns, deeply pigmented; very dark skin tone

Definitions

Light sensitive: sensitive or sensitized to the action of radiant energy

Phototoxic: rendering the skin susceptible to damage (as sunburn or blisters) upon exposure to light and especially ultraviolet light

Photoallergic: of, relating to, caused by, or affected with a photoallergy

Photoallergy: immune reaction to a substance which in combination with ultraviolet light causes immune system to mistakenly perceive a harmful invader, or antigen

Sunburn

Sunburn is inflammation of the skin due to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The UV from "sun tanning" lamps is as damaging to skin as sun exposure.
Ultraviolet B rays have long been known to harm the skin.

Sunburn damages the skin; the damage can be permanent.

The main environmental cause of skin cancer is the sun.

Sunburn can be serious and require professional medical attention.

Victims of severe sunburn should avoid drinking or bathing in cold water.

Many prescription and non-prescription drugs and products increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight.

Wear a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses that specify 95% or greater UVR (ultraviolet radiation) absorption. Wear protective, tightly woven clothing.

Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially if it is sunny or you are perspiring heavily.

Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB coverage and a high SPF on all exposed skin, including the lips - even on cloudy days.
If exposed to water, either through swimming or sweating, a water-resistant sunscreen should be used.

Light Facts

Ultraviolet radiation is a significant source of eye disease.

The sun's invisible rays are able to pass through clouds, making the skin almost as susceptible to sunburn on cloudy days as on sunny days.

UVA light has been shown to have immunosuppressive effects and a direct relationship between these effects and skin carcinogensis in humans has been established.

While those with naturally (inherited) dark skin are less prone to melanoma, those with artificially acquired darkened skin (i.e., a tan) do not have the same protection.

Sun damage to the skin is cumulative.

Not all skin is the same. Different skin types respond differently to sunlight. Know your skin type and determine your exposure.

A suntan can do you more harm than good. A suntan is actually a sign of skin damage. Any level of tanning indicates photo-damage, leading to wrinkling, aging and skin cancer.

The skin has a memory of all the sun damage that has happened to it before resulting in greater susceptibility to skin cancer.

Normal, healthy skin acts as a barrier and protects us from injury. Our skin regulates our temperature, receives sensory impulses and synthesizes Vitamin D.

The skin is the largest organ in the human body.

More than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers occur in fair skinned people who tend to burn. However, even though the incidence of skin cancer is lower in dark skinned people, they are nevertheless susceptible to the damaging effects of UV radiation, especially to the effects on the eye and immune system.

Every seven minutes someone dies of melanoma.

Use of a higher SPF sunscreen helps overcome "user-errors": e.g., Sunscreen use is sporadic, reapplication is not frequent enough or with enough sunscreen.

The accuracy of the SPF number is questionable as testing is done with much more product than is realistically used when sunscreen is applied. Consider the reality that the true SPF number is about 1/2 or 1/3 of the stated number.

When utilizing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, the higher the SPF, the more UVA coverage.

SPF merely addresses the UVB wavelength not UVA, UVC, visible, or infrared light.

The UVA ray is more difficult to study on human subjects due to the length of time it takes for damage to appear. Aging skin or mutating skin cells are cumulative and can take decades to manifest fully.

Sun elevation: The higher the sun in the sky, the higher the UV radiation level.

Latitude: the closer to equatorial regions, the higher the UV radiation levels

Cloud cover: UV radiation levels are highest under a cloudless sky, but even with cloud cover, they can be high.

Altitude: at higher altitudes, a thinner atmosphere absorbs less UV radiation.

Ozone: ozone absorbs some of the UV radiation that would otherwise reach the earth's surface.

Ground reflection: grass, soil & water reflect less than 10% of UV radiation; fresh snow reflects as much as 80%; dry beach sand about 15%; sea foam about 25%.

UVA radiation can penetrate glass. Even casual exposure to sunlight, while driving, walking to the store, taking an outdoor break is incremental in contributing to our cumulative lifetime radiation exposure, resulting in skin damage.

The UV index, developed by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, is a forecast of the amount of ultraviolet light expected to make it to the earth's surface when the sun is highest in the sky. The higher the index, the faster the UV radiation causes damage to the skin and eyes.

On in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime as a direct result of sun exposure.

Summer is not the only time to be aware of the sun's impact. The sun can cause significant damage during the winter months. Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun's rays, causing sunburn and damage to uncovered skin. High altitude increases the risk of sunburn, affording less atmosphere to block the sun's rays.

As the skin absorbs UV radiation from the sun, the melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin (pigment), enlarge, increase in number and are transported to cells of the outer skin, giving the sun damaged skin a leather-like appearance

Some of the damage caused by the sun's ultraviolet radiation are: permanent destruction of the skin's supporting structure; premature wrinkling; pre-cancerous skin lesions; drug reactions; eye damage; dilated blood vessels; sunburn; and skin cancer.

Melanoma is the most common cancer for women aged 25-29 and the second most common cancer for women aged 30-34.

The death rate for men over 50 with melanoma has risen 50% in the past 15 years.

The immune system is vulnerable to modification by environmental agents such as UV radiation, which appears to diminish the effectiveness of the immune system by changing the activity and distribution of the cells responsible for triggering immune responses.

The probability of developing skin cancer in one's lifetime is one in five.

Nearly 50% of all Americans age 65 or over will develop skin cancer at least once during their lifetime.

Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers, with more than a million cases diagnosed each year in the US.

Skin is more vulnerable to sun damage post surgery or while undergoing treatments such as chemical peels.

Sunscreen has been proven effective at preventing tumors of squamous cell cancer

Consider specific products for specific areas. (eg: The face and chest typically receive significantly more exposure than do the back and abdomen.)

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Light Benefits

Sunlight is a primary source for Vitamin D which helps keep our bones strong. The current recommended daily intake of Vitamin D is 200 IU from birth to age 50, 400 IU between 51 and 70 years, and 600 IU after age 71.
Recent studies suggest that 1,000 IU a day may reduce the incidence of certain cancers - such as those of the ovary, breast and colon - by as much as 50%. That is because Vitamin D strengthens the immune system and controls cell growth.

Vitamin D requirements may also be satisfied by diet (a serving of oily fish contains between 250 and 360 IU, and one tablespoon of cod liver oil has 1,360 IU); supplements (alone or combined with calcium).

Light Sensitive Conditions

Light creates especially adverse effects for the following conditions:

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer and pre-malignant conditions: A direct cause and effect relationship has been established between ultraviolet light and skin cancer. Melanoma is life threatening and the most common cancer for women age 25-29. It is the second most common cancer for women 30-34. Melanoma has also been reported as having a 50% increase in death rates in men over 50 during the past 15 years

Lupus: Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect single or multiple organ systems, especially the skin. Exposure to sunlight may result in the development of, or an increase in skin rash; more importantly, it may exacerbate the disease. Patients require complete full spectrum sun protection.

Chemotherapy and Post Radiation Therapy: Patients require complete full spectrum protection to help minimize specific drug-induced light sensitive reactions experienced secondary to chemotherapy and tissue damage as a result of radiation therapy.

Transplant Immunosuppressive Therapy: Patients require complete full spectrum protection from all the damaging rays of the sun since immunosuppression after an organ transplant often puts the patient at risk for the development of skin cancer. One transplant patient can develop many small skin cancers, resulting in an overall risk that one of these cancers can pose a problem and can even cause death if left untreated.

Post Laser Skin Resurfacing, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion: Procedures which result in sensitive skin in which the overall healing process can be enhanced through proper sun protection.

Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Facial Trauma: Patients require complete full spectrum protection from the sun's damaging rays.

Vitiligo: A pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, depigmented patches of skin appear on the body. A single event, such as sunburn, can trigger the disorder and the treatment therapies for Vitiligo require that patients use complete full spectrum protection.

Rosacea: Rosacea is a chronic condition, aggravated by sunlight. The disease affects the skin of the face which usually starts with redness on the cheeks and can slowly worsen to include one or more additional symptoms. Patients require full spectrum sun protection and are advised to use non-comedogenic facial products.

Polymorphous Light Eruption: An acquired disease and is the most common of the idiopathic photodermatoses. PMLE is characterized by recurrent, abnormal, delayed reactions to sunlight, (ranging from erythematous papules, papulovesicles, and plaques to erythema multiformeˆêlike lesions on sunlight-exposed surfaces).

Solar Urticaria: An abnormal reaction to sunlight or artificial light. When exposed to light, the skin cells of someone with solar urticaria release potent chemicals (including histamine), causing their blood vessels to open and fluid to collect within the skin. Their skin feels itchy and has red patches, which may be swollen. These may look like wheals or a nettle rash, and can take up to an hour to appear after exposure to light, then coming on quickly and settling within a similar period.

Atopic Dermatitis: A skin disease characterized by areas of severe itching, redness, scaling, and loss of the surface of the skin (excoriation). When the eruption (rash) has been present for a prolonged time, chronic changes occur due to the constant scratching and rubbing known as lichenification (thickening of the skin with accentuation of the skin lines to form a crisscross pattern).

Genetic and Congenital Diseases can cause Heightened Photosensitivity

Bloom Syndrome: a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by telangiectases and photosensitivity, growth deficiency of prenatal onset, variable degrees of immunodeficiency, and increased susceptibility to neoplasms of many sites and types.

Cockayne's syndrome: a rare inherited disorder characterized by growth retardation, photosensitivity, premature ageing and early death. The extent and severity of the clinical symptoms vary in the affected individuals. Onset of symptoms in the second year of life is heralded by a scaly erythematous eruption in the sun-exposed areas of the skin that may resolve, leaving hyperpigmentation or scarring.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome: an inherited disorder of the immune system that results in chronic infection, decreased pigmentation in skin and eyes, neurological disease, and early death.

Darier's disease: also known as "keratosis follicularis", it is a rare genetic disorder that is manifested predominantly by skin changes. Onset of skin changes is usually in adolescence and the disease is usually chronic.

Dermatomyositis: A chronic inflammatory disease of skin and muscle which is associated with patches of slightly raised reddish or scaly rash.

Oculocutaneous Albinism: An hereditary disorder characterized by deficiency of the pigment melanin in the eyes, skin and hair. The lack of eye pigment causes photophobia (sensitivity to light), nystagmus, and decreased visual acuity.

Phenylketonuria: Phenylketonuria (commonly known as PKU) is an inherited disorder that increases the amount of the amino acid phenylalanine to harmful levels in the blood. (Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.) If PKU is not treated, excess phenylalanine can cause mental retardation and other serious health problems. Children with classic PKU tend to have lighter skin and hair than unaffected family members, because phenylalanine is important for skin pigmentation. Children with the disorder are also likely to have skin disorders such as eczema.

Porphyrias: A diverse group of diseases in which the production of heme is disrupted. Porphyria is derived from the Greek word "porphyra", which means purple. When heme production is faulty, porphyrins are overproduced and lend a reddish-purple color to urine. All forms of porphyrias are inherited. The key clinical features are skin sensitivity to sunlight and/or by intermittent acute attacks of abdominal and nerve pain.

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome: An hereditary disease characterized by progressive degeneration (atrophy), scarring and abnormal pigmentation of the skin together with growth retardation, premature baldness, juvenile cataracts, depressed nasal bridge, and malformations of the teeth, hair, and bone.

Xeroderma pigmentosum: A genetic disease characterized by such extraordinary sensitivity to sunlight that it results in the development of skin cancer at a very early age. Children with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) can only play outdoors safely after nightfall. They have been called midnight children, the children of the dark, the children of the night and, pejoratively, vampire children.

Light Sensitivity & Drugs

Four-hundred drugs are known to cause lightsensitive and photo-allergic reactions. Photosensitivity can be caused by commonly used drugs such as certain antibiotics, birth control pills, diuretics, antihistamines, antidepressants and many retinoids (such as Vitamin A acid).

Commonly Prescribed Drugs That Can Cause Photosensitivity: NSAIDs Chemotherapy Agents Immunosuppressive Agents ACE Inhibitors Statins Quinilones Hydrochlorothiazide Interferon Sulfa Drugs Calcium Channel Blockers Birth Control Pills Antiarrythmic Agents SSRIs Premarin Anti-Depressants Retin A™ Conticosteroids

Many medications and medical conditions increase one's sensitivity to the sun. Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist. Drugs known to cause photoallergic, photo-recall, lightsensitive and phototoxic reactions by generic name *

ACAMPROSATE, ACETAMINOPHEN, ACETAZOLAMIDE, ACETOHEXAMIDE, ACYCLOVIR, ALDESLEUKIN, ALITRETINOIN, ALLOPURINOL, ALMOTRIPTAN, ALPRAZOLAM, AMANTADINE, AMILORIDE, AMINOLEVULINIC ACID, AMINOSALICYLATE SODIUM, AMIODARONE, AMITRIPTYLINE, AMOBARBITAL, AMOXAPINE, ANAGRELIDE, ANTHRAX VACCINE, ARSENIC, ATAZANAVIR, ATENOLOL, ATORVASTATIN, ATROPINE SULFATE, AZATADINE, AZATHIOPRINE, AZITHROMYCIN

BENAZEPRIL, BENDROFLUMETHIAZIDE, BENZTHIAZIDE, BENZTROPINE, BERGAMOT, BETAXOLOL, BEXAROTENE, BIMATOPROST, BISOPROLOL, BROMPHENIRAMINE, BUMETANIDE, BUPROPION, BUTABARBITAL, BUTALBITAL

CAPECITABINE, CAPTOPRIL, CARBAMAZEPINE, CARISOPRODOL, CARTEOLOL, CARVEDILOL, CEFAZOLIN, CEFTAZIDIME, CELECOXIB, CETIRIZINE, CEVIMELINE, CHLORAMBUCIL, CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE, CHLORHEXIDINE, CHLOROQUINE, CHLOROTHIAZIDE, CHLOROTRIANISENE, CHLORPHENIRAMINE, CHLORPROMAZINE, CHLORPROPAMIDE, CHLORTETRACYCLINE, CHLORTHALIDONE, CINOXACIN, CIPROFLOXACIN, CITALOPRAM, CLEMASTINE, CLOFAZIMINE, CLOFIBRATE, CLOMIPRAMINE, CLOPIDOGREL, CLORAZEPATE, CLOZAPINE, CO-TRIMOXAZOLE, COLCHICINE, CORTICOSTEROIDS, CROMOLYN, CYCLAMATE, CYCLOBENZAPRINE, CYCLOTHIAZIDE, CYPROHEPTADINE

DACARBAZINE, DANAZOL, DANTROLENE, DAPSONE, DEMECLOCYCLINE, DESIPRAMINE, DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE, DIAZOXIDE, DICLOFENAC, DIFLUNISAL, DILTIAZEM, DIMENHYDRINATE, DIPHENHYDRAMINE, DISOPYRAMIDE, DOCETAXEL, DONG QUAI, DOXEPIN, DOXYCYCLINE, DULOXETINE

EFAVIRENZ, ENALAPRIL, ENOXACIN, EPIRUBICIN, EPOETIN ALFA, ESOMEPRAZOLE, ESTAZOLAM, ESTROGENS, ETHACRYNIC ACID, ETHAMBUTOL, ETHIONAMIDE, ETODOLAC

FELBAMATE, FENOFIBRATE, FLOXURIDINE, FLUCYTOSINE, FLUOROURACIL, FLUOXETINE, FLUPHENAZINE, FLURBIPROFEN, FLUTAMIDE, FLUVASTATIN, FLUVOXAMINE, FOSINOPRIL, FURAZOLIDONE, FUROSEMIDE

GANCICLOVIR, GATIFLOXACIN, GEMIFLOXACIN, GENTAMICIN, GLATIRAMER, GLIMEPIRIDE, GLIPIZIDE, GLYBURIDE, GLYCOPYRROLATE, GOLD And GOLD COMPOUNDS, GOLDENSEAL, GREPAFLOXACIN, GRISEOFULVIN

HALOPERIDOL, HENNA, HEROIN, HYDRALAZINE, HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE, HYDROFLUMETHIAZIDE, HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE, HYDROXYUREA, HYDROXYZINE, HYOSCYAMINE

IBUPROFEN, IMATINIB, IMIPRAMINE, INDAPAMIDE, INDOMETHACIN, INFLIXIMAB, INTERFERON BETA 1-A, INTERFERON BETA-1B, INTERFERONS, ALFA-2, IRINOTECAN, ISOCARBOXAZID, ISONIAZID, ISOTRETINOIN, ITRACONAZOLE

KANAMYCIN, KAVA, KETOCONAZOLE ,KETOPROFEN ,KETOTIFEN

LAMOTRIGINE, LEUPROLIDE, LEVOFLOXACIN, LINCOMYCIN, LISINOPRIL, LOMEFLOXACIN, LORATADINE, LOSARTAN, LOXAPINE

MAPROTILINE, MECLIZINE, MECLOFENAMATE, MEDROXYPROGESTERONE, MEFENAMIC ACID, MELATONIN, MELOXICAM, MEPROBAMATE, MERCAPTOPURINE, MESALAMINE, MESORIDAZINE, METFORMIN, METHAZOLAMIDE, METHENAMINE, METHOTREXATE, METHOXSALEN, METHYCLOTHIAZIDE, METHYLDOPA, METHYLPHENIDATE, METOLAZONE, MINOCYCLINE, MIRTAZAPINE, MITOMYCIN, MOEXIPRIL, MOLINDONE, MOXIFLOXACIN

NABUMETONE, NALIDIXIC ACID, NAPROXEN, NAPROXEN, NARATRIPTAN, NEFAZODONE, NIFEDIPINE, NISOLDIPINE, NITROFURANTOIN, NORFLOXACIN, NORTRIPTYLINE

OFLOXACIN, OLANZAPINE, ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, OXAPROZIN, OXCARBAZEPINE, OXYTETRACYCLINE

PACLITAXEL, PANTOPRAZOLE, PAROXETINE, PENTOBARBITAL, PENTOSAN, PENTOSTATIN, PERPHENAZINE, PHENELZINE, PHENINDAMINE, PHENOBARBITAL, PILOCARPINE, PIMOZIDE, PIROXICAM, POLYTHIAZIDE, PRAVASTATIN, PROCARBAZINE, PROCHLORPERAZINE, PROCYCLIDINE, PROMAZINE, PROMETHAZINE, PROPRANOLOL, PROPYLTHIOURACIL, PROTRIPTYLINE, PSORALENS, PYRAZINAMIDE, PYRIDOXINE, PYRILAMINE, PYRIMETHAMINE

QUETIAPINE, QUINACRINE, QUINAPRIL, QUINESTROL, QUINETHAZONE, QUINIDINE, QUININE

RABEPRAZOLE, RAMIPRIL, RANITIDINE, RIBAVIRIN, RILUZOLE, RISPERIDONE, RITONAVIR, ROFECOXIB, ROPINIROLE, RUE

SACCHARIN, SAQUINAVIR, SCOPOLAMINE, SELEGILINE, SELENIUM, SERTRALINE, SILDENAFIL, SIMVASTATIN, SMALLPOX VACCINE, SOTALOL, SPARFLOXACIN, SPIRONOLACTONE, ST JOHN'S WORT, STREPTOMYCIN, SULFACETAMIDE, SULFADIAZINE, SULFADOXINE, SULFAMETHOXAZOLE, SULFASALAZINE, SULFISOXAZOLE, SULINDAC, SUMATRIPTAN

TACROLIMUS, TARTRAZINE, TERBINAFINE, TETRACYCLINE, THIMEROSAL, THIOGUANINE, THIORIDAZINE, THIOTHIXENE, TIAGABINE, TIMOLOL, TIOPRONIN, TOLAZAMIDE, TOLBUTAMIDE, TOLMETIN, TOPIRAMATE, TORSEMIDE, TRANYLCYPROMINE, TRAZODONE, TRETINOIN, TRIAMTERENE, TRIAZOLAM, TRICHLORMETHIAZIDE, TRIFLUOPERAZINE, TRIHEXYPHENIDYL, TRIMEPRAZINE, TRIMETHADIONE, TRIMETHOPRIM, TRIMETREXATE, TRIMIPRAMINE, TRIOXSALEN, TRIPELENNAMINE, TRIPROLIDINE, TROVAFLOXACIN

VALDECOXIB, VALPROIC ACID, VALSARTAN, VANCOMYCIN, VARDENAFIL, VENLAFAXINE, VERAPAMIL, VERTEPORFIN, VINBLASTINE, VITAMIN A, VORICONAZOLE

YARROW

ZALCITABINE, ZALEPLON, ZIPRASIDONE, ZOLMITRIPTAN, ZOLPIDEM

SCIENCE

SPF rating does not adequately measure protection from all the damaging radiation effects of light. SPF is only a determination of protection from one specific wavelength of ultraviolet radiation, the UVB (290nm - 320nm).* Unfortunately, there is no currently approved standard to rate the quality of a sunscreen's UVA protective capabilities. UVA (320nm - 400nm) is the deeper penetrating wavelength more often associated with skin changes of wrinkling, pigmentation, and long term damage. The SPF rating system does not accurately or completely define a sunscreen's protective capabilities from any other harmful ultraviolet radiation, except the UVB wavelength.

UVB creates a red, painful irritation first experienced during early sun exposure, but UVB is not the only ultraviolet wavelength damaging to the skin. In fact, UVB has only a minimal effect upon the deeper depth of skin. UVB and UVA radiation are both recognized as causing skin cancer. SPF 30 is not enough.

Sunlight & Radiation

Sunscreen

Physical Blockers

Chemical Filters

Cell Protectants

Sunlight & Radiation

Skin is our largest organ and is an integral part of our immune system, so it is critical to protect our skin from any injury, but in particular, damage from sunlight. In many cases, skin is our primary line of defense against external trauma and environmental insult. When our skin is damaged, our immune system is weakened. While the skin is an effective barrier against many environmental insults, its natural protective capacity against radiation is skin type dependent. Furthermore, the sun's UV rays have a tremendous immunosuppressive effect and are known to cause skin cancer.

Sunlight consists of five forms of radiation ranging from wavelengths of 100 nanometers (nm)* to beyond one million nm (infinity). These radiation wavelengths are what cause excessive pigment changes, pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions, wrinkles and skin aging, along with triggering other adverse light sensitive responses. Furthermore, there are two forms of radiation emitted from artificial sources (mercury vapor lamps and welding arcs) that play a role in damaging skin.

* one billionth of a meter

Sunlight's Five Forms of Radiation

1. Ultraviolet C (UVC) - 100 - 290 nm - UVC wavelengths are the shortest ultraviolet rays, extending from 100nm to 290 nm, and are the most carcinogenic. While the sun generates ultraviolet C, the atmospheric ozone layer screens out virtually all UVC from reaching us. However, Ultraviolet C may become increasingly problematic for those living at high altitudes. If the depletion of the ozone layer through pollution continues, the consequences will be life-threatening on a large-scale. UVC is severely photo damaging to the skin, resulting in skin burn with exposure. Artificial sources, such as some mercury arc-welding units, and germicidal lamps emit ultraviolet C. These wavelengths can very efficiently kill germs, giving rise to their common name, 'germicidal waves'.

2. Ultraviolet B (UVB) - 290 - 320 nm - The current SPF rating system addresses only this specific wavelength. UVB is the intermediate wavelength of Ultraviolet rays, and causes the initial appearance of redness, commonly called 'sunburn.' UVB creates painful irritation, but is believed by many to be less damaging than UVA (320nm-400nm), which causes the pigmentation changes associated with tanning. UVB primarily damages the outer most layer of the skin, the epidermis. The result is skin redness and thickening of the the stratum corneum, (our body's attempt to reduce UVB impact on the epidermis). Excessive exposure to UVB is the foremost promoter of premature aging of the skin. This type of damage is cumulative, potentially resulting in basal cell and squamous cell cancers.

3. Ultraviolet A (UVA) - 320 - 400 nm - The longer UVA wavelengths were once thought of as essentially harmless, contributing only to a 'healthy tan.' Scientific evidence now indicates that this is not true. UVA induces cutaneous photo damage, usually seen as dryness, uneven pigmentation, inflammation, skin darkening (tanning), and fine wrinkles along with skin cancer. Since even a low dose of UVA can penetrate to the underlying dermis, resulting photodamage will cause wrinkles and sagging skin. Furthermore, UVA adversely affects the deep dermis far more than the superficial 'sunburn' caused by UVB rays, resulting in a loss of the elastic quality of its supportive collagen, causing premature aging. Unlike the shorter UVB (290-320 nm) wavelengths, UVA easily penetrates window glass.

Interestingly, the amount of UVA reaching the earth, unlike UVB, retains essentially the same energy level every day of the year, morning, noon, and afternoon. Deeply penetrating UVA radiation presents the same damaging effect to the skin in mid-December at 9 am as it does in mid-July at 4 pm. Therefore, those of us with sensitivities to light, whether the cause is genetic, disease related (such as Lupus and Rosacea), drug related (as with certain antibiotics and diuretics) or related to photodynamic therapy (PDT), need year-round, everyday, morning-to-night protection from all forms of light.

It is estimated that 10 to 12 times more UVA than UVB reaches the earth's surface at sea level. UVA protection is not numerically addressed although you may see UVA and broad-spectrum protection on a package. Remember that broad spectrum is not total spectrum protection. The SPF rating system does not predict the ability of sunscreens to block UVA wavelengths.

The most important aspect of UVA is the cumulative tissue damage that results from these deeply penetrating UV rays. Studies to date support the relationship of such UV exposure to the development of basal and squamous cell cancers, as well as pre-cancerous lesions. Recently, it has been reported that depletion of Vitamin A in the skin by UVA exposure may contribute to both photo aging and cancers of the skin.

4. Visible Light - 400 - 760 nm - Nearly 50% of the sun's radiation reaching us at sea level is within the visible range. As the name describes, these are the wavelengths that humans can see (violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red.). Distributed from approximately 400nm to 760nm, the energy level of visible light is lower than that of the ultraviolet wavelength. Prestigious journals such as, the 'Journal of Investigative Dermatology', 'Cancer Research', and the 'British Journal of Dermatology', have published reports showing that visible light is capable of precipitating phototoxic reactions, promoting DNA cross-linking and enhancing tumor growth. This lower energy has the ability to penetrate the skin deeper than UVA, reaching down within the dermis. Adverse skin reactions can occur within this visible light wavelength. It is a misconception to think of visible light as being harmless to human skin. An indication of the significance of visible light as an active wavelength is its current use for multiple Photo Dynamic Therapies (PDTs), which are used for the treatment of esophageal cancer, certain lung cancers and premalignant skin cancer.

5. Infrared (IR) - (greater than 760 nm to 1,000,000 nm -Infrared goes from above 760nm to infinity, but most of the energy is from 760nm to about 1800nm, comprising more than 40% of the sun's rays reaching us at sea level. These wavelengths warm us when we stand in the sun (perceived as deeply penetrating heat), and are emitted by stoves, furnaces, light bulbs, heat lamps, ovens, and space heaters. A number of studies have implicated infrared waves as photodamaging. Infrared has been known to cause cancer, such as Kang Cancer in China, Kangri in Kashmir, Kairo in Japan, and Peat Fire Cancer in Ireland. Chronic exposure to infrared light leads to mottled pigmentation, loss of elastin, (elastosis) and the typical characteristics seen in photo-aged skin (wrinkling, sagging, leathery-feel).

Sunscreen

Sunscreen: (suhn-skreen) n. Chemical or physical agents that protect the skin from sunburn and erythema by absorbing or blocking ultraviolet radiation. A preparation, often in the form of a cream or lotion, used to protect the skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Sunscreens use chemical absorbers and/or physical blockers formulated to protect the skin. This section provides brief technical descriptions of how sunscreens work.

Physical Blockers

Physical blockers fall into three categories:

Direct physical blockers
Indirect blockers that assist by increasing distribution of direct blockers
Polymers, often starch derived, that substantially increase the effective length of the pathway that the sun's rays must travel to reach the skin.

Direct Physical Photoblockers

Most of the physical photoblockers are compounds of metals (iron, chromium, zinc, titanium, etc) that occur naturally, while some, such as bismuth are man-made. In addition to their photoprotective attributes, these substances also assist in preventing windburns and skin damage from wind driven micro particles of dirt and grime. An additional significant property of these physical blockers is their ability to offer a defense against infrared ('heat') rays by two distinct means.

First, particles large enough to be visible (i.e. reflect visible light) will also reflect and refract infrared waves most harmful to skin (760nm - 1,800nm).

Second, regardless of their particle size, these metal-based materials act as a 'heat sink' and thereby reduce the heat effect on the skin.

Three important photoprotective blockers are discussed in this section.

Titanium Dioxide
This white pigment powder is widely used in cosmetics. The purpose of large particle titanium is to give opacity to the products containing it, and to lighten (or whiten) their color. Opaque titanium dioxide highly reflects and strongly scatters all UV and visible rays. It also reflects much of the skin-damaging infrared waves, keeping the skin cooler, reducing 'heat' damage and its subsequent photoaging.

To photo-stabilize titanium dioxide, it must be micro-coated with its own protectant such as silicone or aluminum oxide. An alternate procedure to inhibit breakdown is to incorporate other appropriate blockers together with titanium dioxide since titanium dioxide spreads poorly on the skin. To achieve cosmetic elegance and usefulness, microcoating the titanium dioxide is common; designing a vehicle to assure good, even application to the skin is essential. Large particle titanium dioxide products produce a very white, opaque appearance on the skin when applied. Therefore, submicronizing the titanium dioxide powder creates small particles to absorb visible light, enabling products to be offered as sun protectors that help protect the skin from most UVB and some UVA, but are invisible on the skin.

Transparent (sub-micronized) titanium dioxide works by absorbing, reflecting and scattering UVB and some UVA rays. However, protection against UV, visible and infrared is significantly limited when submicronized titanium dioxide is the primary protectant.

Zinc Oxide
Zinc Oxide has been known and used topically for centuries as a skin protectant and wound healing adjuvant and is a recognized mild antimicrobial agent. More than 50 years ago, zinc oxide was indicated as a block for ultraviolet light (UVB/UVA). It also reflects infrared from the skin, as does titanium dioxide. However, its ability to protect in the long UVA range, (300 - 400 nm) is much higher than titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide absorbs, rather than scatters, most UVA, while titanium dioxide primarily scatters these wavelengths. Thus, formulated in combination with titanium dioxide, ultrafine zinc oxide 'closes the window' in the UVA range. Zinc oxide works to both complement titanium dioxide's protection and extend photoprotection to the skin where titanium dioxide is insufficient. The optimal particle size range for ultraviolet blocking zinc oxide (without blocking visible wavelengths) is approximately 80 to 150 nanometers (1,000 nanometers = 1 micron)

Iron Oxides
We most commonly see iron oxide in two areas; as rust on exposed iron and in cosmetics to give the cover-up color desired. While not approved by the FDA as an active ingredient in sunscreens, many companies use them in their sunscreen products. Cosmetic iron oxides are man-made to very high purity, desired color and particle size.

Iron oxide pigments for cosmetic use are micronized powders. By controlling the purity, particle size, temperature and rate of drying during manufacture, they become available in a number of shades and tones of red, yellow, black and brown (and blends of these basic colors). These cosmetic pigments, if incorporated at adequate concentration and when properly dispersed in well-designed vehicles, not only add color to the lotion (or cream, powder, etc.), but contribute significant protection of the skin from multiple wavelengths of light.

Ultra-submicronized iron oxides protect against visible light waves, but add little color to the finished product. This allows for the addition of higher levels of infrared protecting iron oxide while retaining the cosmetic elegance and shade of the final preparation. Considerable blocking of ultraviolet rays is also reported with submicronized iron oxides, complementing further the primary UV blocking agents.

Indirect Physical Blocker Aids
Examples of these particles can be natural talc or mica, and are usually flat and oval in shape. They are very small particles, though they are much larger than direct physical blockers. A portion of very small physical blocker particles will coat the larger flat talc (mica, etc.). Being flat and smooth, the coated talc will easily slide over each other, overlapping themselves and effectively increasing protective coverage on the skin.

Polymers
Polymers can be natural substances from plants, modified semi-natural, animal derived (modified chitin, from the 'shells' of shrimp etc. is commonly employed) or synthetic substances such as micronized nylon. Certain polymers, when carefully formulated into a photoprotective preparation, create a maze-like 'cage' structure that forces the ultraviolet and visible rays (100nm - 760nm) to go through a 'maze' rather than directly reaching the skin. This longer route helps to increase protection by either preventing some rays from reaching the skin (or reaching the skin with greatly reduced energy) or by increasing the contact time between the rays and the organic filters/physical blockers.

By themselves, such polymers (which incidentally also improve the feel of the cosmetic finished product on the skin) provide little to no useful skin photoprotection, but they do help to defend the skin from wind and wind-blown dirt and grime pollution particles. However in the presence of active photoprotective agents, these polymers can increase the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) by 3 to 5 points.

Chemical Filters

Chemical Sunscreens (or Organic Filters) are usually soluble in oils or water. These filter either/or UVB and UVA irradiation to varying efficiency. No organic filter completely blocks the UVB and/or UVA rays from the skin. Further, the actual protection offered by any and all sun-protective products relates directly to their level of concentration, the film thickness applied to the skin, as well as the careful, total coverage of the exposed skin sites.

The most common chemical absorbers used in sunscreens include:

Octyl Salicylate

Salicylates are the oldest class of sunscreens, with octyl salicylate the most widely used. While it is strictly a UVB absorber, and a weak one at that, it offers several positive qualities, including: Octyl salicylate is virtually nonirritating and nonsensitizing to skin. Cosmetically, it is an easy to handle emollient 'oil' that acts as a good solvent (solubilizer) for other, solid organic sunscreens, such as the benzophenones.

Octyl Dimethyl PABA (Padimate O)

This oil-like UVB absorber is the most efficient for this ultraviolet range, absorbing best at the maximum sunburn frequencies (310nm - 312nm). It was the most popular UVB sunscreen in the United States, but adverse reports (not necessarily proven) have reduced its use. Padimate - O is a PABA derivative, but quite distinct. Today's purified material is essentially free of PABA.

Octyl Methoxycinnamate

Currently, this oily liquid is the most widely utilized organic UVB absorber in the world. It is second in efficiency to Padimate-O, but offers broader protection (300nm -315nm) in the sunburn region of UVB. It has a very good safety record and is relatively easy to formulate with. Additionally, it is moisturizing and water insoluble, adhering tenaciously to the skin.

Menthyl Anthranilate

An old and safe absorber, but overall weak, menthyl anthranilate absorbs moderately in the UVB range from about 300nm and somewhat more strongly into the UVA (up to about 340nm). It can somewhat enhance the UVB and lower (320nm to 340nm) UVA absorption of more active absorbers.

Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) and Sulisobenzone (Benzophenone-4)

These are closely related solid (powder) absorbers. Oxybenzone is water-insoluble, while the acid form, sulisobenzone, can be made soluble in water when it is neutralized. While these compounds are classified as UVA absorbers they are also UVB absorbers. Overall, they offer only moderate protection through both the UVB range and part of the UVA (320nm - 360nm). They are quite stable and can enhance effectiveness of stronger UVB absorbers.

Avobenzone (Parsol™1789)

This solid (powder) absorber exhibits marginal UVB and lower (320nm - 330nm) UVA absorption. It gives good UVA absorption from about 330nm to 340nm and very good absorption in the UVA range up to about 370nm, where it loses effectiveness. In addition, avobenzone can convert to its inactive form in the presence of sunlight.

Octocrylene

An emollient, water resistant UVB/UVA absorber; while octocrylene is a relatively weak sunscreen, it gives some protection in the UVB and lower (320 - 350 nm) UVA range. Most important, octocrylene is a very stable absorber and both protects and augments other UV absorbers, while improving their uniform skin coating.

FDA APPROVED ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Aminobenzoic acid (PABA) up to 15 percent
Avobenzone up to 3 percent
Cinoxate up to 3 percent
Dioxbenzone up to 3 percent
Homosalate up to 15 percent
Menthyl anthranilate up to 5 percent
Octocrylene up to 10 percent
Octyl methoxycinnamate up to 7.5 percent
Octyl salicylate up to 5 percent
Oxybenzone up to 6 percent
Padimate O up to 8 percent
Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid up to percent
Sulisobenzone up to 10 percent
Titanium dioxide up to 25 percent
Trolamine salicylate up to 12 percent
Zinc oxide up to 25 percent

Cell Protectants

Sunscreens also contain substances that help protect our skin from other unseen damage from the sun. This section discusses these substances, known as cell protectants.

Background

UVA radiation penetrates deeply into our skin and initiates oxidation processes at the cellular level. Exposure to UVA causes pigmentation changes such as tanning or burning. A variety of cell-damaging free-radical oxygen species, including superoxide (*O2), and hydroxy radicals (*OH) are released vis-¬à-vis UVA induction. Cellular damage then occurs, particularly by membrane lipids' peroxidation. Hydrogen peroxide may also form, adding to cellular damage.

The primary action of UVA is to add energy to molecules in our skin, including ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), that go on to interact with oxygen to produce the highly reactive oxygen forms mentioned above. These 'oxygen' moieties degrade DNA in our cells.

Evidence of UVA damage becomes visible first as sunburn (where it adds to UVB burning), then inflammation and skin darkening, and later as photoaging and skin cancers. The Skin Cancer Foundation has reported that depletion of Vitamin A in the skin by UVA exposure may contribute to both photoaging and cancers of the skin.

Active and Supportive Cellular Protection

Protecting the skin from the adverse effects of UVB and UVA is the first line of defense. For UVB (290nm - 320nm), adequate concentrations of approved 'sunscreens' will achieve a protection factor (SPF) of 30 - plus. Several chemical absorbers will give moderate (not adequate) protection against the lower-half of the UVA spectrum (i.e., 320nm - 350/360nm). The most recently approved UVA absorbing chemical, Parsol 1789 ¬® (avobenzone), gives good protection through a greater portion of the UVA region (up to approximately 370nm - 374nm), but is still incomplete and believed to be photo-unstable.

Additionally, avobenzone is reported to be photo-unstable, rapidly degrading on exposure to UV radiation. Of equal or greater concern are reports indicating that UVB sunscreens may be degraded by an avobenzone - photo-sensitized mechanism. In other words, avobenzone appears to not only rapidly lose its UVA photoprotecting ability, but may actually decrease the protection level of UVB sunscreens. These reports urge very careful formulating and thorough testing, as well as adding stabilizer molecules when/if incorporating avobenzone into a UV protecting product.

To increase protection against UVB and UVA cellular damage, physical blockers, including iron oxides, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, as well as extenders (particles that extend the effectiveness of the smaller particles of iron oxide, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) such as mica and talcum must be included. Of primary importance is that these physical protectants be incorporated at adequate concentration to afford complete protection for extended periods.

Supplementary cellular protectants are not intended to act as primary UV absorbers (though some may exhibit slight absorption within the UVB - UVA spectrum). Rather, they act to prevent damage to the cells directly and indirectly.

A partial list of examples of common cellular protectants used in sunscreen follows. This is not an all inclusive list; but rather, a review of cell protectants with different modes or sites of active protection.

Vitamin E
In its pure active 'natural ' state, as tocopherol, vitamin E protects products from oxidizing, but is too reactive to retain adequate activity within the skin when topically applied. Fortunately, our skin can metabolize more stable forms of vitamin E to release tocopherol where it is needed. Tocopheryl acetate and tocopheryl linoleate are among the more popular forms used in sunscreens. As an oil-soluble antioxidant, it gives considerable protection to our skins' cells. Vitamin E 'breaks' the chain-reaction of free- radicals before they can cause lipid peroxidation-induced destruction of the cellular membranes. However, it requires a regeneration agent, a substance that prevents it from being rapidly depleted. Vitamin C (see below) is one such regeneration agent.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is one of the most effective antioxidants available and is used in sunscreen to regenerate the lipid-soluble vitamin E (so that it retains its cellular membrane protective activity).Vitamin C is available in many forms, some of which are water-soluble (ascorbyl acid phosphate, for example), while others are lipid-soluble, such as ascorbyl palmitate. Ascorbyl palmitate, topically applied, has also been reported to exhibit some protection against UVB burns, and has anti-inflammatory activity. Combinations of vitamin C compounds with vitamin E appear to offer greater protection against cellular insult from UVB and/or UVA exposure than either antioxidant alone. Additionally, Vitamin C moderately protects against UVB photodamage as well as UVA-promoted phototoxic responses.

Beta-Carotene (B-Carotene)
This pre-cursor of vitamin A, a lipid-soluble (i.e. oil soluble) yellow-orange/orange-red pigment, is found in most vegetables. Beta-Carotene is an excellent quencher of singlet oxygen (free radical) as well as free radicals that participate in lipid peroxidation. B-Carotene has been reported to be of value in the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a disease that causes photosensitivity to upper UVA and sections of visible light (380nm - 560nm). Additionally, there is evidence that Beta-Carotene inhibits UV's promoted carcinogenesis.

Anthocyanins/Proanthocyanins
These bioflavanoid-like antioxidants are found in vegetation such as pine bark (The Maritime Pine yields a highly active proanthocyanidin, offered under the trademark Pycnogenol) and grapes. These compounds are among the most active free-radical quenchers known. Anthocyanins increase the action of ascorbates (Vitamin C) and supplement the protective qualities of tocopherol (Vitamin E). Published reports describe the ability of these highly specialized antioxidant bioflavanoids to not only potentiate vitamin C, protect cells and collagen tissue, but to strengthen blood vessels and maintain capillaries.

Selenium
Numerous medical, pharmaceutical and nutritional publications describe the ability of selenium, in very low doses, to help prevent cancer, including skin cancer, act as an anti inflammatory, and aid in cellular DNA repair. It has also been reported that selenium reduces the reactivity of skin cells to UV exposure. Complex selenium compounds, topically applied in concentrations of less than 0.05% (selenium), significantly reduce UV skin damage (manifested as less inflammation, less pigmentation, and retardation of and diminished levels of skin cancer).

Chelates
Chelates are compounds that bind metals, particularly iron, and remove them from interacting with other materials. Some chelates are formed naturally, others are synthesized. Iron chelators protect against cellular damage from free-radical(s) oxygen. A few chelating compounds are ortho-phenanthroline, edetic acid (and its salts/derivatives) and dipyridylamine. Topical chelate application prior to UV exposure is reported to reduce and/or delay visible skin wrinkling caused by UV exposure, as well as tumor formation.

Miscellaneous Photoprotective /Cell Aids
Some materials indirectly protect the skin cells from light wave damage by either maintaining the UV absorbers on the skin surface, such as octyldodecyl neopentanoate, or by forming a maze (matrix) - like film that tightly bonds to the skin surface. These materials, such as acrylates/octylpropenamide copolymer and aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, significantly lengthen the pathway of light trying to reach to skin, thereby reducing the light's ability to damage skin cells.

FAQ

What is a sunburn?

Can sunburn cause permanent damage?

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

Who is most susceptible to sunburn?

What is Ultraviolet (UV) light?

When and where are UV rays most intense?

Why does the skin tan after exposure to UV rays?

Can diseases cause a heightened sensitivity to UV rays?

What kinds of cancer can UV rays cause?

How can sunburn and skin cancer be prevented?

What are sun-sensitizing drugs?

What medications and products can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun?

What is the difference between a photoallergic and a phototoxic reaction?

What are free radicals?

What is an antioxidant?

What makes Solar Protection^® so effective as a sun block?

Does Solar Protection 65 dry clear?

Does Solar Protection 58 product dry clear?

How do I customize the tinted Solar Protection 60 for my skin?

What is the difference between the Solar Protection 65 and 58?

What is a sunburn?

Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin that is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UVB) radiation from the sun. A similar burn can follow overexposure to a "sun"(tanning) lamp. UV radiation can also damage the eyes, although no surface burn is apparent.

Can sunburn cause permanent damage?

Yes, Sunburn early in life increases the risk of developing skin cancer later on. Repeated overexposure to ultraviolet rays can also scar, freckle, dry out, and wrinkle the skin prematurely. In addition, frequent overexposure to ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of developing eye cataracts and macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

First, the skin becomes red, tender and hot. Touching or rubbing the skin causes pain. Because heat triggers fluid loss, a sunburn victim can also become dehydrated. For several days after exposure, the skin may swell, blister, and peel. Some sufferers develop welts or rashes.

The symptoms of sunburn can be mild, moderate or severe, depending mainly on the following:

The skin type of the person affected
The time, length, location, and altitude of exposure.
Medications the person has been taking.
Skin preparations the victim has been using.

In severe cases of sunburn, the victim may experience fever, nausea, chills, dizziness, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, shock, and loss of consciousness. Obviously, such symptoms require emergency treatment.

Who is most susceptible to sunburn?

Persons with certain pigment disorders (such as albinism) and persons with fair skin are at highest risk of suffering a burn. The American Academy of Dermatology classifies skin types into six categories (in terms of susceptibility to sunburn) for skin colors ranging from fair to black. These skin types are as follows:

Types 1 and 2: High Susceptibility to Sunburn
Persons with Skin Type 1 have very fair skin (pale or milky white), blond or red hair, and possibly freckles. Such persons can suffer a burn in less than half an hour when exposed to summer sunlight at midday. They never tan.

Persons with Skin Type 2 have very light brown skin and possibly freckles. They burn in a short time in the sun, although they can achieve a very light tan.

Types 3 and 4: Moderate Susceptibility to Sunburn
Persons with Skin Type 3 (called "Average Caucasians") by The American Academy of Dermatology) have skin that is slightly browner than the skin of Type 2. They can develop moderate sunburn and a light brown tan.

Persons with Skin Type 4 have olive-colored skin. Ordinarily, they develop only minor sunburn while acquiring a moderate tan.

Types 5 and 6: Minimal or No Susceptibility to Sunburn
Persons with Skin Type 5 have brown skin and can develop a dark tan while rarely burning.

Persons with Skin Type 6 have black skin and never burn.

What is Ultraviolet (UV) light?

UV light is radiation energy in the form of invisible light waves. UV light is emitted by both the sun and by tanning lamps.

The sun discharges three types of ultraviolet radiation: ultraviolet A (UV-A), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). Only UVA and UVB reach the earth. (UVC does not penetrate the earth's upper atmosphere.)

Although research has long implicated UVB as the most likely form of UV to damage the skin and cause skin cancer, recent studies suggest that UVA is also dangerous.

Tanning lamps also produce UVA and /or UVB. These artificial rays affect the skin in the same way as do UVA and UVB from the sun.

When and where are UV rays most intense?

UVB rays are most intense at noon and the hours immediately before and after (between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.), particularly in the late spring, summer and early autumn. Although they are less concentrated at other times of the day and year, UVB & UVA can still damage the skin and eyes - even in the dead of winter. UVA rays stay the same, all day, every day, all year long.

UVB rays also increase in intensity in relation to altitude and latitude. The higher the altitude, the greater is the concentration of UVB rays. Likewise, the rays are more powerful the nearer the latitude to the equator.

UV rays "bounce" off reflective surfaces - including water, sand, and snow. Thus a skier, swimmer, fisherman, or beachcomber may be bombarded with UV rays from above and below. Many an outdoors lover who skipped sunscreen has learned this lesson the hard way.

Why does the skin tan after exposure to UV rays?

The skin contains a pigment called melanin. It colors the skin, imparting the variety of skin tones we all recognize.

Melanin blocks at least some of the UV rays from penetrating the skin. After repeated or prolonged exposure to UV rays, the skin produces more melanin. Consequently, the skin darkens, or tans, which in turn protects the skin.

Can diseases cause a heightened sensitivity to UV rays?

Yes. Certain disorders place their sufferers at very high risk of skin damage - including severe sunburn, blisters, and sores - from exposure to UV radiation. The following is a small sample of afflictions that increase the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation:

Albinism: Persons with classic oculocutaneous albinism lack melanin in their skin and eyes - hence, the term "oculocutaneous" ("oculo" for eyes, and "cutaneous" for skin). Without the protection of this pigment, their white skin and pink eyes are both highly sensitive to UV and susceptible to the rays' damage.

Porphyrias: The porphyries are disorders of specific enzymes that are needed for the metabolism of heme (part of the pigment hemoglobin that permits red blood cells to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide). Patients with these disorders manufacture abnormally large amounts of substances called porphyrins. Stimulation of the excess porphyrins in the skin by the UV rays causes damage and scarring of the skin. This skin damage is a prominent feature of several forms of porphyria including porphyria cutanea tarda, hereditary coproporphyria, variegate porphyria, and particularly, congenital erythropoietic porphyria.

Vitiligo: Vitiligo is a relatively common disorder that causes patches of white depigmented skin. These patches lack melanin and are extremely sensitive to UV rays.

Xeroderma pigmentosum: This disorder appears to result from an inherited hypersensitivity to the cancer-causing (carcinogenic) effects of ultraviolet light. Sunlight causes DNA damage that is normally repaired. Persons with this condition have defective inability to repair the DNA after UV damage. Affected individuals are hundred times more vulnerable to developing skin cancer than other people. Their extreme skin photosensitivity predisposes them to pronounced skin damage and scarring but also to the early onset of skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and malignant melanoma).

What kinds of cancer can UV rays cause?

Overexposure to UV rays can cause three varieties of skin cancer; malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Malignant melanoma is by far the most dangerous form of skin cancer. This form of cancer usually begins from a mole. The border of the mole assumes an irregular shape. The mole is black or brown - and sometimes red, white or blue, or a mixture of those colors. Melanoma can spread (metastasize) rapidly. Diagnosed early, melanoma is curable. Diagnosed late, melanoma is likely to kill.

Basal and squamous cell cancers are slow-growing and are far less likely to metastasize than melanoma. Both basal and squamous cell cancers can be cured in at least 90 percent of the cases if diagnosed early.

Basal cell carcinomas are flat, pearly patches with translucent edges and dimpled centers. They may bleed. Usually, they appear on the head, neck, upper trunk, and hands. If ignored, these cancers can cause considerable localized damage.

Squamous cell carcinomas are rough patches or crusty scaly areas on the skin that do not clear up and do not respond to the usual skin creams. They may bleed a little. They tend to appear particularly on the ear rims, face, lower lip, and hands. If ignored, they can spread to other parts of the body.

How can sunburn and skin cancer be prevented?

The ideal methods of preventing sunburn, and hopefully skin cancer, involve:

Limiting the amount of time of sun exposure and avoiding the worst hours of late morning to early mid-day.
Wearing protective clothing such as a broad-brimmed hat, long-legged pants, and shirts with sleeves that cover the arms;
Being aware that sunburn can occur even on a cloudy day (clouds don't stop the ultraviolet rays), and even when you are in the water;
Remembering that sand reflects the sun rays and increases the chance of burning; and
Using a protective sunscreen to minimize the penetration of UV rays. Sunscreens with s Skin Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 are recommended for most people. This should be applied several minutes before going into the sun and reapplied often.

What are sun-sensitizing drugs?

Sun-sensitizing drugs are medications that can increase the skin's susceptibility to reddening and burning from the sun (or a tanning lamp). These drugs are also called photosensitizing agents.

It is very important to read the label carefully before using a prescription or non-prescription medication, paying particular attention to side effects such as photosensitivity. Click here for a partial reference list of sun-sensitizing drugs.

What medications and products can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun?

Many prescription and non-prescription drugs contain photosensitizing agents that can cause sunburn, blistering, hives, rash or other skin reactions. These reactions are classified as either photoallergic or phototoxic. Click here for a partial reference list of sun-sensitizing drugs.

What is the difference between a photoallergic and a phototoxic reaction?

In a photoallergic reaction, a drug or an ingredient in a drug combines with ultraviolet light to produce a mixture that the immune system mistakenly perceives as a harmful invader, or antigen. Even though the mixture poses no threat and causes no symptoms, the misinformed immune system produces antibodies (proteins that fights and eliminate antigens) to repel future invasions of the mixture. When the photosensitizing drug is taken again, the antibodies wildly attack the harmless invader and end up damaging the body in the process. This overreaction produces the allergy symptoms described above.

In a phototoxic reaction, a response from the immune system does not occur. Instead, the skin reacts as if poisoned, generally exhibiting symptoms shortly after the drug is taken the first time.

Among agents that can cause a photoallergic or phototoxic reaction are sulfa drugs, known as sulfonamides, and some antibiotics. Other agents that can cause sun sensitivity are: some antidepressants (including tricyclic drugs and the presently popular herbal remedy St. John's Wort); tranquilizers/ birth-control pills; arthritis painkillers; oral diabetes medications; and drugs to treat allergies, cancer, colds, high blood pressure, and heart rhythm problems. In addition, certain creams, lotions and other skin preparations for acne and other conditions can cause photosensitivity. Click here for a partial reference list of sun-sensitizing drugs.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that attack cells and damage collagen and elastin. They are triggered by pollution, sun, stress, smoke, oxygen, even the body's own processes. Free radicals are believed to be partly responsible for aging skin through a process called oxidation. A free radical known as Reactive Oxygen Species, attacks another molecule and steals an electron from it, setting off a chain reaction of free radical damage to cells. Photons may collide with vulnerable electrons of atoms in cellular structures, creating free radical chain reactions that may overwhelm the natural antioxidant structures, consequently leading to the destruction of vitamin A, C, E and other molecules.

What is an antioxidant?

An antioxidant is a molecule that helps neutralize free radicals and protects skin by helping to block damaging reactions to skin cells. Vitamin A reduces the number of sunburn cells after UV radiation. If the skin is rich in antioxidants, then the levels of vitamin A remain normal and the network antioxidants (vitamins C & E, co-enzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid and glutathione) recycle each other back into activity. The ideal sunscreen should contain antioxidants.

What makes Solar Protection so effective as a sun block?

Solar Protection is so effective because it is formulated with a multitude of ingredients to protect against all forms of light, especially UVA/UVB, and their harmful effects. Solar Protection utilizes nanoparticle technology in the form of eight dispersed, highly reflective particles, ranging in size from 10 microns down to a few nanometers (a billionth of a meter, or 3,000 particles to cover the cross section of a hair). These particles form a wall of reflection. In addition, there are three soluble organic chemical sunscreen absorbers (Non-PABA), to assure continuous protection. Enhancing Solar Protection's protective capabilities are six antioxidants and trace elements; Vitamin C, two forms of Vitamin E, along with Maritime Pine extract (Pycnogenol™), all designed to counteract free-radical damage and increase protection from Ultraviolet and acute oxidation damage. Also among these protective ingredients are organic selenium protein complex, which has demonstrated to reduce acute skin cell damage due to ultraviolet exposure, and Elefac™ I-205 which gives a proven, patented, ultraviolet protection factor boost and strengthens atmospheric skin-shield effectiveness.

Does Solar Protection 65 dry clear?

Yes, on most skin tones.

Does Solar Protection 58 product dry clear?

Yes, on most skin tones.

How do I customize the tinted Solar Protection 60 for my skin?

About 50% of the population can use the product as packaged without adding any tint. If you need to, just add 6-10 drops of either the light or dark color pack. After adding, shake the bottle to mix thoroughly. Continue until desired color is achieved

UP TO QUESTIONS.

What is the difference between the Solar Protection 65 and 58?

Solar Protection 65 contains three organic chemicals and is non-comodogenic. Solar Protection 58 contains NO chemical sunscreen filters and is heat and water resistant. It is highly recommended for children and those with sensitive skin.

TESTIMONIALS

"I am an Asian suffering from acne problems for years. My dermatologist helped my acne problem and also introduced me to Fallene Solar Protection. I tried it once, and loved it. I have been faithfully using my Solar Protection Clear SPF65 for 2 years now. I referred many of my friends about this and all of them like it as well. Thanks." - Candy

"I have a rare skin disorder known as DSAP-Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratoses. My dermatologist told me about your product and I have used you Solar Protection^® Clear SPF65 all summer long. My skin condition prohibits me from getting any sun because the sun-damaged spots on my arms and legs will get worse without protection or total cover. I will have you know that I have been to the Caribbean on a cruise this summer and have been able to enjoy my boat most every weekend thanks to your product. I have gotten total sun protection." - Webb

"Solar Protection is wonderful, it has changed my life! When I was ten years old I was diagnosed with vitaligo. A few small white spots appeared on my knees, now 18 years later I have lost all my pigment. I am left with pure white skin (finally no more blotches), but the sun has become my enemy. A quick walk around the block with my two little boys, and I would be badly burned. I began to dread the spring season, knowing that soon my skin would again be exposed and painful. I felt like I was literally on fire when I was in the sun. I tried every kind of sun block, SPF 25, 35, 45, and all yielded the same result - painful sunburn.

Last summer I went to my dermatologist, as a nurse and I were concerned about the effects of repeated sunburn on my skin. I received a brochure for Solar Protection, but at this point I was skeptical. I was sure nothing would work, but I ordered a bottle out of desperation, and thank goodness I did! I have used it religiously ever since and I have not burned. My kids and I spend lazy afternoons around the pool. I can go to the brightest, sunniest parks without worrying about burning. The most amazing to me was our family vacation in Florida this past June. I was scared of that famous Florida sun, but after six fun and sun filled days, still no burn.

It is very difficult to express how hard it is to have to hide from the sun. Solar Protection has freed me from that worry. I can face the sun again, and enjoy its comforting warmth rather than dread its harmful effects. Thank you for creating Solar Protection, it allows me to enjoy all those outdoor activities my family loves. I am forever grateful!" - Liz

"After using all the best sunscreen products, a friend knowing my light skin problem, as a gift, gave me Fallene's Solar Protection Clear SPF65. I never used a better sunscreen. I live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the tropical sun here really is too much for me. I congratulate you, and will soon order another one. Thanks." - Maria

"I suffer from rosacea, and the summertime is miserable for me. My sister picked up a sample of your Solar Protection Clear SPF65 sun block at a transplantation conference and passed it on to me. I am pleased to tell you that your product is the ONLY sun block I've been able to use comfortably and securely on my face.

Living in Oklahoma, where it's hot, sunny, and windy during the summer, it's been nearly impossible for me to go outside and "play with the other kids", so to speak. Now I can do so without the dread of "slathering up" with oily or heavy sunscreens. I still have to wear a hat and take other precautions, but with Solar Protection, I don't worry about m face being greasy or feeling uncomfortable. Now the only worry I have is about hat hair!

I'll certainly be using your product this weekend when I go to the Oklahoma City Air Show. Now I don't have to go to the air show's Friday evening performance - I can go to the day performances. The Blue Angels only fly during the day, so I'm very excited about this opportunity. Your product has given me back my freedom to do outdoors activities in the daytime, and I'm so grateful for this. Thank you, thank you, thank you." - Donna

"I have been using our tinted Solar Protection for several months now and I think it is wonderful. I have rosasea and every other makeup I have tried seems to irritate my skin. Yours does not. I recommend your product to everyone. The only thing I would like to see is for you to make the tinted product in a waterproof form because the tiniest amount of water causes the makeup to dissolve. Do you plan something like this in the future?"

"Hi-just tried your physical blocker SPF58. This is the best sunblock I've tried and I've tried them all! I can't believe you get the shearness in an SPF58 that spreads easily, is non-chemical, odor free and water resistant. This is the bomb! Now, if it proves to be non-comedogenic, I'm a fan for life and will spread the good word. I happened on a site that carries your lip block SPF45. Do you still manufacture this? You should--its very hard to find a mineral lip block in a small tube that has a high SPF and is tinted--WOW! You're the only one on the general market doing this--do you still make it? Thanks for your good work. I appreciate a product of this quality! - Debra"