BellaSugar

15 Sunscreens to Get You Through Memorial Day and Beyond

Jessica Cruel — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:09:39 PDT

Summer unofficially kicks off this weekend, and even though we know you wear sunscreen in every season (right?), there's no excuse to go without when the sun's shining. Recently, the FDA changed the rules for product makers requiring every brand to include broad-spectrum coverage. So, each sunscreen on our list protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays. We've left no body part unturned, so you'll be covered from head to toe, whether you're headed to the beach or just taking a drive.

Source: Flickr user Tay

Beauty Must-Reads From the BellaSugar Community

Jessica Cruel — Sat, 19 May 2012 06:00:36 PDT

Ward off sunburn with these top sunscreens for your face - Beauty Starlet
Makeup artist AJ Crimson is selling beauty wares - Blaq Vixen Beauty
Everything you need for a night away from home - Icy Abstract Makeup
See the eco-friendly buys from Lily Cole and The Body Shop - The Make-Up Blogette
Learn to do a wash 'n' go (product recommendations included) - The BrownFace B.E.E.

Be Wary of Chemicals: The Safest Sunscreens on the Market

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:42:05 PDT

It's hard enough to remember to put on sunscreen when you leave the house, but now you also need to make sure your sunscreen is safe to use. The Environmental Working Group has just released its 2012 Sunscreen Guide, and in order to make the list, a sunscreen must be free of oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, not have an SPF above 50, and must be broad spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays).

What's wrong with oxybenzone? Although it does a great job of absorbing ultraviolet rays, some studies show that it can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. The Environmental Working Group and toxicology experts believe this can disrupt hormones, damage cells, and potentially lead to skin cancer. Other experts disagree, like the American Academy of Dermatology, and oxybenzone has been FDA-approved since 1978 for use in children older than 6 months.

Keep reading to find out what else you need to consider when buying sunscreen, and for a list of the safest sunscreens on the market.

Made in the Shade: The Best Sunscreens For Lil Ones

Lisa Horten — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:23:47 PDT

Summer's just around the corner! Before you hit the beach with your kiddie clan, it's important that you know the ins and outs of sunscreen - from the oft-confusing terminology (even the FDA is having a tough time coming to an agreement on the language) to what brands to buy. Here, a guide to decoding the lingo and what bottles, tubes, and sprays are worthy of your beach bag.

Sunscreen 101

Sun Protection Factor (SPF): This refers to the product's ability to block out the sun's rays. It should be prominently displayed on the sunscreen's packaging.
Chemical Sunscreen: Contains special ingredients that act as filters and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreen takes 15-30 minutes to absorb into the skin.
Physical Sunscreen: Also referred to as sunblock or "chemical-free" sunscreen, these products form a barrier with ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to block out rays. Many dermatologists recommend this option for children, as it's less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions and starts working immediately.
Broad Spectrum: Protects against both UVA and UVB rays (any sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide will do this).
For Babies 6 Months and Under: Discuss sunscreen use with your physician. Some pediatricians are completely opposed to the use of sunscreen on newborns, while others advocate a chemical-free product if they're going to be exposed to extensive sun.

Source: Flickr User sunsurfr

Do You Go to Tanning Salons?

Leta Shy — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:08:12 PDT

We all know tanning is bad, but that doesn't stop many Americans from soaking up the sun. A new survey from the Centers for Disease Control shows that a high number of people either visit a tanning salon regularly or have experienced a sunburn within the past year.

The study found that one-third of white women between 18 and 21 years old said they tanned at least once in the last year, on an average of 28 times during the past 12 months. And even if they're not seeking out UV rays indoors, many Americans aren't adequately protecting themselves from the sun; the report also said that half of adults under 30 said they got at least one sunburn within the past year, meaning that many people take a more casual approach to protecting themselves from the sun.

Getting enough vitamin D is important, of course, but so is protecting yourself from the harmful rays, no matter if you're on the beach or on your lunch break. Tell us, are you a tanner?

What We're Sweet On: An Unscented Sunscreen/Hydrating Serum

Miriam Lacey — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:01:00 PDT

Supergoop Save Face Serum SPF 30+ ($32) is one of those quiet surprises of a product. The packaging is unprepossessing, and it doesn't have a big ad campaign or make a bunch of over-the-top claims to get you to buy it. Really, though, it doesn't have to, because this is the rare product that surpasses your expectations and then some. It smells like nothing -no perfume, no essential oils, nothing- and it soaks in extremely quickly.

It's a godsend for people with dry, easily clogged skin. It hydrates, but is far too light to goop up pores. It's made with chemical sunscreens, so physical block fans may want to give it a pass. But if you want something that's great under makeup or a moisturizer, has full-spectrum protection, and isn't likely to cause reactivity, it's an excellent bet.

Sunburns and UV Damage May Soon Be Less of a Problem

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:59:00 PDT

UK researchers are working on an anti-UV pill that gets skin cells to make their own natural "sunscreen," preventing wide spectrum UV damage. The team leading the pill development expects to be testing it within the next two years and hopes to have it out on shelves within the next five. To find out how it works and what, exactly, is in it, just keep reading.

Zinka Sunscreen Makes a Comeback, Has Been Here For Years

Annie Tomlin — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:10:40 PDT

Back in the late '80s, any grommet worth her weight on a surfboard knew about Zinka. Surfers used to apply the bold, bright zinc oxide sunscreen on the bridge of their noses, frequently creating neon-tinged designs on their skin with the stuff. It wasn't long before surf and skate wannabes took the trend far past the California coast, and for a while, high demand made a tube of Zinka hard to track down. But as the Me decade gave way to the grunge years, the appetite for lime-green sunscreen subsided. I'd always assumed Zinka faded away with mirrored Oakley Razor Blades, but the SoCal company is still around. These days, it offers clear sunscreen along with 10 classic colors that are so Burning Man. If this brand makes a big comeback, don't be surprised if Zubaz is next.

What's in a Word? Decoding Sunscreen Terminology

Heather Dale — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 01:26:58 PDT

While sunscreen companies work on rolling out their new bottle labels - thanks to the new regulations put into place by the FDA - there are still some basic sunscreen terms that are confusing to many. For instance, what's the difference between UVA and UVB? And is water-resistant just as effective as waterproof? Let's get all of our "burning" sunscreen questions answered!

SPF: SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor." According to WebMD, SPF is the ability of a sunscreen to block UVB rays, which cause sunburns, but not UVA rays, which can penetrate skin more deeply. The number, however, doesn't indicate how long a person can be outside in the sun before suffering from a burn. Some doctors argue that ditching your bottle of SPF 30 for a higher SPF may lead to a false sense of security about staying in the sun longer without reapplying. With the new regulations about labeling, the FDA has proposed a rule that would ban companies from labeling its sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Research suggests that there aren't any additional benefits once the SPF gets that high.

Find out what other sunscreen terms mean.

Skin Saving Protection From Summer's Harsh Rays

LilSugar — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 04:45:40 PDT

Take cover! A significant percentage of our exposure to sun occurs by age 18, and with Summer in full swing, beaches, pools, and other outdoor activities rule the day. While avoiding the sun completely just isn't an option for most families, Mr. Golden Sun's dangerous UV rays can be avoided with the right accessories. Infants' thin skin and underdeveloped melanin can cause their skin to burn faster than older kids. To celebrate UV Safety Awareness Month, we're looking beyond sunscreen and the rash guard for the best products to protect even the littlest tots' precious skin now, and throughout the year.

Clockwise from top left: Speedo Hydrospex Kids Goggle ($10), Coolibar UPF 50+ Infant Chlorine Resistant Bucket Sun Hat ($19), i play Long Sleeve Rashguards ($12), Julbo Infant Looping Sunglasses, 0-18 months ($30),
Breakers UV Sun Protective Two Piece Swimsuit for Infant/Toddler Boys (UPF 50+) ($40), Coolibar UPF 50+ Child Swim Sun Sleeve ($40).