Latest news with #SunProtectionFactor
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Don't get burned when having too much fun in the sun
There's nothing better than feeling that first hit of heat on your skin after enduring a long, cold winter. Along with vastly improving our disposition, the sun also plays an important role in physical health. As rays hit our body, receptor cells in our skin convert sunlight into vitamin D, which helps bodies regulate calcium and phosphate, the two essential nutrients that keep teeth, bones and muscles healthy. But too much sunshine isn't good for us either. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the skin, causing it to burn. This increases the risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Even with a hat and umbrella at your disposal, using sunscreen goes a long way in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancer. (David Goldman / The Associated Press files) It's a tricky balance getting sunlight for the body to generate its own vitamin D while trying to avoid getting burned, which is where sunscreen comes in. But which one to buy? The ones packaged in glossy tubes? Or maybe sticks, similar to deodorant, might be better? Classic lotions are great for the home but not so much when travelling. And can a spray guarantee even coverage? Method of delivery isn't the only thing to consider — decoding labels is a challenge in itself. While most are aware that SPF means Sun Protection Factor, do we all understand what the numbers next to it denote? And what's the difference between UVA and UVB rays? Is broad spectrum the way to go? And does mineral work better than chemical or is it the other way round? (See sidebar) You also have to figure out what it feels like on skin. Is it oily? Greasy? Does it make you look like you've taken a dip in a vat of lard or does it leave you with an ashen pallor, that dreaded white cast that haunts those blessed with an excess of melanin? Do you smell like you've been doused in chemicals or is it so perfumed it makes you choke? As ever, we are here to help. The Free Press team tested five brands of sunscreen to figure out what we like best. SPF 50, $15.49 for 89 ml Blue Lizard Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion They say: Formulated with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which offers both UVA and UVB protection. It's also a fragrance-free, paraben-free and phthalates-free formula. But does it live up to the hype? We say: This tube sunscreen has a great consistency — not too thick, not too runny and it was easy to apply without much stickiness. It does take a bit of work to really rub it into the skin, but that's actually a good thing because you can easily see where you've applied and spots you've missed. Once it absorbs, it's totally matte. I put this sunscreen through the ringer with my 22-month-old; two hours at the zoo, a pool afternoon and a sweaty trip to the park. I reapplied as directed — the label states one application gives 80 minutes of protection — and despite being very fair-skinned, my little guy didn't burn at all (note: he was also wearing a hat at all times). The sunscreen was applied to his face and body, and his skin showed no signs of irritation. This brand also has a 'baby' formulation, the only difference being the one for kids is marketed as slightly more water- and sweat-resistant. As mentioned, he was in a pool for an hour or more and it seemed to stand up to the water just fine. I will definitely continue using this product throughout the summer. The only con is the price; at around $15.50 for an 89 ml tube, it's a bit steep. ★★★★ out of five — Erin Lebar SPF 50, $22.99 for 42 g Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick for Sensitive Skin They say: Aveno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick is designed for easy application, even on the go. It's formulated with friendly ingredients for sensitive skin, such as naturally sourced Zinc Oxide and pure oat essence. But does it live up to the hype? We say: This broad spectrum stick is pretty good. The mechanics of it are exactly like deodorant — pull cap, twist knob, slide on — except you're putting it all over your body. I generally prefer an aerosol if I need more full-body coverage — i.e. in a bathing suit — but this is a really good option to have in your bag because it can't leak. This paraben- and phthalates- free formula glides on easily, especially after it has been warmed by your skin, and has a barely-there scent the way most 'fragrance free' items do, which is almost a drawback because I like the smell of sunscreen. The Zinc Oxide leaves a slight white cast which allows you to see missed spots and absorbs easily when rubbed in a bit. Dries clear: not shiny and, crucially, not sticky, so you won't have to experience a sensory nightmare putting clothes over top of it. (Just me?) It makes your skin feel soft and moisturized. Must be that 'pure oat essence.' It's also water resistant for 80 minutes. I didn't wear it in the water, but I wore it on the water during an hour-long boat tour last summer and didn't burn. As with all sunscreen, you have to make sure you're wearing more than you think you need. I originally bought this for travel because, top tip: much like non-gel stick deodorant, stick sunscreen is not considered a liquid (it's measured in grams) and therefore does not have to be Tetrised into your clear, one-litre liquids bag in order to ride in your carry-on luggage. Of course, you are at the whims of any given security personnel, but it's been no trouble for me. ★★★★ out of five — Jen Zoratti SPF 4011, $49 for 50 ml Vasanti Sun's Up! Tinted Mineral Sunscreen They say: This 100 per cent mineral sunscreen for the face promises broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection to protect and combat against sun damage, as well as target and fade dark spots over time. But does it live up to the hype? We say: Sunscreen and I are not friends. There are countless lotions around purporting to leave no white cast but it's not true. I have tried so many to no avail. Both chemical and mineral formulations stain my skin a ghostly white and no amount of rubbing in helps. So imagine my delight when I spotted this dinky little tube online by Canadian-owned cosmetics and skincare brand Vasanti, whose products are created for those with diverse skin tones. Mineral sunscreens are infamous for making everyone, not just those of us blessed with brown skin, look chalky, but this number did nothing of the sort. Much to my initial alarm, the cream is tinted at least five shades lighter than my skin. However, it requires hardly any rubbing in and sinks in beautifully to my moisturized face. It feels rich but not heavy, and my face felt protected when out and about. In fact, I can't find anything wrong with it other than its eye-watering price tag. At $49 for such a tiny amount this isn't the most wallet-friendly option. Best I start saving up now in case they're thinking of making a version for the whole body. I would've give this five stars but for the price. ★★★★ 1/2 stars out of five — AV Kitching SPF 30, $20.99 for 141 g Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist They say: A non-greasy spray available in SPFs 30, 45 and 60, this is an effective broad-spectrum protection spray against sun's aging UVA and burning UVB rays, in an ultra-light, non-greasy finish. But does it live up to the hype? We say: This sunscreen is a dream to apply. The mist feels refreshingly cool on a hot day and the nozzle angle creates good coverage, making application simple and speedy. There is some inevitable product waste due to overspray. I've used this and other spray sunscreens in the past and find the canisters run out much faster than their cream counterparts. The 'ultra sheer' in the name is apt. It's very lightweight to the point of being imperceptible. This screen goes on clear and dries quickly to a light matte shimmer. There's also no offensively tropical or even notable aroma. Despite the light touch, this spray is effective. I've had minor redness from missed spots (the clear application can make it hard to see), but no major burns while wearing Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist. ★★★★ out of five — Eva Wasney SPF 30, $15 for 177 ml Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion They say: This moisturizing sunscreen formula will protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays while enriching your skin with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, which are the main cause of premature skin aging. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, hypoallergenic, oxybenzone and octinoxate free, cruelty free, vegan, oil free, paraben free, gluten free, PABA free, water resistant (80 minutes). But does it live up to the hype? We say: I always go for a lotion as as I've been burned (literally) before by sprays, whose application feels dodgy to me. This is quite a creamy, thick forumla that looks as if it's going to take forever to soak in, but it actually goes on very smoothly, absorbs well and leaves your skin with a nice glow — not entirely matte, but not greasy (an improvement on my usual Hawaiian Tropic, which has faint sparkles, so you look like Edward in Twilight). It has a mild but very pleasant banana scent; the company actually makes an air freshener for fans of the fragrance. I am prone to burning, especially on my chest. I wore this all day at the beach (about six hours in the sun, reapplied once after swimming) and not a hint of a burn, not even on my nose, which often gets red. It's more expensive than what I usually buy, but you get what you pay for in this case. I will be trying the face formula, as I really like the texture and smell. Note: When they say not to apply near your eyes, they are not joking. I did sweat some off into my eye and it watered for the entire day and was visibly irritated — but that's on me. ★★★★ 1/2 out of five — Jill Wilson AV KitchingReporter AV Kitching is an arts and life writer at the Free Press. She has been a journalist for more than two decades and has worked across three continents writing about people, travel, food, and fashion. Read more about AV. Every piece of reporting AV produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. 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Newsweek
06-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Woman, 33, Has Small Pimple for Two Years, Then Comes Shock Diagnosis
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When Rachel Archer noticed a small pimple on her forehead, she thought nothing of it—having acne-prone skin, she was used to it. But when it didn't disappear and started to bleed six months ago, she began to worry. The 33-year-old, who lives in North Carolina, sought medical advice and was initially told she was too young for cancer, sent away with the theory that it was a scratched mosquito bite. The next month, she returned to the doctor and was sent for a biopsy. Archer was diagnosed with the most common type of skin cancer, called basal cell carcinoma (BCC), often caused by sun exposure. The American Cancer Society (ACS) states roughly 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers diagnosed each year in the U.S. After posting her journey online @racheltemac, she told Newsweek: "When you are younger you don't think about the risks of being in the sun too long and getting sun burnt so I believe seeing a video of what it would be like to get skin cancer would be helpful for younger people, so they are more careful! "I think it's good for people to see that you can get skin cancer even at a younger age and you need to be careful, or you could get skin cancer too!" (L-R) Archer before the diagnosis and a close up of the pimple on her forehead. (L-R) Archer before the diagnosis and a close up of the pimple on her forehead. TikTok/@racheltemac Speaking about her own relationship with the sun, the mom of three explained that she only started using sunscreen in her late twenties. She also used tanning beds a handful of times. With no family history of cancer, Archer described the diagnosis as "surreal." "Especially at my age," she said. In a TikTok clip shared on June 15, Archer can be seen with a large round scab on her forehead. This is from six weeks of a chemotherapy topical solution called Imiquimod. The ACS states it is a prescription cream that you can put on during very early-stage skin cancers (like some basal cell cancers). It works by triggering your body's immune system to attack and get rid of the abnormal skin cells. You usually put it on the affected area several times a week for a few weeks, but exactly how often depends on your doctor's instructions. "It was applied multiple times a week for six weeks," explained Archer. "The treatment caused my skin to react by bleeding and scabbing up. It felt like my skin was being burned off and it's possible that is what was happening." Today, she never leaves the house without Sun Protection Factor (SPF), and encourages others to do the same. In the clip, which has 1.2 million views, she says: "There's no excuses to lay out and get burned" with the number of products that contain sunscreen that are now available. What Are the Warning Signs of Skin Cancer? Newsweek spoke to Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist clinically trained in cutaneous oncology at Boston University and in hair loss at Columbia University. She said: "Skin cancer doesn't always look dramatic or obvious. It can start as something that seems harmless—a tiny pimple that doesn't heal, a rough patch that keeps coming back, or a mole that slowly changes over time." She explained the key signs to look for are referred to as ABCDEs of melanoma: Asymmetry Irregular borders Color variation Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and evolution or change. She added: "But even beyond that, any lesion that bleeds, crusts, itches, or lingers longer than a month without healing is worth getting checked. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it's always better to get it evaluated." If a spot doesn't heal within four to six weeks, Kopelman, who practices in New York at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, encourages people to sought medical advice. (L-R) Archer was left with a large scab on her forehead following chemotherapy. (L-R) Archer was left with a large scab on her forehead following chemotherapy. Rachel Archer Advice for People Who Are Dismissed Because of Their Age Kopelman told Newsweek: "This part really hits home for me because I've had young patients come in after being told they're 'too young' for skin cancer. I want to be very clear: skin cancer does not discriminate by age. I've diagnosed aggressive forms of melanoma in patients in their 20s and even late teens. If you feel like your concerns are being brushed off, please don't give up. "You have every right to advocate for your health. Seek a second opinion—preferably with a board-certified dermatologist—and keep pushing until you're heard. You know your body better than anyone, and early detection saves lives." Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Sunscreen market heats up, needs mandatory tests
The spat last month between India's largest FMCG company Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and online-first beauty and personal care firm Honasa Consumer (parent company of The Derma Co. and Mamaearth) over an advertisement for Lakme sunscreen, brought to light the absence of standardized, mandatory testing methods for a prominent category growing at scorching pace. In April, HUL's Lakme resorted to comparative advertising with Honasa's Derma Co. sunscreen – although an 'implied' comparison since it did not directly name the competitor brand. The ad showed Lakme sunscreen alongside an unnamed sunscreen identified as 'online best seller' which it said claims to be SPF 50 while delivering SPF 20. Since the packaging resembled Derma Co. sunscreen pack, Honasa went to court for the disparaging ad. Though the sparring companies eventually reached a settlement, the row spotlighted the poor regulation of sunscreen testing methods in the country. Sunscreens are suddenly a category of interest. 'Up until 5 years ago, the sunscreen market was sleepy, and sold mostly offline by Lakme and Lotus. Today, more than 30 legacy and new-age brands fight for a slice of the ₹3,000 crore market growing at 30% a year,' said Anurag Kedia, co-founder of Pilgrim, a digital-first beauty brand which offers a range of sunscreens. Lack of consumer awareness and poor product experience were responsible for a sluggish market. 'Sun protection creams were heavy and greasy. Also, consumers thought Indian skin didn't need sun protection or sunscreens were a summer product,' Kedia said. But the advent of digital-first beauty brands, rise of social media and growing tribe of dermatologist and skin care influencers online, changed perceptions and expanded the market. 'Influencers promoted sunscreens as an important part of the skin care regimen,' Kedia said. Product innovation helped too. Sticky creams were replaced by light textures and value-added formulations. However, the norms governing sunscreen testing remained unchanged. The fight between HUL and Honasa was related to one of the two key aspects important for sunscreens, that is, SPF that stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays and sunburn. (The other is the PA system that measures sunscreen's ability to protect the skin from UVA rays that cause aging and pigmentation. The more PA ++++ sign on the pack, the longer it protects you from UVA rays.) Interestingly, though the controversial ad said an online brand claims higher SPF but delivers much less protection, currently there is no mandatory standard for SPF testing. However, companies use either in-vivo or in-vitro tests for sunscreens. The in-vivo method relates to testing on human skin under living conditions. In-vitro involves testing the product in a lab. 'The in-vivo test is superior but the government hasn't made it compulsory,' said an FMCG company executive, declining to be named. 'In advanced countries like the US and the UK, sunscreens are an OTC product but regulated like medicines which require real-life clinical data that shows that the product is effective and delivers what it claims,' the person added. In-vivo testing is mandatory in these countries. There is no such mandate in India but some large FMCG companies like HUL have been using in-vivo tests for several years. Pilgrim's Kedia said his brand has also moved from in-vitro to in-vivo testing for sunscreens. Sunscreens are classified as cosmetic products and are regulated under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetic Rules, 2020. The BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) norms also list permitted UV filters, concentration limits and required label declarations for sunscreens. But in the absence of compulsory tests, brands have the responsibility to make sure their claims are not misleading and they can pass any regulatory scrutiny that may arise. 'Since the onus is on the company, its quality control processes must be stringent so that any variation from batch to batch is within acceptable limits,' Kedia said. Some large FMCG companies claim that small progress has been made in pushing for adoption of ISO methods for UVA protection and water resistance in sunscreens. But the key SPF testing protocols are yet to be finalized. Clearly, sub-standard products should not be allowed to prevail in the market. There's an urgent need to look at sunscreens from a scientific lens and adopt global testing norms to help consumers choose their products wisely.
