Sun Shield

A story in next month's W magazine by Jenny Comita highlighted new advancements in sun protection. Courtesy of the article I learned that one of the active ingredients used in many sunscreens breaks down due to exposure to, get this, sunlight! Reminds of medications whose side effects list the very symptoms you are trying to eliminate.

Avobenzone is the chemical that breaks down, over time, due to exposure to sunlight which, I assume is the reason why repeated application is advised. Scientists in the industry have created a chemical that will help, in effect, enhance the sunblocking properties of Avobenzone while preventing its breakdown and prolonging protection: diethylhexl naphthalate (DEHN). In scientific terms DEHN is called a photostabilizer, a chemical that helps other chemicals. The winning combination of DEHN and Avobenzone is called Helioplex and is featured in the product above. SPF 70, awesome!

Ms. Comita also pointed out that companies previously used other physical blockers like titanium dioxide to serve as a backup when avobenzone breaks down. Titanium dioxide is the nemesis of everyone who has a hint of brown or yellow in their skin as it makes us look ashy. Titanium dioxide is still used in liquid and powder foundations and other cosmetics. However most companies have gotten hip to its effects on a good deal of the buying public and uses the chemical in very small amounts.