By Christine Cheng, R.Ph., and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
We are fans of beauty from the inside out, but protecting our skin and keeping it pretty is a year-round endeavor that finds its greatest efforts being required in the summer. The first thing to think about is your sunscreen. Whether you choose a chemical sunscreen (such as avobenzone, octisalate, octinoxate, and/or oxybenzone that interacts with UV to create heat that is then dissipated) or a physical sunscreen (such as zinc oxide that physically deflects UV rays from the skin), make sure you are applying enough and frequently. A general rule of thumb is 2-3 tablespoonfuls per body per application. Reapplication is important for sunscreen to be effective and should be done every 2 hours especially if you are being active and/or sweating. This is particularly important for physical sunscreens that tend to wash away easily with sweat or water exposure. Although we are happy to hear our patients are using any sunscreen at all, we prefer micronized zinc products such as those from BADGER, GREEN BEAVER or GODDESS GARDEN. Staff favourites for facial sunscreen are the ones from DERMA E and AVALON ORGANICS.
Other than sunscreen, there are other topical products that can be applied after sun exposure to support our skin’s regeneration and healing. Newco, a Canadian company has developed a line of skin care products called BroccoFusion™ that employs the use of sulforaphane. Sulforaphane, a phytonutrient derived from broccoli, can have profound effects on the skin when applied topically. In-vitro experiments looking at the effect of applying sulforaphane topically to skin that has been exposed to UV radiation (UVR) have shown it to be effective at reducing redness and inflammation that was induced by this UVR exposure. Researchers found that this benefit was not due to free-radical quenching or UVR absorption as has been seen with other phytonutrients (such as vitamin E or green tea extract). Rather, sulforaphane acts to increase the transcription and thus the synthesis of proteins, mostly enzymes resulting in a lasting effect, i.e., the benefit of the topical product will not be “washed away” once the sulforaphane is absorbed. Sulforaphane has also been shown to affect keratin biosynthesis, which suggests that it affects the structure and integrity of the skin.
Protecting our skin from UV damage can be done from the inside out as well. Taken orally, SULFORAPHANE can be helpful for more serious skin conditions as well as other chronic health conditions. PYCNOGENOL, a phytonutrient derived from Maritime Pine Bark, can prevent UV-radiation induced skin damage, reduce skin hyperpigmentation, as well as increase the skin’s hydration and elasticity.
Of course, we cannot forget to protect our eyes as UV radiation can increase the risk of cataracts, growths on the eyes, and cancer. Wearing sunglasses whenever you head outside is important. Supplements containing the antioxidants LUTEIN and/or ZEAXANTHIN may help to reduce the risk of developing severe cataracts.
As with most good things, the sunshine needs to be enjoyed in moderation. Apply your sunscreen, put on your sunglasses, wear a hat, grab your water bottle and have fun!
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
