La Roche- Posay, the brand who’s name sake comes from the French village and treatment center in which they treat 7,500 dermatology patients a year, is on the fore front of bringing important sun protection technologies to the United States.
Both Estheticians and dermatologist know the scrutiny that European and Australian countries have put on government regulations when labeling and developing sun protection products. Unfortunately in the US our FDA laws are outdated (from 1978, to be exact) and were developed when we had far less knowledge about both UVA and UVB radiation.
SPF (Sun Protection factor) only signifies the amount of protection from UVB rays. These are the rays that cause sunburn and cancer. The US is unlike other countries in which we have no regulation system to know a product’s protection from UVA rays.
UVA rays cause the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging and have also been linked to melanoma cancer. UVA rays are present whether it is sunny outside or not, in the same intensity from sun up, to sun down. This is why it is important within the States to purchase a sunscreen that says “broad spectrum”, meaning it has both UVA and UVB filters. With that said, unfortunately the US available UVA filters only cover a certain part of the wavelength spectrum, leaving skin unprotected from the short wavelength UVA rays, until now.
Mexoryl or Ecamsule is currently the only organic FDA approved UVA filtering ingredient and has been formulated within La Roche- Posay's Anthelios SX and Anthelios 40. There are only a few sunscreens within the United States to use this important UVA filter. Mexoryl SX does not degrade significantly when exposed to sunlight; unlike the commonly used UVA sunscreen filter Avobenzone, which requires more chemical stabilizers to ensure the products effectiveness. Anthelios SX has won 12 beauty awards, is lightweight, perfect for everyday use as a morning moisturizer.
Aside from great UVA technology, La Roche-Posay has mastered the technologies for creating mineral sunscreens that are lightweight and leave no white residue. This residue is what deters people from using sunscreen and protecting themselves. Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Fluid is available in a regular and tinted formulation. It absorbs quickly, is non-comedogenic and dries to a matte finish. These mineral sunscreens are formulated using CELL-OX Shield, which is a patented antioxidant formulation to combat free radical damaged caused by UV exposure.
For us makeup lovers who also want a high sun protection level, The Anthelios 50 daily anti-aging primer is a great choice. This primer also contains the CELL-OX antioxidant protection. It can be worn just on its own, but it creates a smooth canvas for makeup application. It is suitable for all skin types and has a matte finish. Anthelios Anti-aging Primer contains micro-particles and silicone elastomers that reduce the appearance of fine lines, large pores, pigmentation and redness all while protecting the skin with an SPF of 50.
Concerns over the effectiveness of sun protection products are of great concern to those of us in the Skin Care industry. Luckily, La Roche-Posay is pushing for high quality ingredients to be allowed in sunscreen formulations within the United States. These UV protectants products are soon to be used and desired by many people, for many sunny and not so sunny days to come.
Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal Monique
Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!
Both Estheticians and dermatologist know the scrutiny that European and Australian countries have put on government regulations when labeling and developing sun protection products. Unfortunately in the US our FDA laws are outdated (from 1978, to be exact) and were developed when we had far less knowledge about both UVA and UVB radiation.
UVA rays cause the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging and have also been linked to melanoma cancer. UVA rays are present whether it is sunny outside or not, in the same intensity from sun up, to sun down. This is why it is important within the States to purchase a sunscreen that says “broad spectrum”, meaning it has both UVA and UVB filters. With that said, unfortunately the US available UVA filters only cover a certain part of the wavelength spectrum, leaving skin unprotected from the short wavelength UVA rays, until now.
Mexoryl or Ecamsule is currently the only organic FDA approved UVA filtering ingredient and has been formulated within La Roche- Posay's Anthelios SX and Anthelios 40. There are only a few sunscreens within the United States to use this important UVA filter. Mexoryl SX does not degrade significantly when exposed to sunlight; unlike the commonly used UVA sunscreen filter Avobenzone, which requires more chemical stabilizers to ensure the products effectiveness. Anthelios SX has won 12 beauty awards, is lightweight, perfect for everyday use as a morning moisturizer.
For us makeup lovers who also want a high sun protection level, The Anthelios 50 daily anti-aging primer is a great choice. This primer also contains the CELL-OX antioxidant protection. It can be worn just on its own, but it creates a smooth canvas for makeup application. It is suitable for all skin types and has a matte finish. Anthelios Anti-aging Primer contains micro-particles and silicone elastomers that reduce the appearance of fine lines, large pores, pigmentation and redness all while protecting the skin with an SPF of 50.
Concerns over the effectiveness of sun protection products are of great concern to those of us in the Skin Care industry. Luckily, La Roche-Posay is pushing for high quality ingredients to be allowed in sunscreen formulations within the United States. These UV protectants products are soon to be used and desired by many people, for many sunny and not so sunny days to come.
Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!