Here are some sunscreen tips from one of our massage therapists Dawn McAllister!
I know it is hard to believe after the near-solid month of rain we’ve had but, summer is on its way!
Sunblock is good to wear because it helps protect our skin from dangerous UV rays and can help prevent a variety of skin related health complications. But, it is important to carefully read labels to avoid some harmful chemicals that are included in many commercially available sunscreens.
Oxybenzone is one such chemical. Oxybenzone is found in almost all commercially available sunscreens and is particularly dangerous because of its ability to help other chemicals absorb into your skin. A 2008 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control found that 97% of the U.S. population is contaminated with oxybenzone and a Mount Sinai School of Medicine study, also published in 2008, reported that the chemical is linked to low birth weight in baby girls whose mothers are exposed during pregnancy. Numerous other studies have linked oxybenzone to health concerns including endocrine/hormonal disruption, cell damage, and cancer.
It is recommended to use sunscreens without oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3). Choose those with zinc or titanium oxide as the active ingredients instead. We carry several safer options at Zenana Spa and Wellness Center from our Eminence Skin Care line: Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream, Tomato Sun Cream, and Eminence Sun Defense.
The Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream is an SPF 32 and uses Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (also known as Octyl Methoxycinnamate), a clear liquid compound that absorbs UVB light to protect your skin from the sun. It also contains Zinc Oxide to block UV rays, Shea Butter to calm and moisturize, and Vanilla to sooth and improve circulation.
The Tomato Sun Cream is an SPF 16 and uses Zinc Oxide to protect the skin from the sun. In addition, it contains Aloe Vera to
help calm and reduce irritation, Orange Oil to soften and enrich, and an antioxidant booster of Vitamin A, C, E, Coenzyme Q10, and Alpha Lipoic Acid.
The Sun Defense line from Eminence is a water resistant, hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory/anti-bacterial mineral make-up. It helps to even out skin tone while protecting your skin from the sun with the use of Zinc Oxide. It comes in a convenient tube so you can carry it and apply it anywhere. It’s even safe and easy to use on kids!
Eminence also carries a Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream for the body that has an SPF of 32. 
We don’t carry it regularly at Zenana Spa and Wellness Center but would be happy to special order it for you! Mention this blog and receive 10% off a sun screen product of your choice this week (June 10th-16th) only!
