Stabilizer

Beta-carotene and lycopene are the most frequently used carotenoids in anti-aging cosmetics. Though they have protective and antioxidant properties, when exposed to light and air, most lose their stability and immediately oxidize. They may also stain the skin due to its natural pungent colors (E.g. Orange in carrots, red in tomatoes). Israeli Biotechnology Research is now offering colorless carotenoids, which are not just stable, but also have the ability to stabilize and enhance other active ingredients such as vitamin C, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Dioxide (found in most sunscreens). These colorless carotenoids are derived from algae or tomatoes – the latter is extracted before it ripens and turns the carotene precursors into rich color. It is used in Nu Skin’s Moisture Restore Day Protective Lotion SPF 15. More information is available on Cosmetics Design Europe.com

Here Comes the Sun

Did you know that...

-- UVB chiefly causes sunburn, while UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply causes photoaging.

-- Ultra Violet Rays can penetrate glass eventhough it can filter UVB. Which means that even if you're inside your house or car, as long as you are sitting next to a window, you're at risk for UV damage. Especially if you drive on a frequent basis, I highly recommend covering your car windows with UVA-protective film(which block out up to 99.9 percent of UVR).

-- Up to 40 percent of the sun's ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth on a completely cloudy day.

-- Regardless of strength, sunscreeen should be reapplied every two hours. Transluscent powder sunscreen such as Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 is a great alternative to cream or lotion products as it can be reapplied over makeup.

-- Reddening of your skin is only a reaction to the UVB rays – it does not tell you what UVA damage you might be getting.

-- It takes 30 minutes for the sunscreen’s ingredients to bind to the skin. I apply two generous layers of moisturizing sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection on bare skin each morning – do not wear a moisturizer underneath your sunscreen unless it is a light antioxidant serum, as it will dilute the effectiveness of the active ingredients.

-- Check the ingredients of the sunscreen to make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection. Cheap yet effective choice even for acne prone skin: Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer Spf 45.