Science is starting to tell us that wearing a mask can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While officials placed the early emphasis on wearing a mask to protect others from asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic carriers, research supporting protection to the wearer is emerging as well. Now, many governments have, or are strongly considering mandating wearing masks in public as a means to minimize infection rates.
On that note, there’s something else you need in addition to a mask in order to cover all bases of face protection: sunscreen.
Coming out of Quarantine
From Europe to Asia to the Americas, most of us were in some form of confinement for several months during the onset of the pandemic. Many people are Vitamin D deficient as it is, much more in lockdown. With phased re-openings, and the northern hemisphere summer in full swing, we are understandably taking every opportunity to get some sun. With tanning salons opened at reduced capacity, outside is the best option. We all want to enjoy the great outdoors, while respecting social distancing. Just be sure to…
Protect Your Sheltered Skin
After being inside for an extended time, melanin concentration in the epidermis is at its lowest. Melanin is what gives your skin color; the epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. Melanin in the epidermis equals a suntan, which you don’t get when you don’t go outside. It’s why northerners often suffer that first fiery sunburn each spring after being bundled up all winter, even when the sun might not have been as intense as the burn might suggest. With your skin less protected from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, it’s extremely important to wear sunscreen. Here are two of our top mineral sunscreen formulations:
Whipped Sun Cream – Blue Light Protection
This version of our Whipped Sun Cream formula demonstrates the effectiveness of Sensient’s SPF booster and blue light shield, Covabead Crystal. This one-of-a-kind ingredient, exclusive to Sensient, brings a combination of light reflection and sensorial impact for advanced sun care. Backed by in-vivo SPF and in-vitro SPF testing, it helps to protect against both UV and blue light damage. Adding just a 3-5% of Covabead Crystal can boost the SPF of a sun care formulation while creating the smooth ball-bearing effect of a luxurious cream or lotion.
Working in tandem with Covabead Crystal is UVR TiO2 AS, our attenuation grade titanium dioxide. This ingredient is surface treated to reduce its whitening effect and allow for smoother application. Applying a surface treatment to a mineral filter improves the stability, performance and aesthetics of the formulation as a whole.
Ultra Light Sunscreen
This sunscreen formula highlights the power of Natpure Screen TWG, a dispersion of ultrafine titanium dioxide perfect for sun care applications. Natpure Screen TWG eliminates the processing time and costs in preparing powdered mineral filters, making it a convenient and effective solution for formulators. It also gives them greater control over sunscreen active ingredients and helps to ensure consistent UV protection. Combine Natpure Screen TWG with Covabead Crystal and our aqueous film former, Natpure Film GR, and you have a waterproof, SPF 30 formula with an added cooling and moisturizing effect.
It Really Works
Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40 percent and reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Additionally, people who use an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen daily show 24 percent less skin aging than those who do not use sunscreen daily. Note that most dermatologists state the best sunscreen is the one you will ultimately use on a regular basis! So creating mineral sunscreen formulations with a lightweight fell is as important as its SPF rating.
So, mask up and lather up! Not just your face, but also the rest of your body that is now seeing the sun for the first time in months. Read more from Sensient on skin care and sun care.