Recently, a new sunscreen filter - Mexoryl SX - has entered the sunscreen market. Yet, with all the other sunscreens on the market today, is there a reason why you should choose it over the others? This article will help you to decide if the switch to a Mexoryl sunscreen makes sense for you and your family.
Attributes of A Good Sunscreen
For a sunscreen to do its job properly, these characteristics are important:
1. Protection against the full spectrum of UVA and UVB rays. While it's the UVB rays that lead to sunburn, the UVA rays cause more invisible damage, at least initially. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays so they can cause more long lasting damage to the dermal layer of skin. These can include the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which give skin its resilience and elasticity. As well, they can contribute to age spots and some types of skin cancers. Mexoryl sunscreens like Anthelios and Ombrelle contain a patented sun filtering system that include a range of effective ingredientswhich provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
2. Photostability. Photostable sunscreens are able to maintain their integrity upon exposure to sunlight. Some sunscreens degrade upon exposure to light leaving you vulnerable to sun damage. Mexoryl sunscreens have been shown to retain their photoprotective qualities as long as 4 to 5 hours after initial application.
3. Safety. Studies have shown that the Mexoryl molecules have little to no absorption into the skin. And, unlike many other chemical sun filters, they do not generate free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules which can lead to skin damage and accelerate the aging process. In some instances individuals aren't able to tolerate chemical sunscreens. If this is the case, then a physical blocking agent using zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide may be considered.
Mexoryl XL or Mexoryl SX?
Mexoryl is available as Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX. While both molecules have been available in Canada and the European Union for many years, Mexoryl SX has been approved by the FDA since 2006. There are two major differences between the Mexoryl molecules:
1. Mexoryl SX is water soluble while Mexoryl XL is oil soluble. The water solubility of the SX version makes it suitable for day wear formulations while the oil solubility of the XL molecule makes it ideal for use in sports formulations.
2. Both molecules protect against UVA and UVB rays, but Mexoryl SX protects very well against short to medium UVA rays and Mexoryl XL offers very good UVB protection. Studies have demonstrated a synergistic action between the two molecules when combined, resulting in far better UV protection than any one agent used alone.
Many Mexoryl sunscreens as found in the Anthelios and Ombrelle lines, contain both Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX. These can be purchased at stores in Europe and Canada. The result is optimal protection in pleasant formulations that aren't greasy, sticky or heavy.
A word of caution - as much as sunscreens can protect against UVA and UVB rays - they shouldn't be your first step in skin protection. Smart sun habits including covering up, seeking shade and avoiding exposure during peak sunshine hours should also be practiced.
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