Just about everywhere I go, people ask me if sunscreens and sunblocks are the same thing. The answer is No! They are different and operate differently. Below is perhaps the simplest definition I have seen. It is from the Mayo Clinic. After this def:, I will explain why we use sunblocking agents vs. suscreens.

quote:

Sunscreen agents are used to prevent sunburn. Limiting your exposure to the sun and using sunscreen agents when in the sun may help prevent early wrinkling and skin cancer. There are two kinds of sunscreen agents: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreen agents protect you from the sun by absorbing the ultraviolet (UV) and visible sun rays, while physical sunscreen agents reflect, scatter, absorb, or block these rays.
Sunscreen agents often contain more than one ingredient. For example, products may contain one ingredient that provides protection against the ultraviolet A (UVA) sun rays and another ingredient that protects you from the ultraviolet B (UVB) sun rays, which are more likely to cause sunburn than the UVA sun rays. Ideally, coverage should include protection against both UVA and UVB sun rays.
The sun protection factor (SPF) that you find on the label of these products tells you the minimum amount of UVB sunlight that is needed with that product to produce redness on sunscreen-protected skin as compared with unprotected skin. Sunscreen products with high SPFs will provide more protection against the sun.

I apologize in advance for a geek explanation. I can't help it, I am one!

We choose nano-zinc oxide as a sun blocking agent over the vast array of chemical screens for two very important reasons

1) Zinc oxide is a known physical block that is therapeutic and has been used for many years in diaper oitments. Our zinc is the same uncoated product made into ~20 nanometer particles for better coverage and invisibility.

2)Here is the geek reason. Many years ago I was involved in a project that developed radar absorbing paint to make fighter aircraft invisible to radar. What we did was combine magnetic particles from Cobalt doped Gamma Ferric oxide to Barium Ferrite and mixed it in a stew with every other magnetic particle we could find. When radar hit the particles, they absorbed the energy and converted it to heat. Later in my career, I worked on hard disk drives and optical recording devices. The principles remained the same.

When I engineered our sunblock, these experiences were my guiding force. The key was that with nano-zinc oxide, I know that it reflects radiation away from itself. With sunscreens, they absorb and must convert the energy into some other form. Where does it go and in what form remains a question and debate. I am long since over engaging in scientific debate, so I choose the simplest answers for our products. I know what zinc oxide does and I know that it has been around a long time.

All said, the best is still to cover up with a big blocking hat, SPF clothing and UV reflecting sunglasses. Sunscreens and sunblocks are for exposed skin only.

So, it is time to get wise!

Bob

Hello Bob!

First, I would like to thank you and Wendy for the truly magnificant work you are doing. It is so refreshing to see other like minded individuals forge ahead and realizing, producing and sharing with others, their dreams of a non toxic world. It gives the rest of us hope (and great products too). Thank you!

Secondly, I have a question in reference to micro/ nano zinc oxide. There is much controvercy over this subject and conflicting reports about it's saftey and absorption, etc. Frankly I am overloaded and quite bewildered by all the information. I read on another thread on this board that you shared some information and shed some light on this subject with another member. Could you be so kind as to do the same for me? I would greatly appreciate any clarity you have to offer.

and...

If it's not pressing my luck to far...

The reason you do not use nor recommend titanium dioxide is because it has been listed as a cancer causing agent, correct? What are the hazards of using sunblock containing titanium dioxide?

Thank you in advance for your help. Like so many others, I like to be as informed as possible and have been on an endless search for non toxic/ chemical free/ vegan/ and compassionate products. It is a rough journey sometimes, full of twists and turns, but it is certainly worth it!!!

Thanks again!

Hi Bertha, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I actually have posted a reply to you a couple of time and the system has crashed each time. So here is hoping that this one will make it through.

To your question, yes there is a lot of controversy. Unfortunately it seems that most recently is for controversy sake as much of the studies are coming back with zero findings.

Yes, all of the data and information is confusing. I try to keep my geek side from running away in hopes to not continue any of the confusion.

I stay very close to the paper, research and studies that are going on around the world. We have also done what is called Franz type testing and viewing sample under a scanning electron microscope. None show anything but good results. So, I am more confident than I was a year ago. Even then I was only mildly concerned.

Ironically, I am speaking at the University of Maryland’s Nano-Pharmacology Conference at the end of this month. There we will be talking about using nano-machines and nano-pharmacology to track and eliminate Cancer cells one at a time.

The issue around Titanium Dioxide is also speculation. Our advisor at Scripps Clinic in LaJolla, Ca has expressed concern. Frankly the reason we don’t use it is a simple as we don’t feel like we need it. The Zinc oxide we use is uncoated and similar to ZnO in Calamine lotion and baby ointments. It provides the broad spectrum blocking of UVA and UVB. The small particle size offers a more even coverage. The uncoated has therapeutic benefits that some dermatologist prescribe it for their Rosacea and Psoriasis patients. So, we don’t need to add more than we need.

I hope that I have offered you answers that will help to depressurize you. If not keep on asking

Regards,

Bob

Hello Bob!!


Thank you SO much for replying to my post! I appreciate your insight and helping to alleviate my confusion. I feel I am making a good choice using Solar RX. The whole nano/micro and zinc vs. tiatium controversy has consumed so much of my time. I agree that the less ingredients, the better. bravo.

So to be clear, am I correct in believing the controversy of nano zinc being able to penatrate the skin is not true?

I cannot stress (or profess) how much I love your product line. My skin has never felt better nor has my complexion ever been so clear. I have only been using your products for about 2 weeks now. What led me to your products was the never ending search for a chemical free vegan sunscreen. Now I have a whole line of chemical free vegan products!! Is tarted out with Wendy's Regime Pack and some Muttineer for are golden retrevier who has painful hot spots and a bottle of Galleyon for my dry weathered hands. Along with my order I was sent a sample of the Redicare. OMG! I LOVE THAT PRODUCT! I came right back and ordered a 16 oz bottle of it because I was so impressed with the sample. I recieved a sample of the Windsurfer soap with this order, It is going straight into our RV!!! I have been referring your products to all many people and will continue to do so.

Again, I thank you for taking the time to reply and for making such great products.

love and light
Bertha

PS: Wishing you an informative and fun conference in MD!! Please do keep us informed should you find out any new data regarding the nano stuff that may be relavant. )

Hi Bertha, I would say, when it comes to nano-ZnO it is "not true" with a small 't'. We continue to look at the possibilities and/or probabilities. This is the nature of science.

One interesting thing of recent is that we have officially asked for information from some of the public groups on why and how they are basing their concerns. We have not received any reply when we ask for facts. I feel that they are creating Fear Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD), but have no data. Others I talk to in the industry have had the same non-response. The campaigns now seem to focus more on revealing nano-ingredients than the cause and effect. We put nano on our label and believe that the product is both safe and therapeutic.

It seems that it is fair game for the pundants to throw out FUD and conjecture without basis while our technical answers are not acceptable

The good news is that UK has begun to institute a five step challenge for manufacturers. You can read it at this linkFive-step Check for Nano Safety I personally believe that this is a good move as we can begin to set tests and standards. As you will note in the article, the focus is airborne and in water of soluable nano-materials.

I continue to research and look at data without a real dog in the fight. Our products and our entire company is based on people and their health. Our focus is not shareholders, editors or being right for the sake of being right.

There is an interesting article in the december 4 issue of TIME Magazine. Why we worry about the wrong things!

As a side, Wendy and I are big RVers and enjoy the open road.

Regards,

Bob