Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen

Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen

Shedding Light on UV Skin Care

While there is no denying that sunscreen is essential for maintaining safe and healthy skin, the debate over a chemical vs. physical active ingredients remains a source of conflict between skin care professionals and product developers. Cheaper and easier to manufacture, chemical ingredients, such as oxybenzone, continue to be a mainstay of drugstore and supermarket shelves despite safety concerns. And with complaints ranging from skin irritation to inadequate UV protection to environmental danger, it is becoming clear that when it comes to chemical-based sun care, the heat is on.

Inadequate Protection

Leading the list of complaints against chemical sunscreens is the concern over inadequate UV protection. Although the sun emits three bands of ultraviolet light UVA, UVB and the largely ozone-blocked UVC most active chemical ingredients only shield against surface burning UVB rays (the kind responsible for sunburns). However, studies of sun-related health problems clearly indicate that the deeper-penetrating UVA rays are far more dangerous to the skin. A suspected carcinogen, UVA overexposure has been widely blamed for the increased melanoma rate worldwide, a fact that has not escaped consumer advocates pushing for broad-band, physical sun protection.

According to Bettylou McIntosh, co-founder of CosMedix, UVA light suppresses the immune system, leaving the skin extremely vulnerable to free radical damage. This damage, she explains, not only poses a serious health threat, but is also the primary culprit in premature aging. When the skin is overwhelmed by free radicals, collagen and elastin often suffer.

Collagen and elastic connective proteins that help support the skin and maintain its formal degrade more rapidly with regular UV exposure. As these fibers weaken and unravel, the skin starts to lose form, causing lines and wrinkles to become more apparent. You really need a broad-band, physical blocker like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to prevent this type of damage,  McIntosh stresses.

Free Radical Generators

In addition to offering inadequate UVA protection, many chemical sunscreens have come under fire for containing ingredients that may actually help generate free radicals. While ingredients like oxybenzone and octocrylene may offer adequate UVB defense, these chemicals can also penetrate into the skin where they act as photosensitizers, actually increasing the skin's sensitivity to harmful UV light. This photosensitivity often results in increased free radical production under illumination. The popular ingredient para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) was banned for use in sunscreen after it was de-termined to produce DNA damage when illuminated. The European Union has placed similar restrictions on other potentially harmful ingredients.

According to McIntosh, many chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays to minimize their impact on the skin. Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, work by reflecting light away from the skin.

Environmental Concerns

While consumer safety groups have largely led the charge for higher sunscreen standards, another, more recent complaint concerns not the skin but the sea. According to a study released in January 2008, four common chemical sunscreen agents may be at least partly responsible for increased coral bleaching worldwide. Cinnimate, benzophenone, parabens (artificial preservatives) and camphor derivatives were found to activate viruses in the algae that provide the coral both with its main source of food energy and its vibrant color. Once infected, the algae explodes, dumping the virus into the ecosystem where it can infect surrounding coral communities. With its energy source depleted, the coral bleaches and dies. Researchers estimate that an astounding four to six thousand pounds of chemical sunscreen wash off swimmers each year, destroying approximately ten percent of the world coral reefs. As a conscientious alternative to damaging chemical blockers, environmental groups suggest using biodegradable titanium dioxide- and zinc oxide-based sunscreens when entering fragile ecosystems like lakes and oceans.

Cosmedix Skin Care and Sun Products are Available at Suede Salon Spa and Body

Call Today for your Complimentary Skin Care 856-985-0700

Reflect $45.00

Serious Protection $42.00

Summer Finally in Full Swing and So Should Your Hair Regiment by Liane Maag

Think Cleanse,
Nourish and Protect with
Liane Maag
Senior Stylist and Colorist



$16.00

Living at the shore there are essentials for every beach bag.  Here are just a few of my favorites.

Firstly, a great deep cleansing shampoo is really important.  I personally like Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo. It's gentle yet perfect for deep cleansing.  The fruit acids remove salt water residue, chlorine and minerals from hard water that can make your hair coarse, dry and unmanageable.  Water Work's even helps maintain color, manageability and shine.





 Salon Treatment $50.00

Secondly, a great moisturizing mask to nourish.  Depending on your type of hair, there a many choices that your colorist or stylist can recommend.  I prefer the salon treatment Global Keratin Deep Conditioner.  This in-salon professional treatment delivers moisture and nourishes hair for a smooth and sleek deep treatment.  Strengthens hair weakened by chemical services, heat styling and environmental effect.  Repairs damage with natural plant extract and oils.





Thirdly would be a leave in conditioner.  Uniq One is a good choice because it provides 10 real benefits that will enhance sublime, stunning, healthy and protected hair. Trying is believing....




 $18.00

Features:

• 10 real effects
• Repair for dry & damaged hair
• Shine & frizz control
• Heat protection
• Silkiness & smoothness
• Hair color protection /with UVA & UVB filters
• Easier brushing & ironing
• Incredible detangling
• Long-lasting hairstyle
• Split ends prevention
• Adds body

How to Make the Most of Your Hair Appointment by Dyan

With everyone’s busy schedule and lives, it is still important to take a little time for ourselves. Everyone’s time is valuable so you need to make the most of it.

Even before you call for your appointment there are some things to consider so that you can maximize your time with your stylist.  Most importantly, you need to have a clear idea of what you want out of your service and when you are available to schedule the appointment.  It's best to have a few days and times that work for you. This helps our receptionists narrow down an appointment that work will work with your stylist. Especially when making multiple appointments, it is important to know what services you would like done.  A typical haircut is booked for a half hour.  If you are changing your look or have long hair you’ll need more time.  If you need a special blowout that requires pinning or iron work, extra time is needed. Having a clear picture of what you want will avoid having your stylist rush and all of your needs and expectations will be met.

Change is good and this time of year we see a lot of our clients are open to a new look. With that being said, here are a few questions you should ask yourself:

How much time am I willing to spend on my hair?

Do I want to lose length?

Do I want a bang or more layers?

It’s good to know your limitation also.  Your stylist will help you to work with you new look.  A big mistake people make is trying to style their hair the “old way” with a “new cut”.  Ask questions on how to recreate your new look at home.  It may require purchasing new products or brushes but it will make your life easier on a daily basis. 

When discussing your new look, bring in pictures.  Be mindful of your hair color and texture when doing this.  Blondes- Look at blondes, brunettes at brunettes.  This is because blonde hair tends to show the layers and cut a lot more than darker hair.  Of course your stylist will help you in choosing a length and style that best suits you.

Know what you don’t want.  It’s ok to be clear about what you don’t like but also keep an open mind.  After all a change is what you are looking for.  Trust your stylist and give some creative freedoms.  Don’t style the creativity by putting too many limitations. 

Special Occasion Hair

It is the season of proms, dances and weddings!  A very fun and exciting time.  Make your appointments in advance to ensure your specific time and stylist.  If you are unsure of a hairstyle or stuck between a few, book a trial.  It takes all the guess work out of the important day. 

Pictures are so important for an updo and special occasion hair.  It helps the stylist to see what you are envisioning even if you don’t know the lingo.  Pictures of your dress are also helpful to help the stylist to get a feel for you overall look. 

If your hair requires clip in extensions, tell the receptionist at the time of booking so extra time can be working into your appointment.  When the day has come for your appointments,  it is recommended to check in fifteen minutes ahead of your schedule time. It allows you to grab a bit to eat, get a drink and your stylist has time to get your hair shampooed or prepped so you are in their chair at your schedule time. 

This is your appointment, your time so make the most of it.  Whether you are coming in for color, or cut, your time is valuable and these helpful tips will ensure you have a great visit at Suede Salon Spa and Body.  Call today to book your appointment 856-985-0700 and take advantage of our Blow Dry Special: 5 Blow Dry and Finishes for $150.

 

Dyan Senior Stylist

Tuesday 2:30-9pm

Wednesday 9-4pm

Friday 9-4:30pm

Saturday 8:30-3:30

Senior Colorist Jackie Manzo: Fall Trends for Hair Color

The Summer Season is coming to an end and it’s time to regroup and gear up for the Fall-Winter Seasons.  What does this mean for our hair care?  In the beginning of the Spring-Summer Season, we tend to gravitate towards lighter and more “beachy” colors.  During the season our hair is than exposed to sun, salt water, chlorine and many other environmental elements.  In order to move forward into Fall-Winter Shades, we first have to address the issues at hand.  Talk to your hair care professional about treatments such as a Conditioning or Protein Treatment ($25.+) which will re-moisturize and add much needed strength back to the hair.  Depending on your individual needs, these treatments will prep the hair for the seasonal color change.  Even a good hair cut maybe just what the doctor ordered to refresh your hair.

Some suggestions might be to deepen or richen the color.  As tans are fading, we need a little more color around our faces.  Another suggestions maybe to soften the hair to a more natural look or maybe a beautiful fall red.   You may want a beautiful chocolate brown or for the more adventurous at heart, some pastel colored pieces or a high fashion red could be just the ticket.  It is a great time to schedule a consultation with your hair care professional about possibilities and how to best prep the hair for the coming season.  When dealing with the abuse from sun, fun, heat and environmental damage it is important to communicate with your colorists or stylist so that they can book your appointment accordingly so that they have time to address your specific needs.  At Suede Salon Spa and Body Complimentary Color Consultations are always available. Call 856-985-0700 to learn about what's best for you. 


Happy Coloring, see you soon,

Jackie Manzo

Senior Colorist
Salon Educator