Sunscreen Protection

Sunscreen Protection

As much as 90% of the visible changes in aging skin are caused by sun damage. Approximately 50% of this damage occurs before the age of 18 and it is estimated that 90% of sun damage is the result of unplanned or casual sun exposures. This might include riding in a car, walking outdoors or stopping to talk with friends.

A photon (ray) of light is an infinitely small particle of energy. When it strikes the skin, it penetrates and releases energy into the component of skin where it stops. The energy released alters the chemical structure of the component. As photons strike collagen or elastin (the fibers that give skin its elasticity and firmness) these tissues develop breaks and after repeated photon damage they lose their elastic quality. In time, the cumulative damage results in sagging of the skin and the development of wrinkles.

When photons strike living cells they may damage the cellular DNA that regulates cell functions and processes. DNA may repair itself by lifting the damaged section and replacing it with a correctly duplicated section, but repairs are not always perfect. One of the genes in human DNA, gene p53, is referred to as the suicide gene. If DNA repair is incorrect (or mutant), gene p53 causes the death of the cell. This self-defense mechanism prevents cancer and other mutations. If the area of DNA struck by a photon is the section containing the p53 gene, there is the possibility the DNA repair may be incorrect and the cell will lose its p53 function and continue to live. These cells become candidates for cancer.

The "basal" cells are critical to the skin because they are the cells that divide to produce the skin's continual flow of new cells. When basal cells are damaged and become dysfunctional, they produce cells that are identically dysfunctional. This concept is important in understanding the conditions of mature, sun damaged skin.

Beyond the initial injuries produced by photons there is a secondary phase of damage. The energy of the photons causes chemical alterations, as mentioned previously, and oxygen molecules are a frequent by-product. Many of these oxygen molecules are free radicals (incomplete and unstable oxygen molecules). Free radicals may then attach to other components of skin, causing chemical alterations and a secondary phase of damage, possibly to collagen or elastin or DNA.

Antioxidants in the skin may bind with free radicals and reduce their potential to cause additional damage. On the other hand, frequent or lengthy sun exposure may deplete the skin of antioxidants and diminish this self-defense mechanism. Smoking, pollution, benzyl peroxide and "oxygen creams" will cause a similar result, leaving the skin without its defenses.

A highly effective and comprehensive sunscreen is the most important skin care product. It will reduce skin damage. It will reduce photo-aging. It will reduce the potential of skin cancer. It will reduce the potential of pigment spots.

BiON's Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen is the ideal formulation a dermatologist and biochemist could imagine for daily use. The SPF 30 rating eliminates more of the photons than less protective SPFs. It provides full-spectrum UVA and UVB protection .

"Chemical" sunscreens (non-reflective) work by absorbing photons and their energy. Some chemical screens give off free radicals as they absorb photons, allowing a degree of secondary injury or damage. BiON's Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen contains no chemical screens. It very effectively protects the skin with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, natural reflective agents that reflect photons off of the skin.

Since NO sunscreen is capable of absorbing or reflecting all of the photons that strike the skin, some degree of sun damage and free radical activity is a consequence of any sun exposure. Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen contains exceptionally powerful antioxidants to reduce free radical activities and secondary damage. These antioxidants include Grape (Vitis Vinifera) Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rhatany (Krameria Triandra) Extract and Camelia Oleifera Extract (Green Tea), which has shown to have additional anti-carcinogenic (anti-cancer) benefits.

Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen offers comprehensive protection from sun-damage and feels like a high quality moisturizer. It is light and non-greasy. Make-up glides over it easily. It will not burn the eyes. Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen is an exceptional product from every point of view. (BiON's Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen was selected as an Editor's Choice outstanding product by Day Spa Magazine 2001.)

BiON
TOPICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
For Healthy Looking Skin®

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