Ask Sunny Burns

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2011-02-24T15:48:00.000-08:00

Helloooooo..... it's been a while, and I'm thinking about the suddenly trendy sun exposure guidelines. Seems every time I turn around I'm being encouraged to get a minimum of 15-20 minutes of direct sunlight to boost my Vit D levels. Everywhere I read some doctor is touting Vit D for heart healthy benefits, cancer preventing, and mood elevations! Wow, and the sun is free... whoda thunk!?

I'm excited about this, because I've never been a super 50+ SPF person. My handly spray bottle of Sundition SPF 15 has always done right by me.

I'm thinking . . . yea, Less is More! Kinda like drinking coffee and eating chocolate!

Would love to hear your thoughts about this.

Is Sundition Safe for Me?

2009-09-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

The recent inquiries regarding Sundition being safe for use on babies, and the ingredient Parabens, got me thinking . . . is Sundition Safe for Me?

I have to say I think it is, because Sundition does not have Parabens. You are asking, what are Parabens and why am I so excited to tell you that Sundition is Paraben free? Let me tell you...I did some Internet research on the subject, and following is a brief summary of what I found out:

Parabens are a family of chemicals, commonly used as a preservative in cosmetics. They are absorbed directly through the skin, and get into our system very easily. These nasty chemicals act like weak, estrogen-like properties, and have been found in 18 out of 20 breast-tumor samples tested, according to a 2004 study conducted by British researchers at the University of Reading in England.

As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I find this statistic startling. When digging deeper, I discovered that many of the products I use every day contain Parabens, and was somewhat surprised to find that they are not banned in the USA!?! Will they ever be . . . who knows. However, I plan to look for more products that don't contain this potentially, cancer-causing ingredient.

If you would like a list of what's in Sundition, write to me, and I'll happily send you the complete list of ingredients in Sundition sunblock.

In the meantime... keep reading your ingredient lists. Use the Internet to find Paraben-free products too! Believe me, there's a lot of information out there. I'll be happy to send you some links, if you're interested.

Is SUNdition safe for my baby?

2009-07-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

Cindy asks a great question and receives a good reply from Bob. I agree with Bob, you should ask a doctor if any sunblock is okay for your baby. I do not know much about babies, I'm not a mom, but do know that special rules apply to babies and sun screen.

To find out if SUNdition is safe overall, I did some Internet research on the product ingredients. I discovered that there are chemicals in the product that provide the viscosity, and chemicals that make this a leave-in conditioner, among others. However, SUNDition also has herbal ingredients, and the other products don't. It has an SPF of 15, which means there are a lot less chemicals than any product that boosts an SPF of 30 or even higher. No matter how high the SPF no sunscreen is going to work if you don't remember to reapply frequently.

I spent an entire sunny day over the July 4th weekend at a waterpark, with my family. We all had our own sunblocks. I was able to continuously re-apply the SUNdition on my face, neck, shoulders, arms and scalp, while walking and keeping up with the group. I never had to stop, and didn't miss any of the fun. Guess who had a sunburn when they got home! They may have used the sun screen with an SPF of 30. Some were quick to point out that I was going to burn with my 15... Ha ha ! None of them re-applied, they were too busy having fun. Poor them.

Discount Sundition Scalp Sunscreen Coupon

2009-05-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

May is Melanoma Month and it's time to stock up on your sun protection gear. Sundition.com offers most of what you need for sun skin protection including: Scalp sunscreen UV Protective clothing Lip Balm and more! But wait, there is a discount coupon that you can use that nobody knows about which gives you 10% off your purchase of all Sundition products. You can even use it with their existing 20% off promotion. This coupon is given out to preferred customers and I happen to be one, I hope I don't get in trouble for sharing it with the world. The coupon code is "HangTen". Enter it at checkout and save a few bucks! Enjoy your summer!

Allowable Liquid Amounts for Airline Travel

2009-01-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

April 1999 was the last time we've flown for a Winter Vacation. I'm clueless about how to pack my much-needed sunscreen. Since my brush with skin cancer in 2002, I cannot travel without sunblock. What are the quantities allowed on an airplane, and how do I carry liquids onboard? . . . asked in an email from Sarah in Hingham, MA

Sarah, when's your trip? If you haven't been able to find the 3 oz (or less) travel bottles, check out www.sundition.com. You'll find they currently have the recommended size, in an affordable price.

You asked what is allowed for airline travel, I found this great information at www.wikihow.com:

Original, travel sized-items must not exceed 3 ozs (85g or 90ml) -- such as those found in hotels, restrooms, gift baskets, etc.

All the bottles must fit comfortably in a quart-sized (or less) zip top bag

Unless instructed to do otherwise at zirport screening, place the zip top bag on the x-ray scanner, along with laptops, cellphones, ipods, etc. Return the zip top bag to your carry-on bag at the other end of the scanner.

Have a great vacation Sarah.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

It time again to start anew with resolutions for 2009. It's only January 11th and I've broken most of my resolutions. How about you?

There is one that I haven't broken . . . the one where I refuse to grow (or look) older. We can't stop the clock, obviously. . . but there are ways to slow down the aging process. Some people have good genes, and appear to age slower. Others have to work harder at keeping their youthful appearance. People who spend a lot of time outdoors might want to take into consideration the increased risk of, not only skin cancer, but wrinkles!

It would be dishonest if I told you I'm applying a full-spectrum sunblock everytime I go out in the Winter. I don't ski, and you won't find me outside skating or snow boarding. If I did enjoy these outdoor activities, I'd be sure to apply sunblock with an SPF of 15. However, I do wear a hat, chapstick (w/SPF 15 sunblock) and usually sunglasses.

Diane, from the Bay Area, recently commented on a December post where she thought it would be a good idea to start applying sunblock before skiing to avoid old, leather skin! I couldn't have said it better. Diane is right on the money. Having a healthy respect for the sun and applying sunblock makes good sense. There are sunblocks that are not greasy. Diane, let me suggest that you check out the products at http://www.sundition.com/?click=18. Try the handy, pocket-sized spray pump, which you can carry with you while skiing. I know you will find this sunblock dries quickly, without leaving your skin feeling greasy.

Keep your resolution simple for 2009. Apply Sunscreen, avoid sunburns, keep yourself youthful and dewy.

Winter Sun Protection

2008-11-30T13:59:00.000-08:00

It's December, winter is coming, and along with it, cold-weather activities. If you live in the North, I'm sure you have put away your warm-weather gear, and pulled out the hats, scarves, coats, and boots. I hope you haven't put away your sunblock!

Don't think for one minute that because the temperatures are dropping, you can forgo the application of sunblock. Winter activities can result in some serious sunburns.

I came across some interesting facts published online at www.SunSmart.org.uk, and was very surprised to find out that we can still get a sunburn in a blizzard, because up to 80% of the sun's UV rays penetrate light clouds. I'm sure a sunburn is the last thing you are thinking about when bundling up to go out in a blizzard to clear the driveway!

Skiing all day can give you a severe sunburn as a result of both altitude and sun reflection from snow. The sun is more intense at higher altitudes because there is less atmosphere, smog, and pollution to filter UV rays. UV rays are intensified by as much as 80% as they bounce off the snow.

Have you ever noticed the face of someone who has spent the day outside indulging in their favorite winter activity? Between the sun, wind and cold, they have done significant damage to their skin. Not only can it be raw and chapped, but they've probably got a nasty sunburn as well.

When getting ready to go outside this winter, remember to apply sunblock. Pay particular attention to your nose, lips and chin. If you are going outside without a hat (and why would you?) remember your ears and the top of your head (solar patch) may also get burned. As an added bonus, sunblock, with a cream base, will also help protect the skin against windburn and chapping. Sunblock also gives you a thin, but extra layer between your skin and the harsh wind and cold. It could keep you feeling warmer. I can't see any reason why you wouldn't use it.

Check the UV Index

2008-10-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Steve French, New Holland, PA writes "After spending the day outside racking and cleaning up the yard, I spent that night suffering from a terrible sunburn. I thought I only had to worry about getting a sunburn in the summer. What gives?!"

As you experienced Steve, you can get a sunburn in the fall months too.

We expect to get a sunburn the summer months, and are usually prepared. However, any outdoor activity, whether it's relaxing at the beach, raking leaves in October, or shoveling snow in December, can increase your chances of getting sunburned. While the sun may not be as hot in October and November, UV rays are still pounding down on you. If you are going to be spending the day outside doing yard clean up, plan ahead. Be sure to check the UV index before going outside. The UV index indicates how much exposure you will get of ultraviolet light. The EPA publishes a great website, EPA SunWise, where you can get this valuable information. I have it bookmarked as a favorite on my browser. You might consider doing the same. http://www.epa.gov/SUNWISE/uvindex.html. (Sorry, you might have to cut/paste into your browser.) If you don't have a home computer, you can also obtain this information on your local TV weather channel, or in the daily newspaper.

Just remember, Steve, an ounce of prevention can save you a future of heartache. If nothing more... it will help prevent a sunburn!

What is Your Solar Patch?

2008-09-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

I've been reading a lot about protecting my Solar Patch? What is a Solar Patch, and how do I protect it? Barbara Collins, via email.

A Solar Patch is unique to each individual. On both men and women, the Solar Patch is the unique area, on their crown, that is most exposed to direct sun. If you are a redhead, fair, thin-haired, have a high forehead, or balding, you should consider keeping your personal Solar Patch covered whenever in the sun. Dark-haired people can also benefit from protecting their individual Solar Patch as well.

The easiest ways to protect your Solar Patch is by covering your head, or applying sunblock.

When you're not in the mood to cover your head, consider using some kind of sunscreen to protect your individual Solar Patch – Sundition makes a great sunscreen, in a spray pump. I buy the 2.5 oz spray pump in bulk, for convenience and savings. I'll put a bottle where it's likely to be used; in the car, purse, next to the moisturizer, etc.

You will find Sundition sun screen http://www.sundition.com/?click=18 is formulated specifically to protect both your hair and your Solar Patch. Good luck protecting your Solar Patch Barbara!

Debut of Ask Sunny Burns

2008-08-23T16:55:00.000-07:00

Ask Sunny Burns is your new resource for accurate, unbiased and simply straight up answers about sunscreen, skin care, skin cancer and other related issues. Here you can share your feelings on any related topic and let your voice be heard. There is so much propaganda and media hype that it's overwhelming.

Here is a topic to ponder. Why is the incident rate for Skin Cancer at an all time high despite the advent of sunscreen and public awareness?

Is there a real benefit to an SPF higher than 30, or is that a bunch of hype too?

We will dive deep into these important topics and many more, so you can lead perhaps a healthier life. Here is a link to some important facts about skin cancer http://www.sundition.com/Skin_Cancer_Facts_s/5.htm

Cancer, are you next?

Many people we encounter on a daily basis have been affected by cancer either personally or with a loved one at some level and we want to hear your inspirational stories of recovery as well as those ending with heartbreak. Consider this your sounding board for support and motivation!

Thank you for your interest in "Ask Sunny Burns" and we look forward to hearing from you in the near future!

Thank you!