Titanium Dioxide
Two forms of titanium dioxide were selected for Solar Protection Formula. First is an opaque, cosmetic form that reflects and scatters most wavelengths of UVB, plus some UVA. Second is sub-micronized “transparent” titanium dioxide. This form of titanium dioxide allows for a much higher percentage of protection while retaining cosmetic elegance, and achieving an increase in UVB protection. Together, these two titanium dioxides (differing only in particle size) obtain excellent UVB protection (High SPF) plus moderate UVA protection.
Zinc Oxide
Zinc Oxide has been used topically for centuries as a skin protectant and wound healing adjuvant. It is a recognized mild antimicrobial agent. Zinc oxide absorbs, rather than scatters most UVA (titanium dioxide primarily scatters). Therefore, ultrafine zinc oxide “closes the window” in the UVA range, left open by titanium dioxide.
More than 50 years ago, zinc oxide was indicated as a potential block for ultraviolet light (UV-A). It also reflects infrared from the skin, as does titanium dioxide. However, its ability to protect in the long UVA range is much higher than titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide absorbs, rather than scatters, most UVA while titanium dioxide primarily scatters these wavelengths. Therefore, ultra-fine zinc oxide “closes the window” in the UVA range, left open by titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide works to both complement titanium dioxide’s protection and extend photoprotection to the skin where titanium dioxide is insufficient. The optimal particle size range for ultraviolet-blocking zinc oxide (without blocking visible wavelengths) is approximately 80 to 150 nanometers (1,000 nanometers = 1 micron).
Supplementing the opaque and “transparent” titanium dioxides in Solar Protection Formula is “transparent” sub-micron zinc oxide (Z-Cote ™). Its protective abilities cover UVB and a majority of UVA radiation.
Iron Oxides
We commonly see iron oxide in cosmetics to give the cover-up color desired. Cosmetic iron oxides are man-made to very high purity, color, and particle size. Research has demonstrated that these cosmetic pigments not only add color to the lotion, but also contribute significant protection of the skin. Equally important, these metal oxides act as a “heat-sink” to lower the heating action of infrared rays on the skin. Iron oxide pigments are micronized powders that, by controlling the temperature and rate of drying during manufacture, are available in a number of shades and tones of red, yellow, black and brown (and blends of these basic colors). These cosmetic pigments (if incorporated at adequate concentration), when properly dispersed in well-designed vehicles not only add color to the lotion (or cream, powder, etc.), but contribute significant protection of the skin from all “light” forms (UVC, UVB, UVA, Visible).
Indirect Physical Blockers in Solar Protection Formula
To boost the effectiveness of the various “oxide” particles in Solar Protection Formula, special ultra-flat particles are incorporated. They themselves are very small, pleasant feeling particles but much larger than direct physical blockers. These overlapping particles increase protection on the skin.
Polymers
Polymers are the skin protective compounds in Solar Protection Formula that assure all of the “light” protective materials bond to the skin surface in a multi-layer film, giving increased and uniform overall protection. Solar Protection Formula Lotions’ myriad of “light” absorbers and blockers are further enhanced by still another unique material, caramel. Emolliency is extended by a patented SPF (UVB) booster, Elefac™I – 205 [octyldodecyl neopentanoate].
Solar Protection Formula SPF 65 contains:
Three soluble organic non-PABA sunscreen UV absorbers to assure continuous uninterrupted UVB absorption coverage.
Elefac™ I-205, a proven, patented UV protection factor booster, plus two special polymeric materials that enhance both the UV protection factor and strengthen its atmospheric skin-shield effectiveness.
Six antioxidants/trace element additives that both augment the lotion’s UV protection activity and reduce acute oxidation damage to the skin cells.
A series of antioxidant free-radical scavengers that provide direct cellular protection via the addition of Tocopherol and Tocopheryl acetate (two forms of Vitamin E), which are recognized antioxidants, and effective topical cellular protectants. Pycnogenol™ (Maritime Pine extract), reported to be one of the most potent free-radical inhibitors, a Vitamin C derivative, and Beta-Carotene, are also solubilized into Solar Protection Formula lotions.
Selenium protein complex: Topical application of organic selenium complexes have been demonstrated to increase Minimal Erythema Dose response (MED) while reducing acute skin cell damage due to UV exposure.
Ultra-micronized iron oxide (unique to Solar Protection Formula), which acts as a radiation protectant by absorbing and scattering all wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (UV, visible and infrared).
