Q: Why is the Supergoop! formula different from others?
A: Sunscreens are not all the same. Avobenzone, in it's stabilized form, is one of the best UVA absorbers recognized by the FDA as safe and effective. To protect skin from these harmful effects, A Thaggard, M.D. is pleased to announce the newly formulated dry touch Supergoop! SPF 30 with SP3 TechnologyT, a unique blend of active organic ingredients that are photo stabilized so the lotion does not break down when exposed to sunlight as quickly as other sunscreens. As a result, Supergoop! screens out UVB burning rays and helps stop damaging UVA rays from penetrating the skin's layers for a longer lasting, broad-spectrum protection.
Q: Can you explain the difference in UVA and UVB rays?
A: UVA rays penetrate more deeply than UVB rays and cause aging, including wrinkles, skin discoloration, eye and DNA damage. They also compromise the immune system which can destroy your natural defense to cancer. Because the effects are not evident immediately, the danger of UVA rays is often overlooked.
Q: What does the term "Broad Spectrum" mean?
A: The term "Broad Spectrum" refers to a sunscreen's ability to protect from both UVA (the aging rays) and UVB (the burning rays). UVB protection is measured by an SPF (Skin Protection Factor) number. The FDA has not yet institutionalized a standard of measurement for UVA protection. Be cautious of some of the newer UVA protective ingredients in the news which are water soluable, such as Mexoryl. Because Supergoop! is formulated for families with active lifestyles, we selected Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) as our UVA protectant. Our Very Water Resistant formula with SP3 Technology is also photo stabilized and will not break down as quickly as other sunscreens when exposed to sunlight.
Q: If my children are going to be in the sun all day should I look for the highest SPF I can find?
A: The Skin Cancer Foundation and Supergoop! both recommend use of an SPF 30. This protects you against 97% of UVB rays. An SPF 50 increases that protection only slightly to 98%. Higher percentages of active ingredients can be irritating to sensitive skin in return for a minimal increase in protection.
Q: How much sunscreen should I apply on my children?
A: Use enough sunscreen on your child's skin so that you can see white lotion everywhere, then rub until it disappears.
Q: My oldest child's skin is darker and she tans very easily. Do I need to be just as careful with her as with my more fair skinned children?
A: Absolutely. Your oldest child's darker skin has more natural protection, but only the equivalent of about an SPF 5...about the same protection as wearing a white tee shirt. Each of your children, regardless of skin tone, should get into the habit of applying a lotion sunscreen before they get dressed, each and every morning, year-round. Even when it's cloudy outside, 80 percent of invisible UV rays still hit your child's skin.
Q: Is it "ok" for me to get a suntan if I don't get burned?
A: A tan is an important sign that your skin is trying to protect itself from the sun. There is no such thing as a safe tan. To get a tan, sun damage has to occur! When once a tan was regarded as desirable or even healthy, as education about sun safety spreads, it is increasingly interpreted as a sign of ignorance.
Q: Press has suggested that my family needs the health benefits of Vitamin D that come from unprotected sun exposure. Can you explain how to do this safely?
A: Overwhelming evidence tells us that UV radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer. Media that suggests unprotected sun exposure misleads readers about the very real dangers of sun exposure. While Vitamin D may be one benefit of ultraviolet light exposure, individuals who forgo sun protective behaviors hoping that sunlight will lower their risks for various diseases are putting themselves more at risk for skin cancer. The Department of Health and Human Services recently declared UV radiation produced by the sun as a known carcinogen. It is dangerous to think that sunlight is a safe "cure" for other health conditions.
Q: I wear a cap or a visor on the golf course, is it still important to apply and reapply sunscreen to my face?
A: Hats are a fun way to protect you from the sun. Unfortunately, none really provide adequate sun protection when used without sunscreen. While straw hats are lightweight, the weave is usually too loose, which allows UVR to pass between the fibers. A wide brimmed hat is best for sun protection as it covers your ears. Hats like a baseball or golf cap may keep the sun out of your eyes, but it won't protect your ears, chin or neck where the skin is thin and quite susceptible to ultraviolet rays. UV radiation can also scatter in the atmosphere and reflect from natural surfaces such as water or sand on a golf course, or man-made surfaces on a tennis court.
Look for hats with at least a 3 inch brim designed to provide reasonable protection around the nose and cheeks. Without sunscreen even a hat with a 5 inch brim will offer little protection to your chin. So, don't forget Supergoop! and your sunglasses!
Q: Does Doctor T's Supergoop! make a towelette or spray formula which might be easier to apply?
A: When considering sprays and towelette sunscreen products use extra caution, as there is no assurance that the active ingredients are actually transferred into the layers of the skin. Supergoop! encourages children to get into the habit of applying a lotion based product. Apply each morning and 20-30 minutes before sun exposure. Apply lotion generously and reapply often when outdoors. Once a habit is formed, families learn that daily application of sunscreen lotion is a simple preventative toward future skin problems.
Q: Is Supergoop! a physical (inorganic) or a chemical (organic) sunscreen?
A: Sunscreen ingredients are either chemical or physical. Chemical agents work by absorbing UV radiation and converting the energy into long wave radiation that is dispensed harmlessly. Physical compounds -zinc and titanium dioxide- work by reflecting and scattering UV radiation. Most leave a residue (physical compound) on the outer layer of the skin. Both chemical and physical sunscreens provide super broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Supergoop! is formulated with the chemical organic agent Avobenzone (Parsol 1789)for many reasons but most importantly so that our skin can continue to breathe during moderate or high physical activity. As a result, our body temperature stays cooler and our pores will not become clogged. We also love the invisible feel to our formulation that can not be achieved through the residue commonly associated with physical blockers.
Q: What are the active ingredients in Supergoop?
A: Octinoxate 7.5%
Padimate O 7%
Octisilate 3%
Avobenzone 2% (Parsol 1789)
Octocrylene 1.4%
