Review: two physical (Ti + Zn) sunblocks

[maillotpois]

So you made me do research (:P). This Helioplex stuff is not mineral (I don't think - I don't know what this stuff is):

Helioplex™ technology contains two FDA approved sunscreens, Avobenzone and Oxybenzone. Avobenzone does an excellent job of blocking UV rays—especially UVA rays—but its protection against UVA rays can weaken after prolonged sun exposure. Helioplex™ technology combines Avobenzone with Oxybenzone so that Neutrogena Sun Protection products can effectively screen out UVB burning rays—and help stop UVA rays from penetrating skin's surface layers.


It's all Geek - I mean Greek - to me.

[KnottedYet]

I don't really know how the chemical screens work.

But the mineral blocks are just high-tech dirt. Ya smear the dirt on, and the sunlight can't get through. More dirt = less sunlight.

Dirt. It does a body good!

[liberty]

What is the name of the Neutrogena Helioplex? I tried to do a search on it, and it looks like it is a component of the sunscreen and not the name... Am I looking at the wrong things?

[Thorn]

The tube we have says helioplex on the logo. Avobenzone "makes" it helioplex, but older versons say Parsol 17## (don't know the whole number). Oxybenzone should be present in any sunscreen that contains avobenzone to stabilize it. The avobenzone degrades in the sun and is one that must be reapplied.

I went web hunting for a really great article on UVA/UVB spectrum and the various chemical and physical blockers and can't find it. Each checmical has a spread of wavelengths that it works against, just as both Ti and Zn have wave lengths they are most effective at. Avobenzone is the only chemical that works in its designated spectrum. A Ti + Zn physical block will also cover the full spectrum (only Ti or only Zn won't cover the full spectrum).

[roguedog]

Thanks for the review, Knot. I'll have to go try some out for my grand canyon trip. I see they sell it at REI.

I've got really sensitive skin and any sunscreen in the past has irritated it.. so come summer I go into hiding or I wear my new friend, my REI spf long sleeve. THis was a life saver when I was in San Diego last year. Saved my arms but my legs weren't so happy...

[Pedal Wench]

Thanks for the review, Knot. I'll have to go try some out for my grand canyon trip. I see they sell it at REI.

I've got really sensitive skin and any sunscreen in the past has irritated it.. so come summer I go into hiding or I wear my new friend, my REI spf long sleeve. THis was a life saver when I was in San Diego last year. Saved my arms but my legs weren't so happy...

I'll have to try some for MY Grand Canyon trip! When are you going?

I find it hard to balance sun protection with staying cool, so a good sun screen and a big hat are essentials, and let me get away with cool summer tops.

[KnottedYet]

Look what SusanO has for us!
http://www.teamestrogen.com/categories.asp?catID=75

Yeehaw! And lip stuff, too. cooooool.....

Thanks, Susan!