A look at the latest in sun protection

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By CRISTINA ROUVALIS
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Yes, you know that you are supposed to slather on sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and to avoid looking as wrinkled as a sharpei dog.

But it feels greasy.

And you forget to reapply it.

But just in time for the summer season, new sunscreens are lining the shelves, touting better protection and lighter creams and more stable formulas. Previously, wrinkle-averse Americans who wanted the coveted sunscreen Anthelios SX would have to go to Europe to stash it into their bags. Now the Food and Drug Administration has approved Anthelios, which contains Mexoryl. The sunscreen blocks UVA rays, which cause wrinkles, sun spots and lead to melanoma. UVA rays also penetrate water and clouds. Traditional sunscreens block UVB rays.

You can pick up a tube of Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream with SPF 15 at CVS pharmacies and online at www.anthelios.com ($29.99). It is touted as light and nongreasy.

A bit easier on the wallet is Neutrogena's Summer Glow, which contains a similar UVA-blocking ingredient called Helioplex. It is $7.79 for 6.7 ounces at CVS. This product promises a subtle summer glow without baking in the sun.

Of course, most people don't put on as much sunscreen as recommended -- a shot glass' worth, enough to turn sun worshippers into a slimy mess.

And many forget to reapply it after sweating or swimming.

Another way to block rays is by wearing protective clothing.

The typical white T-shirt blocks out only a fraction of the rays. So you could protect your toddler in one of those adorable swim rompers ($29.95) from Coolibar. The company puts titanium dioxide into the microfibers of its hats, tops and other garments, which block out about 98 percent of the rays. The garments carry the seal of approval from the Skin Cancer Foundation. But don't forget to put sunscreen on the bottom of your face and other exposed areas.

Or you could treat your wardrobe by adding SunGuard Powder to your laundry. ($1.99 per box at sunguardprotection.com). It boosts the protection of a white cotton T-shirt from UPF 5 to UPF 30.

And the sun protection lasts for 20 washings.

(Cristina Rouvalis can be reached at crouvalis(at)post-gazette.com)