News

Long story short,  Mineral/Physcial sunscreens are considered safe for us and the planet because they stay on top of our skin and do not harm our reefs (they are natural occurring elements)   Chemical Sunscreens absorb into our bloodstream after just 2 hours of use! And they stay in your bloodstream for 1 to 3 weeks after just a single day of use!

Image option: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1542383133-359c93195a9d?ixlib=rb-4.0.3&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1170&q=80 Why are Redheads More Susceptible to Melanoma?At one time or another, you may have heard that people with red hair have to protect themselves from the sun due to a higher risk of cancer. But how can hair color really impact skin cancer? What’s the scientific reason?Over the last several decades, there has been quite a bit of research done to study the correlation between skin cancer and redheads. This research has shown that there is a genetic component that can explain why someone with red hair is more likely to develop skin cancer. There is one type of skin cancer in particular that red-headed individuals are most susceptible to, melanomaKeep reading to learn more about why redheads are more susceptible to melanoma and how to protect your skin!What is Melanoma?According to the Mayo Clinic, melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that can develop just about anywhere on the body. Most people notice a change in a pre-existing mole or a new, dark-colored skin growth as their first symptom.While the exact cause of melanoma is unknown, existing research shows that increased exposure to UV radiation (through both direct sunlight or the use of a tanning bed) can increase the likelihood of melanoma development.There are five signs to look out for when inspecting unusual skin moles that could indicate a possible melanoma. Those signs correlate with the first 5 letters of the alphabet: A - Asymmetry B - Boarder C - Changes in Color D - Diameter E - Evolving Melanoma and the MC1R GeneSome researchers have studied the connection between increased likelihood of melanoma in those that have the MC1R gene. The MC1R gene is associated with skin and hair pigmentation, as well as melanin production. A variation in this gene can have different effects on an individual, such as having more fair skin, freckles, and red hair.The melanocortin 1 receptor is also active in cells other than melanocytes, including cells involved in the body's immune and inflammatory responses, which could explain why folks with red hair are more responsive to the effects of UV radiation.The Three Combined Risks for Redheaded People/Skin Cancer So why are redheads more susceptible to melanoma? Regardless of one’s hair color, those that have the MC1R gene have a genetic predisposition to increased chances of developing skin cancer.However, a correlation between the two can be made when one looks closely at the evidence these studies provide. 1) An inherited form of MC1R, MC1R-RHC, that is less able to produce UV-protective eumelaninMelanocytes (specialized cells that produce melanin) make two different types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is the pigment that helps to protect the skin from the sun’s UV radiation.People that have red hair produce less eumelanin, but instead produce a large amount of pheomelanin. Higher production of pheomelanin often results in someone with a lighter skin complexion and having red hair. This is referred to as the RHC gene or the Red-Hair Color gene.This type of melanin does not offer the level of protection that eumelanin does. So this means that folks that have the inherited form of the MC1R gene that causes a higher production of pheomelanin have a higher risk of sun damage.2) UV-triggered degradation of the PTEN tumor suppressor because of variant MC1R-RHCThe PTEN gene is responsible for making an enzyme that is found in almost all tissues in the body. The enzyme acts as a tumor suppressor by regulating cell division by keeping cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way. This important enzyme is part of a chemical pathway that signals cells to stop dividing and triggers cells to self-destruct through a process called apoptosis.Exposure to too much UV radiation by folks that have the MC1R-RHC gene can cause the enzyme to break down and not properly function. Without the proper functioning of this particular enzyme, it is possible for tumors to form, including melanoma both within and on the exterior of the body. 3) a rare somatic mutation in BRAF, potentially also triggered by sun exposure Another gene, the BRAF gene, helps to make a protein involved in sending signals in cells and causing cell growth. A BRAF mutation is a spontaneous change in the BRAF gene that makes it work incorrectly. Mutated forms of the BRAF gene and protein have been found in many types of cancer. The mutation of the BRAF gene itself can increase the growth and spread of cancer cells.Research has shown that some BRAF mutations have resulted in melanoma diagnoses, however, the mutation is something that can be tested for and treated with a variety of medications.Protect Your Skin with the Best Sunscreen for GingersProtecting pale skin from sun damage is important! While recognizing and treating a sunburn is easy, it can sometimes be difficult to detect skin cancer when it is developing.Protect your skin today! Wearing sunscreen for gingers everyday is the best way to shield your skin from UV rays and prevent skin cancer. If you have red hair and are looking for the perfect sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage, try Ginger Armor.We’ve created a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that’s gentle on sensitive skin. You won’t even notice it as it’s shielding your skin. Pick up the best sunscreen for gingers today!Note: when publishing this blog, insert a link to the original pillar piece.

If you remember nothing else about sunscreen, remember that "Zinc" & "Titanium Dioxide" are the only Active ingredients that you should use, because they stay on top of your skin and do not end up in your bloodstream or harm the environment like chemical sunscreens do.  Zinc & Titanium Dioxide are referred to as 'mineral sunscreens' because they are natural occurring minerals and they are the only 2 mineral sunscreens that there are.   Anything else used in sunscreen is known as a chemical sunscreen, but some companies use the term 'organic sunscreen' to describe chemical sunscreens to mislead consumers into thinking they are getting something healthy.  The main difference between mineral & chemical sunscreens is that mineral sunscreens: stay on top of the skin & reflect UV rays and blue light. Chemical sunscreens: absorb into the lower levels of your skin and bloodstream, absorb UV rays, turn them into heat, and have no effect on blue light. If chemical sunscreens just absorbed the UV rays and then washed off of the body, they would not necessarily be unhealthy to humans, chemical sunscreen ingredients stay in blood samples weeks after application. This indicates that the human body has difficulty removing these chemicals. What's worse is that these chemicals are proven endocrine system disruptors, which means they interfere with your bodies hormones that affect all functions including mood, metabolism, and reproduction. Some of the chemical ingredients in sunscreen are also proven to damage corral reefs.  Beware of sunscreens that say 'mineral based' as often times they will use Zinc & Titanium Dioxide, but then also include chemical sunscreens, that end up in your bloodstream.  Also beware of companies that spell Zinc as Zink, as this is a marketing trick designed to make you think you're getting Zinc but actually sometimes they contain little or No Zinc at all.  The ingredients label is the best place to look to know what you're putting on your largest organ, your skin.  At the top of the ingredients label it will say what ingredients are Active, and again, this should only say Zinc or Zinc & Titanium Dioxide. Any other ingredients are known as 'chemical sunscreens' and these end up in your bloodstream, cause hormone disruption, reproductive harm, endocrine system disruption, harm the corral reefs, and are bad news. Why risk your health for cheap, chemical ingredients that end up in your bloodstream and cause health issues for you and the planet? Companies that use chemical sunscreens are banking on you not knowing what they are and what they do to your health and planet. Steer clear of any active ingredients in your sunscreen that are not named Zinc and Titanium Dioxide. You and your planet don't need anything else.