The Sunscreen Smokescreen

July 11, 2011

It started with a question. It always does. This time, the question was simple: How much sunscreen should I wear?

I’m a pale geek who burns. I wanted to know the optimal. A simple question with a simple answer, right?

Wrong.

This simple question took me on a massive journey through the data, information myths and misinformation that surround our perception of sunscreen. I’m calling it the Sunscreen Smokescreen.

One of the important messages, especially for those living in high Melanoma countries like Australia, is that most people do not apply enough sunscreen – leading to users experiencing far less protection than they probably expect.

According to this graphic, you should 2 index fingers worth of sunscreen just for the face.

Do You Use Enough?

Do you use that much if you are heading out into the full sun?

I like to think I lather up pretty well before heading out, but who really does use enough I wonder.

Also, personally I would never even contemplate a sunscreen as low as SP15. This is way too low in my books. SPF30+ all the way for me, especially living in a sunny city.

What Sunscreen do I use?

Now is as a good time as any to review what sunscreens I use.

I primarily use 3 sunscreens. Sounds a bit excessive now that I think about it, but each one serves a different purpose.

Feel free to let us know what you currently like in the comments below.

Tinted ZincO Cream

My daily sunscreen is Linda Sy’s Tinted ZincO Cream. It is now sold by RosaceaCare as Tinted ZincO Cream.

It has a nice tint to cover redness and is very mild.

Hamilton Sensitive

The ZincO Cream isn’t sweat proof and isn’t really suitable for exercising. For when I will be outside for an extended period, especially if I’m going to be exercising I used Hamilton Sensitive for Hyper-Sensitive Skin. It isn’t as sheer as Untinted ZincO Cream, so you can see it, but it offers excellent protection.

Not sure how easily you can get this outside Australia.

Sunscreen For Body

For arms and legs and back of the neck etc. I use one of the Cancer Council Everyday Suncreens. It is cheap and easy to spread over large areas and they normally rub in quite well. I find that I can pretty well tolerate chemical sunscreens on my body.

These sorts of sunscreens are easily available in Australia.

I would love to try the Vanicream Range if it was more easily available in Australia.

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Thanks for the tip from the Clinuvel Blog. The AAD has issued an Updated Position Statement on Vitamin D.

The AAD’s position is that there is NO SAFE THRESHOLD for sun or indoor tanning exposure, and that we ought to get our recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D from our diet.

This is big news. We are told in the media that we ought to get enough Vitamin D from normal exposure to the sun, but the peak skin health body is now telling us that this is wrong.

The AAD also appears to be taking a very conservative position on the overall importance of Vitamin D in health and thus if any minimum daily allowance should be supported.

Academy Issues Updated Position Statement on Vitamin D

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. (Jan 19, 2011)

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) has updated its position statement on vitamin D based on the results of a review of the increasing body of scientific literature on this vitamin and its importance for optimal health recently conducted by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine (IOM).

The Academy continues to recommend that the public obtain vitamin D from a healthy diet that includes food naturally rich in vitamin D, foods and beverages fortified with vitamin D, and/or dietary supplements. The Academy reaffirmed its position that vitamin D should not be obtained from unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or indoor tanning devices, as UV radiation is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancer.

The IOM reviewed the scientific literature examining the possible relationship between vitamin D and certain types of cancers, neurologic disease, infectious disease, autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease. Based on review of more than 1,000 studies and expert and stakeholder testimony, the IOM concluded that while the evidence for associating vitamin D levels with bone health was strong, the evidence for other conditions was inconsistent, inconclusive and insufficient to inform nutritional requirements.

The Academy’s position statement reflects the IOM’s findings, including the vitamin D blood level deemed adequate and safe for the human body (20 ng/ml), and the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium and vitamin D intake to support skeletal health. The Academy noted that the RDAs for vitamin D reflect an assumption of minimal sun exposure.

The Academy’s updated position statement also asserts that there is no scientifically proven, safe threshold of sun or indoor tanning device exposure that allows for maximum vitamin D synthesis in the skin without increasing the risk of skin cancer.

[read more]

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The idea of using an American Academy of Dermatology Poster session paper to introduce research around a new product is nothing new. Getting a poster session approved is easier than a full journal paper, so this path is certainly an attractive way to publicize your research.The AAD Poster Sessions are therefore one way in which rosacea sufferers get a glimpse into the leading (or indeed bleeding) edge of rosacea research.

From the description of the Rosacea Treatment System contained in this abstract, it seems clear that this regime is the Obagi Rosaclear System.

Obagi is a registered trademark of OMP, Inc. OMP stands for Obagi Medical Products. OMP are listed as commercially supporting this trial.

Obagi promote the Rosaclear System as a containing ;

• a “gentle cleanser that soothes your skin while helping to remove bacteria and other irritating residues”. It contains Aloe.
• a Hydrating Complexion Corrector that “protects and moisturises your skin while helping to reduce the appearance of redness by utilizing multiple calming agents and light-reflecting minerals”
• a Skin Balancing Sun Moisturizer SPF15 – a chemical free tinted UVA/UVB moisturizer which easily blends with your skin to help reduce the appearance of redness and blotchiness”. The ingredients list Zinc Oxide 15.5% and Titanium Dioxide 2.0%.

The 4th part of  the regime is a generic version of 0.75% Metronidazole Topical Gel available via prescription only.

We are told that the calming agents are licorice, aloe, lavender, sea whip and Mica.

P301 Evaluating a rosacea treatment system containing a cleanser, metronidazole, hydrating complexion corrector, and sunscreen

AAD Summer Academy Meeting 2010, August 4-8, 2010, Chicago Ill.

http://www.aad.org/posters/presentations/_doc/SM2010/Abstracts.pdf

James Leyden, MD, KGL, Inc., Broomall, Pennsylvania, United States

Introduction: A rosacea treatment system (consisting of four components—cleanser, metronidazole 0.75% gel, hydrating complexion corrector, and sunscreen SPF30) has been developed to treat rosacea pharmacologically and non-pharmacologically. The system aims to reduce the appearance of redness as rapidly as possible while also providing other clinical benefits in the longer term.

Methods: Adult women with mild or moderate rosacea, and mild or moderate erythema on the malar area of the face, were eligible to enrol in this investigator-blind, parallel-group study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of the following three treatments for 28 days: the rosacea treatment system; the rosacea treatment system minus metronidazole; or metronidazole 0.75% gel plus standard skin care (standard cleanser and moisturizer/sunscreen). Each product was applied twice daily except the sunscreen in the rosacea treatment system was applied each morning and as needed.

Results: Overall, 30 patients enrolled and 29 (97%) completed. The proportion of patients who, at day 28, had at least slight global improvement (≤ 24% improvement) was 90% with the rosacea treatment system, 60% with the rosacea treatment system minus metronidazole, and 67% with metronidazole plus standard skin care. The proportion with at least moderate global improvement (25-49%) was 40% with the rosacea treatment system, 10% with the rosacea treatment system minus metronidazole, and 11% with metronidazole plus standard skin care.

At day 14, the mean erythema score had declined in the rosacea treatment system group and remained unchanged with metronidazole plus standard skin care.

At day 28, the proportion of patients considering their study regimen to be very effective, effective, or somewhat effective in reducing dryness was 90% with the rosacea treatment system, 90% with the rosacea treatment system minus metronidazole, and 78% with metronidazole plus standard skin care.

Also at day 28, the proportion of patients who reported their skin was easily irritated at least sometimes was 40% with the rosacea treatment system, 70% with the rosacea treatment system minus metronidazole, and 89% with metronidazole plus standard skin care. Two adverse events were reported (both in the metronidazole plus standard skin care group)—dry chin and burning sensation.

Conclusion: The rosacea treatment system may offer superior efficacy and tolerability to metronidazole plus the standard skin care used in this study.

Commercial Support: Supported by OMP, Inc.

My Thoughts

It is encouraging to see a company that is promoting the use of a complete, gentle skincare regime. For many rosacea sufferers, being able to find the best combination of a moisturizer, sunscreen and cleanser is a good step toward finding relief.

The Rosaclear web page has a nice morphing Before & After gallery tab for 2 patients who have used the regime for 1 or 4 weeks. You would have to say that the improvement shown in these photographs, though, is on the mild side.

Time will tell whether the combination suggested by Obagi is going to be find success as a complete rosacea skincare regime.

User Reviews

moree65 says “I’ve had a great experience so far with these products. The face wash seems to calm burning and the moisturizer works for dry flaky skin, and also goes on white so it hides flushing when I do have an episode. Seems to make a big difference so I will continue using”

and also

“I actually got the Rosaclear samples from a spa that has a doctor on staff. I would not agree to purchase until they gave me samples because I’ve spent too much money on products that don’t work. I did purchase the kit after using the samples for 10 days. The kit includes a face wash, skin corrective moisturizer, and metro gel that is the same strength as the prescription one. You only use just a small amount so it should last quite awhile. Look online and see if there is a spa close to where you live that carries the line. Good luck and I hope it works for you too.”

Liz says: Working well so far. Was put on the Rosaclear system about four weeks ago – I really like the cleanser a lot because it cleans extremely well and leaves my skin feeling soft and not tight at all. Smells fresh and takes very little to get the job done.

Donna says: “Just thought I’d share…I recently started using the SPF 30 in the Obagi rosacea line of products and I’m really happy with it. It has a bit of tint which helps hide the redness, and it soaks in without feeling greasy. I apply a dime size amount to my face and wait about 10 minutes before applying my mineral foundation (Alima). I find I don’t need much foundation to cover the redness. It’s a bit pricey, but I bought mine on eBay for about US$22. This is my new
favorite.”

How To Buy

Obagi are favouring selling their products through professional offices or official country distributors.

Alternatively, it appears that you can purchase rosaclear from Amazon and also Dermstore.

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Apparently this is new information; a study has for the firs time found evidence that sunscreen can help prevent the deadly skin cancer melanoma.

I had assumed that this was a well known fact, but this is not correct. Previous research was able to prove that sunscreen helped prevent the less lethal forms of skin cancer, namely basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, but not so melanoma.

Well a study by the Queensland Institute of Medical Research has completed a 4 year trial which shows encouraging signs that regular application of sunscreen will be beneficial in regards to melanoma protection.

With over 10,000 cases of melanoma each year in Australia, this is further vindication of the slip, slop, slap message we have seen over the years via the Cancer Councils’ health promotions campaigns.

Research proves sunscreen prevents melanoma

For years we have been told to ‘slip slop slap’ to prevent skin cancer.

Now new Australian research has gone further, showing for the first time that daily sunblock use can prevent potentially deadly melanoma.

Professor Adele Green, from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, says it finally proves the importance of sunscreen in the fight against the deadly skin cancer.

“It provides the first scientific data that shows that sunscreen can be beneficial for melanoma prevention,” she said.

More than 1,600 residents from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast took part in the trial, which ran for four years.

…

After 15 years, there were twice the number of melanomas in the group members who applied sunscreen now and then, compared to the daily use group.

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Thanks to a comment from Aimee for highlighting a new product available from DERMAdoctor that looks both innovative and potentially beneficial for rosacea sufferers.

The makers claim that DERMAdoctor Photodynamic Therapy enables users to “experience continuous exposure to anti-aging red light through the mere application of a lotion” and call it a “ground-breaking, patent-pending solar powered technology in lotion form captures UV light transforming it into visible red light, a proven energy source for eliciting anti-aging effects on the skin”.

Would it be too cynical to discount these sorts of claims out of hand? The story sounds compelling, something that one might even wonder why it hasn’t been created before.

This so called `solar powered lotion form of red light therapy’ works by acting as a selective sunscreen. Morinda Citrifolia, also known as Indian Mulberry, is the listed as the base active ingredient that allows red light around 648nm wavelength to pass through the applied lotion.

From: DERMAdoctor PDT Page

How Does It Work?

Morinda Citrifolia Extract (Noni Fruit) contains a special polyphenol that specifically captures the sun’s rays then converts and emits this energy as a highly focused visible red wavelength of light (648nm) equivalent to that of a red LED.  Encapsulating this polyphenol with an inert tricalcium phosphate particle creates a complex capable of transmitting the visible red light to the skin where it works to firm the skin.

Certainly a novel concept, to filter out the harmful parts of the sun and allow through a particular wavelength that is thought to be beneficial for rosacea skin.

It would be helpful know to if this product also contains ingredients that are considered likely to irritate to rosacea sufferers. The few ingredients that are listed do not include how this product achieves its SPF30.

Lets look at the ingredients that are listed.

Powerful Antioxidants
Pomegranate, Ubiquinone, Vitamin E, Cucumber and Green & White Tea Extracts work to fight against free radical environmental damage to the skin.

We do know that Green Tea helps with the efficacy of Red Light Therapy.

Vitamin D
Photodynamic Therapy contains the sole non animal Vitamin D source available: sun exposed shitake mushrooms, to help boost levels of this vitamin so critical to overall well-being.

We can read in Myceliuim Running, How Mushrooms Can Help Save The World (By Paul Stamets, Ten Speed Press 2005), “Freshly picked indoor-grown shiitake mushrooms when dried indoors, had only 110 IU vitamin D, but when placed outdoors to dry in the sun produced an astonishing 21,400 IU of vitamin D per 100g”.

Benzylidene Dimethyoxydimethylindanone (C₂₀H₂₀0₃)
Sunscreen booster. This is said to enhance SPF proection by blocking the AhR receptor, shields DNA & provides cellular defense.

Questions I’d like Answered

How long do they expect 30ml to last – $85 is a lot for a tube of anything, let alone an amount as little as 30ml.

What ingredients are being used for the sun protection?

Is the product safe based on prolonged exposure to an extreme UV environment?

The suggested directions include instructions to apply daily, 15 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours while outdoors, and to not seek additional sun exposure.

Game Enough to Try?

As this product has received high profile exposure on Dr. Oz we can probably expect that this product will become more visible to rosacea sufferers.

If you do decide to invest in this lotion, please do let us know how you get on.

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Liked by rosacea sufferers for being mild, elegant and reasonably priced, Vanicream Sunscreen SPF30 and SPF60 offer strong sun protection in a formulation worth trying out.

Vanicream Sunscreen is available in SPF30, SPF35 and SPF60. The SPF30 and SPF60 formulations contain physical sun blocking elements Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, whilst the SPF35 formulation also contains Octinoxate.

The extra sun protection of the SPF60 compared to the SPF30 formulation is achieved by increasing the amount of the physical sunscreen components from 5% to 7.5%.

Vanicream SPF30 Ingredients

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (5%), Zinc Oxide (5%)

Inactive Ingredients: Alumina, C12 15 Alkyl Benzoate, Capric/Caprylic Stearic Triglyceride, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate/Triethoxycaprylylsilane (Crosspolymer), Methylpropanediol, PEG 12 Dimethicone, PEG 30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Phenyltrimethicone, Polyethylene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Water Purified, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Stearyl Dimethicone, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate,

Vanicream SPF35 Ingredients

8% Zinc Oxide (Z-Cote HP1), 7.5% Octinoxate (Octyl Methocycinnamate), Cetyl Dimethicone Copolyol, Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconal, Dimethicone, dl-Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Glycerin, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Magnesium Chloride, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polyethylene, Purified Water, Tridecyl Neopentanoate.

Vanicream SPF60 Ingredients

Titanium Dioxide (7.5%), Zinc Oxide (7.5%)

Inactive Ingredients: Alumina, C12 15 Alkyl Benzoate, Capric/Caprylic Stearic Triglyceride, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate/Triethoxycaprylylsilane (Crosspolymer), Methylpropanediol, PEG 12 Dimethicone, PEG 30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Phenyltrimethicone, Polyethylene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Water Purified, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Stearyl Dimethicone, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane

User Reviews

Melissa W says “I use vanicream spf 60 for sensitive skin and I like it. This is my second summer using it and so far so good. Good luck!” and “The Vanicream is a bit greasy going on but it works for dry skin. If your skin is on the oily side it probably will be too greasy for you.”

katwalker says “My biggest problem with it, however, was how white it looked on. I have VERY pale skin, so for something to look that white on it is striking. The whiteness comes from the zinc oxide. I found the whiteness caused by Vanicream to be more severe than the whiteness found in other sunscreens containing zinc oxide (e.g., Paula’s Choice Pure Mineral Sunscreen).”

Linda says “I switched to Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 30 which is fine for everyday use(found samples on eBay – 5 small tubes for $5.00). It also comes in 60 SPF for days when you’re going spending a lot of time in the sun.”

Artist says “The new sunscreen I’m trying is the new Vanicream SPF 60. There are no chemical sunscreens in it and the formulation is much less heavy and shiny. It has not made me break out in acne the way the original did.”

Canada Dude says “I have a nice lite brown tan on my face for the first time in years, and don’t burn in the sun like I used to on my face anymore. I do make sure I put on my “Vanicream” sunblock on if I’m going to be outside for a while.”

CrabbyCathy says “Well, I got the Vanicream SPF 30 for sensitive skin; it’s a bit thick and tacky, and left my skin with a noticeable sheen. Plus, it has much less zinc than the Zinco. Here are the ingredients, in case anyone is interested.”

Where To Buy

The Vanicream range is available from Dermadoctor and also from drugstore.com.

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Your Thoughts

Vanicream is not a product from one of the large or well known pharmaceutical companies. Would you recommend it to your fellow rosacea sufferers?

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Some research also points to rosacea being related to oxidative stress, so rosacea sufferers everywhere are likely to benefit from good nutrition.

SPF on Your Plate: Researcher Connects the Mediterranean Diet With Skin Cancer Prevention

ScienceDaily (Aug. 16, 2010) — We all want that summer glow that comes from a day at the beach, but taking in the rays can have long-term implications for our health. Now Dr. Niva Shapira of Tel Aviv University’s School of Health Professions suggests a way to make fun in the sun safer — and it’s all in our food.

In a study recently published in Nutrition Reviews, Dr. Shapira has shown that a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, like the diet eaten in Mediterranean regions where melanoma rates are extremely low, can help protect us from skin cancer.

The sun’s rays damage both the skin and the immune system by penetrating the skin and causing photo-oxidation, she explains, affecting both the cells themselves and the body’s ability to repair any damage. Her prescription is to “go Greek” with foods such as olive oil, fish, yogurt and colorful fruits and vegetables to fight the oxidizing effect of the sun, as well as regular applications of sunscreen and appropriate body coverings such as hats, beach coverups, and other sportswear.

I’m heartened to see this paragraph as well as I think we can easily get sucked in to the `supplements are as good a real food’ idea all too easily.

It might be tempting to load up on dietary supplements instead of changing the diet, but according to Dr. Shapira, supplements are simply not as effective. Foods provide nutrient “synergy,” she says. “In foods, many vitamins and various antioxidants and bioactive ingredients work to support one another and the body’s natural protective mechanisms. Synergies between the nutrients in your food, which make a significant contribution to health, may contrast with the relative isolation of a vitamin supplement.”

A further extract from the referenced Abstract;

Nutritional approach to sun protection: a suggested complement to external strategies

Penetrating photo-oxidative ultraviolet A radiation reduces skin and blood antioxidants and damages cell components, including DNA. Dietary antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals in addition to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-9 monounsaturated fatty acids, and low pro-inflammatory n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have demonstrated protective properties. The presence of these elements in the traditional Greek-style Mediterranean diet may have contributed to the low rates of melanoma in the Mediterranean region despite high levels of solar radiation.

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La Roche-Posay are not particularly well known in the rosacea world but they do sponsor the National Rosacea Society and have a range of products, called Rosaliac, that targets rosacea sufferers.

The company is taking the opportunity of the rosacea awareness month and their support of the NRS to promote a new product – Rosaliac UV Fortifying Anti-Redness Moisturizer with SPF 15.

The ingredients of this product are hard to find, all I can see is the generic “a patented combination of ingredients including Vitamin CG, Xanthine and thermal spring water to help neutralize visible redness” as well as a “patented broad spectrum filtering system to help protect against UVA and UVB rays”.

The ingredients for the related Rosaliac Skin Perfecting Anti-Redness Moisturizer are listed here: Rosaliac with xanthine, vitamin CG & B3. We would need to know what La Roche-Posay have included to add broad spectrum sun protection before giving it a tick for rosacea sufferers.

Rosaliac (apparently the range with the highest loyalty in the La Roche-Posay offering) is said to provide an instant relief of visible redness due to a light green tint. This sort of approach might not be to all rosacea sufferers’ liking. How do you find this product ?

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Galderma announced in February a new SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen called Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50. Actually Galderma is not promoting this product as a sunscreen, but as a facial moisturizer.

Said to be non-greasy and hydrating, the UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50 contains 4 chemical filters as well as micronized titanium dioxide to offer a very high sun protection factor of 50. Thus the Defense 50 contains both chemical and physical sun protecting factors.

The Cetaphil range of moisturizers and cleansers are reasonably well tolerated and liked by rosacea sufferers. My daily regime still includes the Gentle Skin Cleanser and Moisturizing Lotion.

Although some rosacea sufferers may not be able to tolerate the chemical sunscreens in this product, it is good news for those who can because the Cetaphil range of products are easily available and generally quite affordable.

The web site for the Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50 lists the following components

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Oxybenzone 6%, Titanium Dioxide 5.7%

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Stearic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethiconol, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Cyclopen-tasiloxane, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, Chlorphenesin, Cetyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Methylparaben, Xanthan Gum

What do YOU think ?

This product doesn’t appear to have been used by many rosacea sufferers to date.

The Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF50 reviews at amazon.com do suggest that users are liking the high sun protection offered, as well as the product being quite moisturizing and easy to apply.

If rosacea sufferers can get past the 4 chemical sunscreens in this product then it may well become a good choice for when you need super sun protection.

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For me the sun has always been my worst trigger. Certainly physical sunscreens such as those based on zinc oxide have been immensely helpful to me. Having another option of a gentle sunscreen sounds like a win for all rosacea sufferers.

This patent application is proposing a sunscreen that is not waterproof, so would need to be re-applied regularly. The patent application, which actually reads in part like a product announcement, suggests that in dry conditions protection will be effective for about 2 hours per application of this proposed product.

Composition of a Water-Soluble Sunscreen Preparation for Acne Rosacea, 20090202460, Nieuwenhuijsen; Bart.

The object of the invention is to provide a topical preparation for (acne) rosacea and other sensitive skin types that protects the face from harmful UV rays without the use of chemical sunscreen ingredients. It has long been found that chemical sunscreen ingredients (most popular are oxybenzone and avobenzone) can cause an increase of rosacea symptoms (flushing, erythema, papules) (Nedorost (2003) and Landers et al., 2003). Furthermore, typical waterproof sunscreen preparations also contain various forms of silicones that are used to increase the hydrophobicity of the sunscreen. These waterproof sunscreen preparations impair the release of heat from the skin. The combination of this "trapped heat" and a sensitivity to chemical sunscreen ingredients, is harmful to rosacea skin. Therefore, a sunscreen preparation that is water-soluble and uses alternative UV absorbing and UV scattering ingredients would be very useful in protecting rosacea skin from harmful UV rays.

Claim 1) describes the formulation, including an extract from a woody climbing shrub native to west and central Africa known as Griffonia simplicifolia. The amino acid 5-HTP is one of the building blocks to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Histidine and N-AcetyL-Tyrosine are also amino acids.

1) … The formulation is comprised of titanium dioxide to reflect harmful UV rays and a blend of UV absorbing amino acids, 5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan (from Griffonia simplicifolia extract), Histidine and N-AcetyL-Tyrosine in a gel base.

The Griffonia simplicifolia extract is slightly brown in color, which can offset the white appearance of the Titanium Dioxide.

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