Attributes to Look for in High Quality Sunscreen

Meet Ben Altenes. Veteran, photographer and ultra runner.

He’s the kind of guy who refers to a 20 mile trail run as “afternoon fun”. Ben is also a US Army Veteran and began running as a positive way of dealing with PTSD. Being active and outdoors can be extremely therapeutic. That’s why SnugZ is donating a portion of all sunscreen sales from April through July 2018 to Continue Mission – a non-profit organization committed to serving Veterans with service connected physical, mental and emotional injuries.

After Ben’s military service the camera became his outlet, that tool to bring along with him just like he brought along a weapon during combat. Out on deployment, everything around him had to be a tool he could use and trust. Protective gear and equipment he needed being out there alone. Same concept applies to trail running. Ben still needs the proper gear to protect him in the backcountry like shoes, high quality sunscreen and a camera to tell the story. Ben’s Continuing his Mission by creating a story and a journal through his photography. NOT WITHOUT COMMITMENT. NOT WITHOUT COURAGE. NOT WITHOUT SUNSCREEN.

Not all sunscreen is created equal.

Therefore, it can be overwhelming to know which products you can trust and those you should avoid. Don’t worry! We’ve done the research for you. Keep reading for the attributes you should look for in high quality sunscreen.

SPF

SPF or Sun Protection Factor is a measure of sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. Well, now you might be thinking to yourself, “What’s the difference between SPF 15 and SPF 50 sunscreen?”. Let’s break it down into the percent each SPF filters out:

SPF 15 – 93% of all incoming UVB rays

SPF 30 – 97% of all incoming UVB rays

SPF 50 – 98% of all incoming UVB rays

Difference in protection is minimal, but if you have sensitive skin, or your family has a history of skin cancer, an extra 5% can make a large impact. No matter if you are using SPF 30 or 50, no sunscreen can black all UV rays.

Broad Spectrum

Broad spectrum is a term that is often synonymous with sunscreen, but what does it actually mean?

Two types of UV light can damage your skin – UVA and UVB. Broad spectrum sunscreen products protect you from both. The first can prematurely age your skin while the latter can cause your skin to burn (something we are all too familiar with). Personal care products being sold and labeled as broad spectrum sunscreen must be tested and meet the updated FDA standards on a regular basis. Make sure your sunscreen of choice is up to par.

Oxybenzone-Free

Oxybenzone aka benzophenone-3, BP-3, and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone. Wow that’s a mouthful. So, why is it bad?

Environmental Working Group says the chemical oxybenzone is being added to nearly 65% of non-mineral sunscreens as documented in their 2017 sunscreen database. Oxybenzone is a chemical found in some flowering plants. However, it is now being commercially produced from benzoyl chloride with 3-hydroxyanisole. Research suggests that chemical sunscreens are absorbed through the skin and make their way into the bloodstream. EWG, among other toxicology experts, believe it is linked to hormone disruption and potentially to cell damage that may lead to skin cancer. Double check the label to ensure your sunscreen doesn’t have this toxic ingredient. Learn more at ewg.org

Hawaii’s state legislature recently passed a bill that bans chemical sunscreens that not only cause harm to your body, but reportedly contribute to coral reef bleaching. Senate Bill 2571 prohibits the sale and distribution of any sunscreen that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate. According to the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology “chemicals in sunscreen kill coral and result in DNA damage in larval and adult stage coral. The impact on DNA limits coral’s ability to grow and develop healthily.”

Branded sunscreen sales will be impacted by this new regulation. How much? That is yet to be determined. Set your mind at ease knowing that SnugZ USA’s SPF 30 lip balm, SPF 30 sunscreen, SPF 50 sunscreen spray and zinc is coral reef safe. Unfortunately our other sun care products are not yet up to the new regulation.

Reapply How Often?

– After 40 minutes of swimming or sweating

– Immediately after towel drying

– At least every 2 hours

May 29, 2015June 1, 2015

Item of the Week with Katy Burum

Memorial Day is now behind us, schools are wrapping up the calendar year, and pools have officially opened. Now that June has arrived, get ready to embrace the days filled with sunny skies, fresh cut lawns, and family vacations taking off–also known as summer time.

Last week, we asked our veteran National Sales Rep, Katy Burum, for her recommended item of the week for those in a pickle on what to suggest to your customers. She didn’t have one single item for this popular time of year but rather an entire category—Sunscreen and lots of it! Katy is no stranger to making recommendations. She has been a top Sales Representative at SnugZ USA and is going 13+ years strong with us. Her keen knowledge and robust work ethic did not go unnoticed either; this year, Katy was recognized as the #5, out of top 20, Supplier Sales Representatives by ASI Advantages magazine.

Whether your customers have plans this summer to visit a National Park, go on a cruise, or getaway trip to the beach, you’ll want to consider getting them Katy’s recommendation because accompanied with these fun filled days are threatening ultraviolet rays and nasty sunburns. For many of us, sunscreen can be an easily forgettable item to pack but fun in the sun comes with responsibility. Though, initial sunscreen application is just not enough. Did you know experts recommend applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going out? Moreover, be sure to reapply at 80 minutes, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Don’t be conservative on the amount you slather up either because most of us don’t put on enough. The recommended amount use of sunscreen for an adult is 1 oz., or a full shot glass.

Next, does the level of SPF matter? You bet. Make no mistake, any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. However, there is a difference in the levels variations of SPF. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it’s a formula designed to calculate how long one can withstand being in the sun until they begin to burn. For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen means:

Minutes to burn without sunscreen x SPF number = maximum sun exposure time

How do you calculate this formula? Let’s say you step outside and within 10 minutes you begin to burn. If you were to apply an SPF 15, at the rate your skin burns, that means it will protect you up to 150 minutes without burning. However, before you make a dart for the beach, this equation isn’t accurate for everyone and those who participated in the testing may burn faster than you. It’s important to know your skin type because this will play a role in finding out which SPF works best for you. To find which skin type you are, click here.

Now begs the question, SPF 15 vs SPF 100, is there a significant difference? Absolutely. Did you know the recommended use is between 15-50. Beyond SPF 50, you’re really not getting that much more skin protection, a mere 1%. Take a look at the chart below provided by Consumer Reports. An SPF 15 will protect you at a level 93% of UV Rays and SPF 50 will protect you at 98%. No sunscreen will protect you 100%.

All in all, Sunscreen is important. Not only to protect your skin from getting sunburn but Melanoma has never been more of a threat. Melanoma is one of the seven most common cancers in the US and largely rising among young adults. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, an estimated 73,000+ new cases of Melanoma will be diagnosed this year and it accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Katy highly recommends sticking with sunscreen as you think about your customers this time of year. Below we have our starting sunscreen lineup for you to choose from. Believe us when we say they’re sun-sational.

ZSUNPLSP20: 2 oz. SPF 50 Squeeze Pouch Sunscreen. It’s a new product of the year TSA carry on. Also available in 1 oz. and SPF 30.
ZSUN19-ZLBPWT.HC: Lip balm and Sunscreen SPF 30 combo with Carabiner attached. One goes where the other goes.
ZSUNJT: Jumbo Sunscreen SPF 30 Tubes for outdoor events like golfing or concerts or kids camps.
ZSUNPLIRCP: This two-fer is a Suncreen SPF 50 + Bug repellent combo, DEET-free, another handy item for any outdoor event.
ZSUN10: 1 oz. Round Bottle with SPF 30. This is a perennial best seller.

To receive a quote or get a question answered, you can reach our Customer Service department at 888-447-6840.

Sources:

Advantages Best Reps 2015. (2015, February 15). Retrieved May 24, 2015, from https://www.asicentral.com/news/magazines/advantages/january-2015/advantages-best-reps-2015/

What to Know About Sunscreen Before Buying It | Sunscreen Ratings – Consumer Reports News. (2014, May 1). Retrieved May 19, 2015, from http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2014/07/what-to-know-about-sunscreen-before-buying-it/index.htm

Jeffries, M. (n.d.). SPF Numbers – HowStuffWorks. Retrieved May 17, 2015, from http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/sun-care/spf.htm

Skin Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved May 23, 2015, from http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts

March 17, 2014March 14, 2014

Spring Skincare

Spring weather is quickly approaching and everyone seems to be making their way outside again. Although, with the outdoors, comes the need to protect your skin. The best way to do that this year is to start using sunscreen earlier on—even before summer.

Every year, new studies are being released about the harmful effects of the sun’s rays on our skin. Make it a priority to protect yourself and those around you with sunscreen. Not just with any sunscreen, but with SnugZ USA skin care collection; from traditional SPF 30 and 50, all the way to spray sunscreen and colorful zinc oxide. SnugZ has what it takes to keep you covered! We also carry Aloe vera and a full line of SPF lip balms.

Whatever the event, occasion, or activity may be, stay protected this year and give out some high-quality sunscreen. Make some positive healthy habits even until the end of summer!

July 13, 2012July 16, 2012

Summer Sweetness & Sun Protection

Wow! It’s really hot outside, so don’t skimp on the product needed to protect your lips from the hot summer sun!

SnugZ USA’s Jumbo Sunstick has SPF 30, has a delightful aroma like coconut breeze or if you’re really picky about that stuff, you can get it unscented. It’s the perfect way to fight the sun’s rays and keep your lips moisturized through whatever hot summer activity you engage in!

Block out harmful UVA rays with our nourishing Zinc Block, we have 6 different colors available to provide optimum protection from the sun! Zinc colors available: Blue, Purple, Pink, Yellow, Orange & White

Our Sunscreen products meet the updated FDA standards for broad spectrum and water resistance.

Don’t forget about accessories! Our headbands come in 3 different sizes and can be made to order for your customer’s special occasions. Our stretchy elastic material provides the ultimate in comfort and practicality for all summer sports: softball, city leagues, swim, etc.

Keep SnugZ USA in mind when you’re looking for that little something extra that calls for team spirit!

Let your customer know you’re sweet on them with our assorted salt water taffy.

Trans-fat and gluten free taffy allows a 10 flavor variety. Make a statement by sending taffy in our Take-Out Box in sizzling summer colors like frosted green, purple, blue and clear.

Ok my mouth is watering so I think I’m going to find some of this taffy!