Mexitan

sunscreen

This popular all natural sunscreen originated as a recipe of the Natives of Acapulco. Unlike chemical based sunscreens that covert UV light to heat as the means of sun protection, Mexitan uses mineral based sunblocks to protect your skin from the harmful effects of both UVA and UVB rays. The increasing occurrence of skin cancer in North America is a major concern of physicians and new research shows that the toxic chemicals in some sunscreens may contribute to genetic damage and skin cancer. Mexitan products are all natural, contain no harsh chemicals, are eco-friendly (biodegradable) and contain Green Tea, a powerful antioxidant. Sunscreen is a product that is used all over your body and applied many days of the year - don't smother harmful chemicals on your family's skin - use Mexitan!

Are there any ingredients in your products other than the ones listed on your website? I don't want to be surprised when I receive them and discover the products have chemicals listed on the label.

Mexitan contains only the pure, natural ingredients listed on our website.

What are the active ingredients in Mexitan sunscreens?

Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, which are not harsh chemicals--they are natural minerals derived from clay. Both are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as sunscreens. Zinc oxide has been used worldwide for over 75 years as a blocking agent to prevent excessive sun exposure. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb ultraviolet light, Mother Nature has provided titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which reflect and scatter both UVA and UVB rays away from the body--forming a physical barrier to shield skin, without irritating or clogging the pores. Mexitan SPF 8 Lotion contains 2.5% zinc oxide and 2.5% titanium dioxide. Mexitan SPF 15 Lotion contains 3.5% zinc oxide and 3.5% titanium dioxide. Our SPF 30 Lotion contains 6% zinc oxide and 6% titanium dioxide.

What are Free radicals?

Free radicals can participate in unwanted side reactions resulting in cell damage. Many forms of cancer are thought to be the result of reactions between free radicals and DNA, resulting in mutations that can adversely affect the cell cycle and potentially lead to malignancy. Some of the symptoms of aging such as atherosclerosis are also attributed to free-radical induced oxidation of many of the chemicals making up the body.

Free radicals may also be involved in Parkinson's disease, senile and drug-induced deafness, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's. The classic free-radical syndrome, the iron-storage disease hemochromatosis, is typically-associated with a constellation of free-radical-related symptoms including movement disorder, psychosis, skin pigmentary melanin abnormalities, deafness, arthritis, and diabetes. The free radical theory of aging proposes that free radicals underlie the aging process itself.

Because free radicals are necessary for life, the body has a number of mechanisms to minimize free radical induced damage and to repair damage which does occur. In addition, antioxidants play a key role in these defense mechanisms. These are often the three vitamins, Vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E and polyphenol antioxidants (Green Tea).

Does Mexitan contain "micronized" titanium dioxide and zinc oxide?

Yes...this allows our sunscreen lotions to be more cosmetically appealing, compared to coarser particles. The protection is less visible, yet remains on the skin's surface.

Does Mexitan contain "Nanoparticles" of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide?

No...Because of the contraversy surrounding Nanoparticles, Mexitan uses the smallest micronized particles available. The micronized particles will not get absorbed into the skin and stays on the skin's surface where it will give you the protection you need.

Are Mexitan sun care products eco-friendly?

YES! Mexitan's chemical-free formula, with no fragrance, parabens, mineral oil, or synthetically-produced compounds provides a biodegradable product that will not harm the environment. Our new labels for all Mexitan oils and lotions say "Biodegradable" and "Eco-Friendly" for acceptance in eco-nature parks and resort areas where biodegradable products are recommended. Even though some traditional sunscreen products may claim to be biodegradable, if all the ingredients are not 100% Natural these claims are considered to be false.

I love your products, but the sunscreen lotion sometimes leaves a mild white shine on my skin...is that normal?

Mexitan sunscreen protection stays on the surface of the skin, unlike chemical sunscreens which absorb into the skin. On certain skin types, and when applied heavily, the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide has a noticeable white appearance, which is comforting to know that the all-natural, mineral sunblock is on your skin to reflect UV rays, rather than absorbing into your body and to your vital organs. The SPF 30 is our most concentrated lotion and it leaves a more visible white shield on your skin than the SPF 8 or SPF 15 formula. As Mexitan is all natural and contains no emulsifiers, be sure to shake well before application.

Is Mexitan water resistant?

Yes. While some of the excess lotion may appear to come off when swimming, the sunblock protection coating is visibly still on your skin. As with any sunscreen products, you should re-apply frequently and after swimming, perspiring, or towel-drying.

Why is Green Tea an important ingredient in Mexitan?

Green Tea is effective in reducing sunburn, according to researchers at Case Western Reserve University and the dermatologist who headed the study. Numerous studies have indicated that it may prevent some cancers including those of the skin. Green Tea is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from UV radiation, and helps protect skin cells.

What is the expiration date of Mexitan products?

Mexitan, with the natural antioxidant preservation qualities of Green Tea Extract and Vitamin E, has a minimum of 2-3 years shelf life, and all product shipped is recently manufactured. Occasionally shake well the bottles of Mexitan to help it stay fresh, and avoid storing product at high temperatures for prolonged periods.

The increasing occurrence of skin cancer in the USA is a major concern of physicians. New research shows that the active ingredients (toxic chemicals) in some sunscreens may contribute to genetic damage and skin cancer (The Scientist, Mar/Apr. 1999, page 7). Current advice on sun and skin care strongly recommends the heavy use of chemical sunscreens on the delicate skin of babies and young children, as well as adults. The consumer falsely believes a sunscreen forms an invisible protective barrier against harmful solar rays. In fact, the sunscreen chemicals can absorb the rays' energy, become energized, and chemically reactivate themselves, which can lead to chemical reaction in the skin that creates free radicals that cause DNA damage.

Dr. Marianne Berwick, an epidemiologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reported at a 1998 meeting that her analysis of 16 epidemiology studies suggested that the more sunscreen a person used the higher chance of developing skin cancer. Dr. Frank Garland of the University of California, believes the increased use of chemical sunscreens is the primary cause of the epidemic of skin cancer. Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh in California believes that the use of sunscreens causes more cancer deaths than it prevents. He estimated that the 17% increase in breast cancer observed between 1991 and 1992 may be the result of the pervasive use of sunscreens over the past decade. (Preventive Medicine, Vol. 22, Feb. 1993) Professor John Moan of the Norwegian Cancer Institute found the yearly increase in melanoma in Norway had increased 350% for men and 440% for women during the periods 1957-1984, when sunscreens were introduced.

Researchers encourage consumers to READ THE LABELS on suncare products. If the product contains any of the following chemical ingredients, use discretion before applying to your skin:

• Benzophenones (dixoybenzone, oxybenzone)
• PABA and PABA esters (ethyl dihydroxy propyl PAB, glyceryl PABA,
• p-aminobenzoic acid padimate O or Octyl dimethyl PABA)
• Cinnamates (cinoxate, ethylhexyl, p-methoxycinnamate)
• Salicylates (ethylhexyl salicylate, homosalate, octyl salicylate)
• Avobenzone (butyl-methyoxydibenzoylmethane; Parsol 1789)
• Digalloyl trioleate
• Menthyl anthranilate
• Propylene Glycol: Called a humectant in cosmetics, it is industrial antifreeze, and the major ingredient in brake and hydraulic fluid. Material Data Sheets on Propylene Glycol warn to avoid skin contact as it is systemic and can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. If anti freeze is spilled on your garage floor and a dog or cat drinks one lick, it will kill them.

Chemical sunscreens contain 2-5% of chemical compounds. Benzophenone, and similar compounds, is one of the most powerful free radical generators known to man. It is used in industrial process as a free radical to initiate chemical reaction. When activated by ultra violet light, it doubles the bond to produce two free radical sights. The free radicals then initiate a chain reaction which can increase skin damage and increase skin cancer.

Worldwide the greatest risk in melanoma has been in countries where sunscreens have been heavily promoted. Queensland, Australia, where the medical establishment has vigorously promoted the use of sunscreens has more evidence of melanoma per capita than any other place (Garland, Cedric F., et al American Journal of Public Health, April 1992). Drs. Cedric and Frank Garland of the University of California have pointed out that while sunscreens do prevent against sunburn there is no scientific proof they protect against basal cell carcinoma in humans.

In 1997, Europe, Canada and Australia changed sunscreens to use only three specific sunscreen ingredients, avobenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as the basis of sunscreens. All others were banned.

Mexitan encourages use of only pure suncare products made with all natural ingredients, or pure mineral sunscreens that act as reflective sun blocks such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which provide a physical barrier to the sun, does not irritate skin, and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The ingredients in Mexitan include Green Tea, which some researchers suggest reduces skin damage from radiation, Vitamin C, which neutralizes UVA/UVB-induced free radicals, and Vitamin E, which slows cell damage, and provides anticarcinogenic protection.

Humans evolved in the presence of sunlight. Mother nature gave us skin pigment or melanin to protect us from sunburn. The closer you lived to the equator, the more melanin you were born with. The dark skinned people of Africa, the Mexicans, South Americans, etc., are naturally protected by their dark skin pigment. A suntan as we know it brings the melanin to the surface of the skin creating the brown color we call a suntan and this then protects us from sunburn in the very same way.

Dr. Martin Rieger discussed the chemistry of oxidization and peroxidation in his publications and emphasizes that melanin, the skin's pigment, is a free radical scavenger and protects us.

Dr. Ester Johns, Northern California Cancer Center, reports that sunlight is the only way we get Vitamin D, which can lower breast cancer by 40%. Sunlight exposure may reduce breast cancer 30-40% and ovarian cancer by 80%. Rates of breast, prostate, ovarian and colon cancer are lower in persons with more sunlight exposure. Cancer rates are highest in northern states with the least sunlight. White women in the South had a 41% lower risk of breast cancer.

Dr. John Voorhees M.D., University of Michigan, says that sunlight inhibits more cancer deaths than it causes. Cancer deaths are higher in sun deprived areas of the world and decrease significantly as one gets closer to the Equator. Malignant melanoma skin cancer is most common in people who do not receive regular sun exposure and most frequently develop on parts of the body that are not regularly exposed to sunlight.

Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh estimates 30,000 cancer deaths in the USA could be prevented each year if people would adopt a regime of regular, but moderate sun exposure.

There is evidence that, in older people, too little sunshine can increase susceptibility to a range of serious diseases. (AARP Your Health, June, 2004) Studies now show that Vitamin D (from direct sunlight) not only helps the body absorb calcium, building stronger bones, but also protects against a host of other problems, including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and cancers of the breast, prostate and colon. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to an increased risk of falls among people over 65 and to persistent and unexplained bone and joint pain. "If sunlight were really that bad for us, we'd be nocturnal creatures like mice", says Francis Gasparro, professor of dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

Recent studies suggest that Green Tea may counteract the adverse biological effects of UV Radiation. Green Tea was shown to help protect skin cells, and the effects of both UVB and UVA rays by its photoprotective effect on human skin and its polyphenolic antioxidant contents.

Green Tea protection works in the cell after exposure to ultraviolet rays. Studies suggest it causes abnormal cells to kill themselves, a type of programmed cell suicide that prevents the development of abnormal growths. Green Tea inhibits UVB-induced erythema response in the skin (redness reaction). At the same time Green Tea supports the production of melanin, the skin's own natural sunburn protection. Green Tea helps reduce the risk of sunburn.

This leads to a new strategy... Green Tea combined with a mineral sunscreen. Mexitan meets the immediate need for a non-chemical sunscreen. Each ingredient has been carefully chosen for its specific benefit to the protection and nourishment of your skin.

The ingredients of Mexitan include coconut oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, lanolin, eucalyptus oil, vitamin E, vitamin C, and green tea. The eucalyptus oil works as a natural insect repellant, as well as a pore opener.

*The above statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada. Mexitan products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

(Resources: the above information was taken from the www.mexitancanada.com website)