HELIOPLEX

Helioplex has been heralded as the most important advancement in sun protection technology in twenty years. Developed by cosmetic company Neutrogena, Helioplex is not a drug, so does not require FDA approval. Helioplex works in conjunction with sun block ingredients.

Sunblocks

Sunblocks, rather than sunscreens are the only effective protection against both UVB and UVA rays. As the UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin, it is more responsible for aging photodamage and skin cancer.

With the weakening ozone layer, the world has finally woken up to seeking more effective blocks against these highly damaging rays.

Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide

Until recently, the only effective ingredients to block UVA were those sunblocks containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Whilst these ingredients work well, they are messy and being opaque, are very visible.

Helioplex

Helioplex makes a commonly used chemical agent work more effectively.

Existing sunscreens that contain Parsol 1789, or Avobenzone, do a good job of blocking ultraviolet-B rays, but their protection against ultraviolet-A rays starts to weaken after a few hours of sun exposure.

By using Helioplex, Neutrogena claims they can stop Avobenzone from degrading and boost its UV protection ability. Its sun protection products with these ingredients offer high potency protection even after four to five hours of direct sun exposure.

Helioplex is not a drug in itself, so does not require FDA approval.

Neutrogena sunscreens with Helioplex cover the complete UVA/UVB spectrum by harnessing the full power of two sunscreens, Avobenzone and Oxybenzone. Both Avobenzone and Oxybenzone have long been recognized by the FDA as safe and effective.

• Avobenzone - one of the best UVA absorbers but breaks down with exposure to sunlight
• Oxybenzone - very good UVB absorber with some UVA absorbency.

Helioplex stops the sunlight from breaking down chemicals to protect you against UVA rays. Avobenzone and Oxybenzone combination blocks UVB burning rays and helps stop UVA rays from penetrating your skin's surface layers longer than either sunscreen can by itself.

The sunscreens in Helioplex™ further protect skin by absorbing and transforming UV light into a harmless form of light."

Avobenzone [also known as Parasol 1789] and Oxybenzone combined with Helioplex stabilizing technology, provides highly effective broad spectrum and photostable sun protection.

Helioplex products are slightly more expensive than others but the protection factor is worth it. If your budget cannot extend to using Helioplex products as a total body sun protection, at least use it on your face, neck, hands and arms.

These new products stay on the skin longer and continue to work longer. Existing sunscreens effectively block UVB rays for less than two hours; with UVA protection breaking down shortly after exposure to the sun. Helioplex blocks give 4-5 hours protection for both UVA and UVB. Neutrogena is one of the first manufacturers to put Helioplex products on the market in the United States.

Neutrogena is a Los Angeles-based unit of pharmaceuticals company Johnson & Johnson.

Other Notable Sunblock Ingredients

Other recent sunblock ingredients worthy of note include:

Mexoryl [Anthelios SX]

Avobenzone [ Parasol 1789]

Sun Protection Product Reviews