Anthelios - # 1 in Sun Protection

Mexoryl SX (ecamsule) and Mexoryl XL are two photostable sun filters that are patented by L'Oreal, a French cosmetics company. In being photostable, that means that Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL do not degrade when exposed to sunlight. This is in contrast to other available chemical sun filters which can degrade in as little as 3 hours, meaning frequent re-application is a must.

Mexoryl SX is a water soluble molecule and Mexoryl XL is an oil soluble molecule. When combined together, as in many Anthelios products, they work synergistically to offer even more sun protection capabilities than when used alone.

The sun releases two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays that have an impact on skin. UVB rays are responsible for burning and UVA rays, which penetrate deeper, damage connective tissue and lead to a loss of elasticity in skin that eventually can turn into sagging, wrinkles and premature skin aging. In fact, experts say that up to 80% of skin aging is caused by UVA rays.

When UVA and UVB sun filters were first introduced, they provided little protection against UVA rays. Avobenzone (Parsol 1789), which is a widely used UVA blocker, was found to degrade when exposed to the sun, thereby reducing its UVA protection efficacy. However, when combined with octocrylene, as in all Anthelios formulations, avobenzone resists degradation and becomes a very effective UVA and UVB blocker.

The addition of Mexoryl and titanium dioxide results in sunscreens with highly effective, broad spectrum UV protection, with a high level of protection across the UVA spectrum - particularly short UVA rays.

La Roche Posay is renowned for the development of skin care products for all skin types including those that are very sensitive. As the makers of Anthelios, it's not surprising that there are a range of Anthelios formulations to suit every need.

Choose from a selection including:
Anthelios XL SPF 60 - a face and body cream with both Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL, avobenzone, octocrylene and titanium dioxide to provide the highest SPF protection available anywhere
Anthelios Lait SPF 45 - a luxurious lotion suitable for face and body and especially suitable for oilier skin types
Anthelios Spray SPF 30 - suitable for children and active sports
Anthelios S SPF 30 - face and body cream for those who may not require very high protection (darker skin types)

In 2006, the FDA approved Mexoryl SX, the first UV blocker to be approved in 18 years. Mexoryl SX may be found in Anthelios SX, which is made by L'Oreal.

Anthelios SX is a moisturizer with sunscreen offering SPF protection of 15. While it will protect against UVA and UVB rays, it's important to remember that it is a moisturizer and not a sunscreen. If you are looking for products with greater than SPF 15 protection, then you may want to consider some of the Anthelios products mentioned above, which may be more suitable for your needs.