Mexoryl Sunscreens

Our skin is affected by both the UVA and UVB rays that the sun produces. UVB rays are prevalent primarily in the summer. They are shorter than UVA rays and primarily responsible for sunburns and sun tans. UVA rays, on the other hand are deeper penetrating and by some estimates, contribute to more than 80% of skin aging! This includes not only wrinkles and leathery skin, but also some types of skin cancers. Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays are present year round and can penetrate through windows. That's why it's important to protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays.

Mexoryl works by absorbing the sun's UVA ray energy, those in the range of 320-340 nanometers (nm). Formulations with mexoryl contain avobenzone (Parsol 1789) which is combined with octocrylene to stabilize it. Avobenzone protects against UVA rays in the 340 - 400 nm range, thereby providing complete broad spectrum UV protection.
When mexoryl absorbs the energy of UV rays, it deactivates and releases the absorbed energy as harmless energy, and can continue to do this over time, over and over again.

Photostability is the ability of a product to remain stable and effective when exposed to sunlight. So a very important element to consider when looking for a suncreen that is effective. Mexoryl is highly photostable meaning that it will last over time and offer higher UVA protection. In fact, no other FDA approved UVA filter lasts as long as Mexoryl.

While both versions of Mexoryl offer great UVA protection, there is a subtle difference between the two molecules.
Mexoryl SX (ecamsule) is a water soluble form of the Mexoryl molecule resulting in formulations that are great for dayware. This includes products like Hydraphase UV SPF 30 and Anthelios Lait SPF 45.

Mexoryl XL is oil soluble, allowing for incorporation into formulations that slightly more water resistant. So formulations containing Mexoryl XL are well suited to use in active settings. In addition, Mexoryl XL has been found to be more effective than Mexoryl SX (ecamsule) at filtering UVA rays, those responsible for wrinkles, sun damage and certain skin cancers.

Studies have shown that Mexoryl in sunscreens has little to no absorption through the skin. This minimal absorption means that it is very safe to use.

Selecting a Mexoryl sunscreen should be based on several factors - your skin type (how easily you burn), the type of formulation you desire and what type of activity you will be performing.
If you have dark skin and don't burn readily, then you will be able to choose a lower SPF product such as Anthelios Spray SPF 30, or Anthelios S SPF 30. If you burn more readily, then select from one of the higher SPF formulations such as Anthelios Lait SPF 45, Anthelios XL SPF 60 cream, Ombrelle SPF 60 face cream or Ombrelle SPF 60 face stick.
For daywear, my personal favorite is Hydraphase UV SPF 30, a moisturizing sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays in a very pleasant texture.