Products promote safer tans

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Let the sun shine in.

Mindful of the risks and remedies related to achieving a suntanned look, the cosmetics industry has launched a flurry of new products this year. The market's bubbling over with lotions, towelettes and spray cans that promise a sun-soaked look without the sun's damaging rays.

"Look for the words 'broad spectrum' or 'UVF and UVA' on the labels," said Atlanta dermatologist Dr. Rutledge Forney.

"You need both. SPF only measures UVB protection from the rays that burn you. UVA protection: That's what helps ward off aging."

Forney added that the sun's aging effects also are manageable --- with help from products that block UVAs and UVFs.

Anti-oxidant ingredients have been found to help shield the skin from UVB and UVA damage, and several products tout that ability. Sprays also are gaining ground in the sunscreen product category because they are easier to apply.

New products on the market: > SkinCeutical's C E Ferulic Serum ($122 per ounce) combines vitamins C and E with ferulic acid and absorbs into the skin for up to three days of wash-proof protection. The pricey serum was found in studies by Duke University to offer extra skin protection against oxidants. > American Beauty's SPF 15 Youth-Full Anti-Aging Face Cream and Lotion ($25) offers broad spectrum protection and contains anti-oxidant proteins from ingredients like rosemary and olive leaf extracts to fight skin damage. > Olay's new Quench Radiance Reviver Body Lotion ($7) combines low-level color-enhancers, dehydroxiacetone (DHA) and erythrulose, with moisturizing glycerin for a sheer tanning effect. > Almay caters to sensitive skin with its new, hypo-allergenic Glow Healthy Self Tanning Lotion for Face with SPF 15 ($11) in light and medium shades. > Tanline, an Australian company, has launched Tan-in-a-Can ($35). This spray-on product contains the plant extract Phyto V1. Tanline claims the extract helps soften skin. > Comodynes has introduced Self-Tanning Towelettes ($15 for eight) that do not offer any SPF benefits but do provide the ease of wiping on the active ingredient, DHA, which takes effect in about three hours. > MD Skincare has introduced its new SPF 30 Sunscreen Pads With Vitamin C ($30 for 60 pads). The company claims its broad spectrum protection absorbs quickly without leaving sticky residue. > Jersey Girl Tan company created Shimmer Dimmer Self-Tanner Remover ($14.50), which helps eliminate tans in undesirable places like the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. It's also formulated to counteract the effects of color-inducing DHA in most self-tanning products. It can be applied before self-tanning to act as a barrier against coloration. > Because youngsters can be sensitive to both the sun and sunblock products, Panama Jack offers Baby Sunblock SPF 50 (spray or cream, $7-$10) and Kids Sunblock SPF 30 spray ($9). The spray-pump version aids in quick application of the water-resistant formula. > This month, Coppertone introduced its Continuous Spray Sunblock SPF 30 ($9). Compressed air in the can makes it easier to apply.