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THE LUCA STORY
We founded LUCA to provide a sunscreen for our two children Elise and Luca who where irritated by sunscreens. Even after trying numerous products and multiple visits to the dermatologists, we were unable to find a non-irritating product. They continued to complain of burning and irritation. We finally decided to develop our own hypoallergenic sunscreen.
LEARNING ABOUT SUNSCREENS
We attended a sunscreen conference and were impressed by Europeans, Japanese and Australian markets. In these countries, consumers are more aware of sun damage and demand quality products. They commonly use UVA rating systems in addition to SPF values to guarantee that they are getting good broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. By comparison there are relatively few products in the United States that provide superior UVA protection with no rating system to back any UVA protective claims. Our focus expanded to providing not just a hypoallergenic product, but providing superior UVA in addition to UVB protection and to back up our claims with a critical wavelength which would rate our level of UVA protection. We felt that the need for good UVA protection is important, because although UVA rays don’t cause a sunburn, they penetrate deep into the skin causing the solar aging associated with chronic sun exposure. They are now strongly linked to the development of melanoma. By using a sunscreen with good UVB (sunburn) protection but limited UVA protection, one will stay out longer in the sun while “cooking” themselves with a full dose of UVA rays.
DECIDING ON A FORMULATION
We met and were able to team up with one of the most talented and experienced formulators in the country, who also felt that there was a need for a product which was truly hypoallergenic and provided unparalleled UVA protection. Our formulations were designed as a daily moisturizing product which would be cosmetically elegant. A quality product without the consideration for the material costs, was our only priority.
MORE THAN A KIDS PRODUCT
Children have more sensitive skin than adults. Children, particularly young children need a combination sunscreen with moisturizer. It quickly became apparent that what made LUCA a good product for kids would also make it a great product for adults. This, combined with the desire to “raise the bar” by providing a product with a critical wavelength on the label was the motivation behind LUCA.
AS A PHYSICIAN
As a surgical pathologist, I have seen an increase in skin cancers including melanoma within my practice. This increase is multifactorial, however it is speculated that the increased used of sunscreens with inadequate UVA protection may be an important factor. It is our goal to make people aware that they must wear a quality sunscreen everyday and that they need to look for a product with good UVA protection. Physicians like inquiring patients. Ask your dermatologist or plastic surgeon about the critical wavelength of the products they are recommending.
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