Do Safe Sunscreens Exist?
July 15, 2009 – 11:41 pm by MarinaHanes
It seems as though health professionals can’t stress enough how important it is to apply sunscreen before heading outside. But what do you know about the sunscreen products that are available? Although they are designed to protect our skin, you might be better off limiting your sun exposure and seeking shade instead of sunscreen.
An Environmental Perspective study conducted in 2004 discovered that a chemical used in sunscreens called Padimate O actually multiplied breast cancer cells. In addition to potentially increasing your cancer cells, the chemicals in sunscreens may also cause allergic reactions or cause your skin to be prone to absorbing pesticides. Chemicals to stay away from include homosalate, benzophenone, oxybenzone and octinoxate.
However, the chemicals in sunscreens don’t just risk your health, they risk the health of the environment too. The chemical UV absorbers in sunscreens have been shown to cause the death and bleaching of coral. Because sunscreens often contain petroleum, the products build up in oceans since they are designed to be water resistant.
The interesting fact is that many of the chemical-containing sunscreens fail to protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays. Safe minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can physically block UV rays without disrupting your hormones. You also have to consider the SPF, because this only rates UVB rays. If you want to be protected for UVA and UVB, you need a broad spectrum sunscreen.
Fortunately, there are natural sunscreens available to safely protect your skin from sunburns. Brands include Burt’s Bees, Jason and Alba Botanica. So if you know you’re going hiking or spending long hours in the garden, choose a natural sunscreen with plant-based ingredients and minerals. Limiting your exposure in the sun and protecting your skin with blankets, hats and clothes can reduce your need for sunscreen.
Tags: chemicals in sunscreen, plant-based sunscreen, safe sunscreen