Safe Sunscreen
Happy UV Safety Month!
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
As we all know, UV rays can cause cancer but did you know that they are classified as a complete carcinogen? This is because, in abundance, these rays possess tumor initiator and tumor promoter properties. Although UV rays have some negative effects it also can have a positive effect on our health by naturally synthesizing vitamin D and endorphins in the skin. It’s important, especially in the summer months while the UV is at its highest, to protect our skin while also absorbing all the great natural health benefits it provides. Sources indicate that 30 minutes of sun exposure (sans-sunscreen) is enough for daily Vitamin D production. After that, slather up and protect your skin from the harmful rays!
Back in 2019 the Food and Drug Administration found that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide were the only two ingredients in sunscreen that could be found to be safe and effective. Some of the most commonly found ingredients in sunscreen can be disrupting the effects of the endocrine system and be found within our blood stream, breast milk, and urine samples weeks after they were used. The European Commission found that normal levels of organic UV filters such as oxybenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene should have lowered concentration levels. The proposed levels by the European Commision are under 2.5% while US manufacturers use 6-15% legally in their products. Other ingredients like octinoxate, octisalate, avobenzone as well as oxybenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene have been found to absorb directly into the body after just one use. Aerosol sunscreen can also be hazardous because there is a chance some of the product may be inhaled or consumed that can be harmful for the lungs and intestinal organs.
Over a million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year with nearly 15,000 deaths and $3 billion are spent on medical costs relating to skin cancer in the United States alone.
In 2021 almost 80 different sunscreen and after-sun products were found to contain benzene which is known to cause cancer in humans. Some of the most familiar brands that had benzene in their products were Johnson and Johnson who had to pull Aveeno and Neutrogena products from the shelves as well as CVS who had to pull some of their sunscreen products from the shelves as well.
Another carcinogenic ingredient that has been found in sunscreen is octocrylene which can be found in about 2,400 different sun-protection products. Octocrylene can degrade down to benzophenone which interferes with key hormones and reproductive organs and is a suspected carcinogen.
It's important to shop for mineral based sunscreens which sit on the surface of the skin and contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide rather than chemical sunscreens which absorb into the skin and are often made with unsafe ingredients. Around 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime and by buying cleaner and safer products these odds could be reduced.
Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a great resource to use when looking to purchase safe products. EWG provides three decades worth of resources and education about the products we use everyday including sunscreen that can help us make cleaner and safer product purchases. Make sure to check out their Healthy Living App for easy access to important information about toxins in the products you use everyday.
BeautyCounter CounterSun mineral sunscreen is a safe and natural sunscreen that is water resistant and offers 30 SPF protection. The product is scented and smells of a citrus blend of lemon and orange.
https://www.beautycounter.com/product/countersun-mineral-sunscreen-mist-spf-30
The brand ATTITUDE has a plethora of products that are free of any harmful chemicals. These products contain zinc oxide as well as other mineral and plant based ingredients. They are dermatologically tested with an unscented formula that is hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin or prefer cruelty free, vegan products.
Badger sunscreen uses zinc oxide and uses a formula that is reef friendly. This sunscreen is also hypoallergenic, gluten free, and useful for individuals with sensitive skin. It offers 80 minutes of resistance even during a swim that protects against UV rays.
Earth Mama is dermatologically and clinically tested sunscreen that offers safe protection against UV rays. These products are tinted to use the face sunscreen as a concealer they can be useful to those looking for an everyday use product. The body sunscreen lotion utilizes argan oil, and organic red raspberry seed oil that have been shown to provide high SPF properties. Both products are also reef safe that are great alternatives to make an effort towards decreasing our carbon footprint.
Raw Elements is one of the top rated sunscreen brands on the EWG website. The brand is soy, gluten, and nut free for anyone who may be allergic to those ingredients while providing broad-spectrum protection to its users. This product provides long lasting coverage for up to 80 minutes of UV protection.
Suntegrity offers some unscented sunscreen options which are great for those that may be sensitive to them. This sunscreen utilizes zinc oxide to provide UV protection. This is another EWG top rated sunscreen that is free of any harsh chemicals and comes in a sport form that provides 80 minutes of protection.
WaxHead is a sunscreen that won’t get absorbed into your bloodstream and is also reef safe! Waxhead products are composed of 25% zinc oxide, water, olive oil, jojoba oil, vegetable glycerine, shea butter, coconut wax and non-GMO vitamin E providing protection and other great natural essence to our skin.
Here is a link to a list of sunscreen brands the EWG deems safe and effective: EWG