How Sunscreens Can Be More Harmful Than Protective

While sunscreens are intended to protect your skin from the damaging ultra-violet rays of the sun, most have dangerous chemical ingredients that actually make them more harmful than protective. The FDA has approved 17 individual sunscreen ingredients. Unfortunately, 15 of them are known endocrine disruptors, which means they are chemicals that interfere with the normal function of hormones. Absorbed into the skin, these chemicals quickly find their way to your bloodstream. They scatter throughout your body and can be detected in blood, urine, and breast milk for up to two days after a single application. 

The hormones most commonly disturbed by these chemicals are estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid. Endocrine disruptors, like those found in sunscreen ingredients, can cause abnormal development of fetuses and growing children including early puberty, low sperm counts and ultimately infertility. Endocrine disruptors that act like estrogen can contribute to the development of breast and ovarian cancers in women, and may increase the chance of prostate cancer in men. Imagine the impact the toxic chemicals in sunscreens have when applied to children.  

There are two types of sunscreens: non-mineral and mineral.  

Non-mineral (chemical) sunscreens penetrate the skin, are potentially disruptive to hormones, are allergenic, and can release free radicals when they break down. Oxybenzone is the most common ingredient found in sunscreens. Scientists recommend not using sunscreens containing oxybenzone on children because of this hormone disruption. 

Mineral sunscreens are those containing zinc or titanium.  These do not breakdown in sunlight, are not usually absorbed (thus, are not hormone disrupting), and are more effective at blocking UVA rays than non-minerals sunscreen. 

Toxic chemicals commonly found in sunscreen:  

• Para amino benzoic acid
• Octyl salicyclate
• Octisalate
• Oxybenzone
• Cinoxate
• Dioxybenzone
• Phenylbenzimidazole
• Homosalate
• Menthyl anthranilate
• Octocrylene
• Octinoxate
• Methoxycinnamate
• Parabens
• Retinyl Palmitate

Oxybenzone – this hormone disrupting chemical penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream. It is the most popular ingredient in chemical based sunscreens and only blocks UVB ray (sun’s good rays that provide vitamin D production), not UVA which are the most free radical damaging rays.  Avoid any sunscreen with this chemical, especially for children.

Retinyl Palmitate – A 2009 study released by the National Toxicology Program found when this is applied to the skin in the presence of direct sunlight, it may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions.

Fragrance – While it may make the product smell nice, this petroleum based product is linked to organ toxicity and allergies.

High SPF – The FDA does not regulate SPF higher than 50 and there’s no scientific proof they work better than lower SPF. Many of the higher SPFs do not provide any additional protection and studies suggest that users are exposed to as many or more ultraviolet rays as those who use lower-SPF products.

Sprays or Powders – Sprays and powders usually have additional chemicals added for performance purposes. These chemicals can be toxic to the lungs. 

Popular Conventional Brands – Aveeno, Banana Boat, Coppertone Sport, Coppertone Water Babies, Bull Frog, Neutragena, storebrands (CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens), Hawaiian Tropic and many other popular brands are rated the worst in terms of safety.

Choosing a Safe Sunscreen:

• Look for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide based mineral sunscreens.
• Choose non-nano products that do not have small particles that can absorb into the skin.
• Go for sunscreens that are unscented or use essential oils as fragrance.
• Look for lotion based sunscreens with water resistance.
• Pick broad spectrum sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays.

Help protect your skin by adding these things to your diet:

• Resveratrol (red wine, blueberries and red grapes)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon and fish oil)
• Astaxanthin (salmon and fish oil)
• Catechins (green and white tea)
• Vitamin E (pumpkin seeds, almonds, and asparagus)
• Beta-carotene (carrots and red bell peppers)

If you are looking for a specific non-harmful and clean sunscreen brand we recommend MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Stick SPF 50. It is a safe and clean option. It is a mineral based Zinc-oxide, broad-spectrum protection with Avocado & Vitamin E. 

Nurture your skin following sun exposure with our chemical, fragrance, gluten and GMO free products.

Hand & Body Therapy penetrates deeply into your skin bringing superb results you’ll notice right away. This rich moisturizing lotion hydrates even the driest skin, creating a smooth and health glow. Exceptionally soothing, this hydrating hand and body lotion is formulated with the special anti-aging and protective ingredients Centella Asiatica, Evening Primrose Oil, Hyaluronic Acid and Shea butter. Rich in antioxidants, it is formulated to help renew collagen, assist in restoring tissue firmness and skin elasticity, help prevent premature wrinkles and support the repair of sun damaged skin. 

Skin Renewal Therapy is a unique formula with a high concentration of L-Ascorbic Vitamin C; the only vitamin C proven to stimulate collagen production and increase skin cell renewal. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage while providing maximum moisture, protection and rejuvenation.

Anti-Aging Therapy helps hydrate, soften, and rejuvenate your skin. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and redness while helping to repair sun damage. You will find Anti-Aging Therapy to be very regenerative and moisturizing for fresh, younger looking skin.

Organic Excellence wishes you safe fun in the sun. 

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed medical doctor. Organic Excellence does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have or suspect a mental or physical health condition, please see your healthcare provider.