Safe SunscreensSafe Sunscreens? What does that mean? With all of the dangers of spending too much time in the sun, unprotected, it seems now a days we have to worry about the dangers of sunscreen too! Even what seems to be the safest sunscreen, may not be the best ones to use. Just reading the labels may not be enough.Dangers of SunscreensUnlike sunblocks, which are a physical barrier against the sun, sunscreens let in more UV rays, because they are a more simple chemical barrier and don’t reflect the sun’s rays, but in fact absorb the radiation. In fact, research suggests that of seven hundred eighty five sunscreens looked at; more than 80% of them did not give enough protection from the sun’s UV rays.Another major problem cropping up is that the chemicals in sunscreens can change the levels of the female hormone estrogen within the body and create dangerous amounts of free radicals. All of this can cause cell damage by affecting the DNA of the cells themselves. This has proved itself out in the laboratory, on mice, over and over again in recent experiments. Sunscreen StatisticsTwo brothers, working as researchers at the University of California, Drs Cedric and Frank Garland, have said that while there is some evidence that sunscreens can prevent some squamous cell cancers, sunscreens cannot prevent basal cell cancer nor cannot it protect you from melanoma.The brother have also concluded that there is also increasing evidence that in places where chemical sunscreen use is highly touted, such as in Queensland, Australia, that there is a higher incidence of melanoma, and other skin cancers. Chemicals in SunscreensHow many of us pay attention to the ingredients in sunscreens? All we know is that they work by chemically blocking the sun’s UV rays from penetrating the skin.In theory, this is a good thing, however, some of the chemicals themselves are now coming under fire because either their efficacy isn’t as good as once thought or they are far more harmful to the human body. As of this writing, the primary culprits on the do not use list are:
Safe sunscreensFinding a safe sunscreen is all about reading the label and knowing what you are looking for. The safest sunscreens seem to be the one that are pretty much free of chemicals and that rely on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the primary ingredient.Here is a list of some of the safest sunscreens according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental research in the areas of toxic chemicals and human health. Certain specifications they look for in terms of a safer sun product is:
Here is a selection of sunscreens that meet the standards set forth by EWG: Mustela Sunblock Lotion SPF-50 - Great for babies, sensitive skin and those with allergies. It's hypoallergenic and does not contain synthetic sunscreen chemicals. Most affordable. Elta MD Clear SPF 46 - My Favorite one! The 2010 winner of Elle Genuius award for skin. This product offers a clear zinc oxide and vitamin B3 (niacinamide) to treat discoloration and acne. Great for all skin types, but especially effective for those suffering from hyperpigmentaion (red/brown/age skin spots) and for those with acne. Even helps reduce redness. Plus, it’s very affordable and falls within the safety guidelines proposed by EWG. I tend to freckle and develop brown spots quickly, so this is my favorite. SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF-30 - This super natural chemical free, titanium dioxide protects from UVA and UVB damage. Green Tea Extract, Apple Extract, Citrus Extract, and Sugar Cane Extract helps to brighten and smooth the skin and protect against free radical damage. Solbar Shield SPF 40 - Does not contain any synthetic sunscreen agents. Especially good for dry skin because it contains aloe vera and vitamin E. Also, very affordable. Please note that this is just a partial list and EWG states that their information may change or get updated based on new research, science, or if companies reformulate their products. I'll try to report any changes or updates to safe sunscreens here on this site and in my Wrinkle Free Newsletter. Return from Safe Sunscreens to Sunscreen Facts Return from Safe Sunscreens to Wrinkle Free Skin Tips |
Like This Page?
Please Let Me Know ;-)
Healthy Foundation For Women Over 40
Which Muscles Firm Sagging Jowls?
Spa Secrets for Homemade Skincare
Advance Vitamin Therapy Moisturizer
