Don’t let sunscreen be a sunscare!
Picking out your summer sunscreen could actually cause a sunscare! We all know it’s important to protect ourselves from the sun’s UVA and UVB radiation, but it’s also just as crucial to shield your skin from chemicals that are ingredients in most sunscreens.
These scary chemicals impact the body’s edoncrine system that consists of glands (such as the pituitary, the pancreas, the adrenals, and the testes) and hormones, which are your body’s natural chemical messengers. These messenger chemicals are secreted into the bloodstream and travel to different parts of the body. They bind to specific receptors to control and adjust many functions. These dangerous ingredients are referred to as endocrine disruptors because they 
can be absorbed into the skin, thereby disrupting the body’s normal functions. Sometimes normal hormone levels are altered, sometimes the production of hormones is halted or stimulated, thus affecting the functions that these hormones control. Most consumers probably wont notice anything right away, however potential long-term health problems, include: cancer, reproductive problems and developmental problems in children because the balance of hormones is disrupted.
I know that’s pretty sciencey, but it’s alarming to find out that companies are using endocrine distrupting chemicals in products that are so frequently used, especially here in sunny CA. Considering we Angelenos spend tons of time frequenting the beach and other outdoor activities, we tend to glob on the SPF without realizing its potentially harmful and event carinogenic outcomes.
Go on a read the label of one of those sunscreens you purchased and I guarantee that you’ll find a few endocrine distrupters such as:
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Oxybenzone
- Avobenzone
- Octocrylene
- Octinoxate
- Homosalate
- Ocisalate
What’s the solution to all of these toxins? Natural, chemical free sunblocks are available that won’t harm your body and protect your skin. These organic alternatives provide the same SPF protection from the sun’s UV rays. The prices for these sunscreens are a bit more than you’d pay at a drugstore, however you can rest assure knowing that nothing harmful will absorb into your skin. Natural sunblocks are considered physical barrier sunscreens, because instead of absorbing into skin, a physical barrier reflects or scatters UV radiation. It’s like wearing millions of teeny tiny mirrors. Most of these types of sunscreen contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredient.
One brand I recently tired and highly recommend is Azur Advanced Pro-Celluar Sunscreen because it’s relatively affordable and comes in a higher SPF of 40, whereas many brands seem to top off at 30. A great place to find more natural sunscreen brands is Whole Foods and if you’re lucky enough to live in LA, Vert boutique in Venice.
Amy
More info:
Examiner: six organic sunscreens protect you inside and out
Popularity: 23% [?]
