What’s in your Sunscreen? Find out why you should be using Non-toxic sunscreen.
It's summertime and that means it's time to shed some sunlight on areas that were hidden during colder months. The sun is great for our bodies and our skin uses sunlight to convert cholesterol into Vitamin D. Sunlight even elevates our energy levels and mood.
Too much exposure to the sun, however, can burn your skin. Sunburns are painful first degree burns that can lead to other skin conditions such as skin cancer. It's imperative that you cover or protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
We will discuss the reason why you should choose non-toxic sunscreens and what non-toxic options you have for protecting yourself from the sun.
Why Use Non-Toxic Sunscreens
Most sunscreen products on the market contain chemicals and propellants to help them easily and effectively protect your skin from the sun. The problem with these products is they can be harmful to both humans and wildlife alike.
Chemical Absorbtion Through Skin
Recent testing by the FDA revealed that 6 of the most common UV filters in chemical sunscreens – avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate – are easily absorbed by the skin and have not been identified as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE).
Freshwater and Saltwater Creatures
According to the National Park Service, "more than 14,000 tons of sunscreen ends up washing off swimmers in the US annually". Just as harmful as chemical absorbtion into your skin is the effect chemical sunscreens have on wildlife. According to a study conducted by The State University of NY at Fredonia scientists discovered that exposure to chemical sunscreens led to increased aggressiveness in coral-reef fish. The New York Times reported, "The chemicals act like sex-changing hormones, typically feminizing the creatures exposed to them".
Non-Toxic Sunscreen Options For Adults and Children
There are safer options for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays while enjoying summertime fun.
The safest, most non-toxic way to protect your self from the sun is to cover your skin. Wetsuits and rash guards are great options for this since they are specifically designed to get wet. Rash guards are also great for because they dry faster and have extra SPF (sun protection factor) built into them.
Chemical Free Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreen use ingredients like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide which form a protective barrier against the sun's rays, preventing sunburns.
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
This product uses non-nano zinc oxide to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The zinc oxide is also non-whitening and water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Raw Elements Eco Formula 30 Unscented Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
This product contains 20% Zinc Oxide as its active ingredient with the rest made up of organic ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe vera and beeswax. It is also completely vegan and non-GMO.
Badger Sunscreen Cream SPF 30 Unscented
This product contains 5% Zinc Oxide which makes it the least potent on our list of non-toxic sunscreen options. This product does contain some organic ingredients, but no essential oils. The product is on the thicker side so you will need to apply more than usual, but it is still considered a safe option.
There are many options for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays while enjoying summertime fun. Whether you decide to cover up or use sunscreen, it's best to use non-toxic means to protect your body and our ecosystem.
