Whether you are going for a vacation or just taking a stroll along the neighborhood, it is essential to wear sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. According to one study, excessive exposure to UV rays that are received from the sun may cause skin cancer, and this gives us more reason to start lathering our skin with some protection.
Not all skin types are the same; some people are sensitive to a particular ingredient which is why choosing the right sunscreen can be tricky. There are also ingredients which can cause harm rather than help which is why for this article, we are going to focus on what ingredients should be AVOIDED in a sunscreen.
Parabens
This ingredient has been associated with breast cancer, and they also disrupt the hormones. They are not just used in sunscreen, but also in other skincare products as well.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles
These nanoparticles can absorb the sun’s radiation, and when they slither into the system, it can cause inflammation. Titanium Dioxide can also cause lung damage and is a potential carcinogen.
Retinol
A form of Vitamin A which can be useful for the skin because of its anti-aging effects but when it comes to contact with sunlight, it can cause damage such as tumors or skin lesions.
Chemical Filters
These chemicals are supposed to help the sunscreen to penetrate our skin, even more, when it is exposed to sunlight. But when they enters our body, they can damage the endocrine system and distort the hormones. The chemicals to watch out for under this category are oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxat.
Here’s a few healthy alternatives that I like:
- 365 by Whole Foods Market, Sunscreen, Mineral Sport Lotion
- Bare Republic Mineral SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Lotion.
- PACIFICA Coconut Probiotic SPF30 Mineral Face Shade
Not all products that promise protection are safe, and we are thankful for this generation because of the vast information and advanced technology that supports the research of the people from the skincare division keeping the consumers safe and healthy.
Finally, the Environmental Working Group has created a sunscreen database where you can look up how your current sunscreen scores as far as toxic chemicals goes. Or you can also you that site to search for a better brand for yourself and your family.
Here’s to staying active and healthy this summer.
Cheers,
