Sunscreens Explained
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Welcome to our chemical world!. Sadly, chemicals are found everywhere,
kitchen, floors, lawns, air, clothing, and personal care products, just
to name a few. The entire list would take another website. We
constantly apply chemicals to our skin, the largest organ of our body.
It absorbs everything we apply to it.
Please read the articles below
before you bath your children with sunscreen. Our recommendation is to
look for the natural or organic sunscreen types that are free of
harsh chemicals. Be aware, however, that the FDA requires a minimal
amount of chemicals even in organic products as a preservative.
To read about nanotechnology on sunscreens please scroll down
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Kinds Of Sunscreens
Information from the U. of California San Francisco
UCSF School of Medicine |
Physical Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens reflect or scatter UV radiation before it reaches
your skin. Some sunblocks combine both chemical and physical sunblocks.
The two types of physical screens that are available are zinc oxide and
titanium dioxide. Both provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
and are gentle enough for everyday use. Because these are physical
blocking agents and not chemicals, they are especially useful for
individuals with sensitive skin, as they rarely cause skin
irritation.(source UCSF)
Do not use sunscreen on infants younger
than 6 months unless the doctor directs you to do so. It is best for
infants to stay out of the sun and wear protective clothing (e.g.,
hats, long sleeves/pants) when outdoors.
Some ingredients can
increase skin sensitivity. If a sunscreen causes redness or irritation,
wash it off and stop using it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about
using another sunscreen product with different ingredients.
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Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the energy of UV radiation before
it affects your skin. Most chemical sunscreens are composed of several
active ingredients. This is because no single chemical ingredient
blocks the entire UV spectrum.
Instead,
most chemicals only block a narrow region of the UV spectrum.
Therefore,
by combining several chemicals, with each one blocking a different
region of UV light, one can produce a sunblock that provides broad
spectrum protection.
The majority of chemical agents used in sunblock
work in the UVB region. Only a few chemicals block the UVA region.
However,
there is a real question mark on the safety of its use as research has
shown that the use of chemical sunscreen is linked to the higher
incidence of skin cancer due to its free radical generating and
DNA/hormone disrupting properties.
What’s more concerning is the way in
which Oxybenzone (a common sunscreen component) filters ultra violet
light on the surface of the skin by converting light to heat that can
be absorbed through the skin. This is disturbing because if light is
converted to heat in the basal layers of the skin, damage to growing
cells is very likely.
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Organic Sunscreens
Organic sunscreens also work by providing a reflective barrier against sun damage using active blocking agents zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Organic sunscreens are chemical free and will not contain any chemical UV-absorbers, synthetic preservatives, benzoates, petrochemical, artificial fragrances, parabens, artificial flavors or color and other harmful chemicals. For people with sensitive and allergy prone skin and for people who are concerned about cancer inducing chemical ingredients used in chemical filters, then an organic sunscreen may be a more suitable option. Also please be aware that nanotechnology is being used even with the physical sunscreens zinc oxide and titanium oxide. More studies are needed to determine their safety. Please read below our shocking findings about Nanotechnology on sunscreens
Although we are winning the fight against skin cancer, on a number fronts in terms of skin cancer related deaths, more work must be done and more awareness must be spread. To protect ourselves and our families, in a simple way, minimize sun exposure, wear a hat, slip on some sun protective clothing and use chemical-free sunscreen.
TIP Please read the ingredients carefully before buying sunscreen, and remember that there are other, better, more natural ways to protect ourselves and our children. These include sun protective clothing, wearing a hat, sun glasses, seeking shade, and limiting exposure on the hottest time of the day. Please see the Environmental Working Group EWG list of the safest sunscreens in the market.
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The Dangers Of Chemical Sunscreens, Including Nanotechnology
More Harm Than Good?
There are several safety concerns for chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens can actually increase the risk of cancer. Although they neutralize UV rays, the agents themselves can actually be carcinogenic. Many sunscreen agents such as octyl-methoxycinnamate, octyl-dimethyl-PABA, benzophenone-3, homosalate, and 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor are known to be endocrine disrupters. The endocrine system controls the levels of hormones in the body and these agents have been shown to disrupt levels of estrogen in the body. Even young children’s hormones are being affected as traces of chemical sunscreens are found in the mother’s breast milk.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has some shocking information about sunscreens. The ingredients in sunscreens that offer sun protection may also have adverse side effects. According to the EWG there are 1,767 kinds of sunscreens in the market and growing and 3 out 5 five are ineffective or contain harmful chemicals!
While searching for expertise in the field, we came across the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization of Australia (CSIRO). It is one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world. From their studies we found these astonishing facts:
• Nanoparticles are smaller than human cells, with some being approximately the same size as biological molecules
• Concerns about nanoparticles include their potential to penetrate human skin and enter the body, get inside living cells, interact directly with biomolecules and alter their properties.
We found out that the FDA does not require sunscreen companies to display on their labels whether or not nanotechnology has been used in their ingredients? We (including our children of course) are the guinea pigs in this massive world lab. Consequently, we need tougher laws against sunscreen companies. Please continue to check our website and blog for continues updates. One of the main purposes of this site is to find reliable and truthful information to keep you informed and aware with the latest information. Please post your comments and concerns, on our blog. We want to hear from you.
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