What's in Your Sunscreen? A Guide to Safe Ingredients
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As the weather warms up, it's that time of the year when we spend more time outdoors. If you're like me, you may burn and freckle easily. Through my research and health journey, I used to fear the sun, often avoiding it altogether. I would stay as pale as a ghost, but over time, I’ve learned that the sun can heal, provide us with crucial vitamin D when exposed at the right times, and help us achieve a gradual tan—rather than cramming all our sun exposure into one day, which I’ve certainly been guilty of in the past.
The sun, a source of life and energy, holds profound healing properties for our skin, eyes, and overall well-being. However, it’s crucial to understand how to expose ourselves wisely and choose the right sunscreen ingredients for optimal protection. The sun can promote health and vitality, but it can also cause harm if we’re not careful.
Optimal Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer Insights
In the book, "The Healing Sun" by Richard Hobday, PhD, provides valuable insights into sun exposure’s timing and its effects on skin health. I highly recommend reading it for a better understanding of the sun’s healing properties. Below, I’ll share the key takeaways for your awareness:
Best Times for Sun Exposure
Hobday emphasizes the importance of timing when it comes to sun exposure. The optimal times are typically in the morning and late afternoon, offering gentler sunlight with reduced UV intensity. This allows for beneficial sun exposure while minimizing the risk of sunburn and excessive UV damage.
Sun and Skin Cancer
Contrary to common misconceptions, Hobday sheds light on the nuanced relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer. While excessive sun exposure during peak UV hours can increase the risk of skin cancer, moderate and strategic sun exposure has shown protective benefits. Hobday highlights the role of vitamin D synthesis, immune modulation, and skin health, advocating for a balanced approach to sun exposure, combined with sun protection measures to support overall well-being.
Harnessing Sun Wisdom
By aligning sun exposure with optimal timing, practicing sun safety, and maintaining a holistic approach to health, we can enjoy the benefits of the sun while minimizing risks. This balanced approach fosters a healthier relationship with the sun and promotes skin wellness.
It’s also essential to note that wearing sunglasses can signal the brain to not provide sun protection, potentially increasing the risk of sunburn. Instead, opt for a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and utilize your body’s natural ability to prevent burns when paired with a proper diet. Consuming whole foods, rather than processed foods (especially those containing seed oils), can help reduce the chances of burning. If you're eating a diet high in processed foods and seed oils, your chances of burning will significantly increase.
Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid: Toxic Chemicals to Watch Out For
When selecting sunscreen, it's important to scrutinize the ingredients list. Here are some common sunscreen chemicals you should avoid:
Chemical Sunscreens:
Octocrylene: Known for disrupting endocrine function, Octocrylene can negatively affect reproductive health and thyroid function. Over time, it can break down into benzophenone, a carcinogenic compound that poses risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems.
Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate): This chemical can disrupt hormones and has been shown to have reproductive and developmental toxicity in animal studies. It may also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate): While Vitamin A is good for your skin, Retinyl Palmitate in sunscreens can break down in sunlight, creating free radicals that can increase the risk of skin damage and cancer.
Parabens (such as Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben): These preservatives are linked to hormone disruption and have raised concerns about their potential negative effects on reproductive health.
Octisalate: An endocrine disruptor, Octisalate can interfere with hormone function, particularly affecting female hormone receptors.
Oxybenzone: This ingredient is widely discussed for its potential endocrine-disrupting properties, skin sensitivities, and its role in coral bleaching. It is also associated with the formation of free radicals, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Homosalate: In addition to disrupting hormones, Homosalate contributes to coral reef damage, raising environmental concerns.
BHT: BHT is linked to potential health concerns and may have harmful effects on both humans and the environment.
Butyloctyl Salicylate: Like Octisalate, this chemical can affect female hormone receptors and is concerning for pregnant women.
Phenoxyethanol: This preservative is not well-regulated in certain regions and can lead to allergic reactions and toxicity upon repeated exposure, potentially impacting the blood, liver, and fertility.
Avobenzone: Although not as harmful as other chemicals, Avobenzone can still cause skin irritation and may break down in sunlight, reducing its effectiveness in UV protection.
Fragrance: Fragrance ingredients in sunscreens can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin.
Siloxanes (such as Cyclopentasiloxane): These silicone-based ingredients can cause environmental pollution and bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms.
Formaldehyde Donors (such as DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea): These preservatives release formaldehyde over time, which is a known carcinogen, and can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Safe Sunscreen Alternatives: Mineral-Based Sunscreens
Instead of harmful chemical-based sunscreens, opt for mineral sunscreens that contain ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. These mineral-based sunscreens are generally safer and more effective at blocking UV rays.
Zinc Oxide: Zinc Oxide provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It is non-toxic and does not contribute to free radical formation like chemical-based sunscreens.
Titanium Dioxide: While safer than chemical alternatives, Titanium Dioxide doesn’t offer full-spectrum UVA protection and may contribute to free radical formation, though its risks are lower compared to chemical sunscreens.
Additional Sun Essentials for Optimal Protection:
Wear broad-brimmed hats and UV-protective clothing during peak UV hours (typically 11 AM - 3 PM).
Use sun canopies for added shade when spending time outdoors.
Seek shade intermittently to reduce prolonged sun exposure.
Stay hydrated to maintain healthy skin.
My go to Sunscreens for my Kiddos:
My go to Sunscreens for Teens and Adults:
My go to Tinted Sunscreen for Face:
Embracing Sun Wisdom for Skin Health
While it’s important to make mindful sunscreen choices, we must also remember the sun’s intrinsic value in promoting vitality and well-being. By balancing sun exposure with protective measures, we can harness the sun’s healing benefits while safeguarding our health and the environment.
Let’s step into the sun’s healing properties wisely, knowing we’re protecting our skin and enhancing our overall health.