As we spring into summer with gardening, bike rides, walks outside, paddle boarding, beach and boat days, just in general spending more time outdoors, we find ourselves needing to revamp our sunscreen bin. When choosing sunscreen, there is a lot to consider, especially if you are in the market for a clean SPF. Don't worry, as I have you and your skin covered ;) Keep reading for tips on choosing a safe sunscreen for you and your family, as well as the coral reefs!
Why is sunscreen toxic?
The main culprit is the chemical called oxybenzone. This ingredient is one of the most common chemicals used in sunscreens. Oxybenzone is linked to endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, contact allergies, and photoallergies, meaning exposure to light is required to generate an allergic response. Studies have shown that it may affect breast development, infant birth weights, and sperm function. It has also been shown to contribute to the killing off of coral reefs.
As a result, Hawaii has banned the sale of any sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate starting in 2021. You may be wondering why I am mentioning coral reefs, but this is important! Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, as well as remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere! They also provide jobs for local communities and offer recreational opportunities. Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and protection. Let's take care of the coral reefs because they take care of us!
Now back to the screen! We absorb about 67% of whatever product goes onto our skin. These chemicals seep into our bloodstream. In a recent FDA testing, all non-mineral sunscreen chemicals absorbed into the body could be measured in blood after just a single use! The FDA also found that sunscreen ingredients could be detected on the skin and in the blood weeks after application. These findings are concerning because they show that sunscreen chemicals circulate in the blood. Many sunscreen ingredients have been detected in breast milk and urine samples. The FDA has indicated that there is not enough information to determine whether the chemicals are causing harm. (Insert eye roll)
When the FDA began to consider sunscreen safety, it grandfathered in active ingredients from the late '70s without reviewing the evidence of their potential hazards or harmful side effects. In 2019 the agency released a final draft sunscreen monograph, which contained insufficient health and safety data to designate 12 of the 16 sunscreen filters allowed for use in the U.S. and are generally recognized as "safe and effective."
Active ingredients in sunscreens function as either mineral or chemical UV filters that keep harmful rays from the skin. Most typical sunscreens contain a combination of two to six of these active ingredients: aka chemicals—Oxybenzone, octinoxate (as mentioned above), avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/ or titanium dioxide. It is very common to find most sunscreens with zinc oxide paired with chemical filters.
Safer sunscreen ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide may not provide complete UVA protection. However, it is safer for people and the planet when it's a non-nano particle. It is a naturally occurring mineral found in the earth's crust and a UV absorber. Zinc oxide offers broad-spectrum protection and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Tips:
When choosing a sunscreen, look for reef-safe- it is anything besides non-nanomaterial titanium dioxide or non-nanomaterial zinc oxide.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The sun is the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.
Don't forget that we need that vitamin D! The bulk of Vitamin D is absorbed through the skin from the sun. Don't completely avoid the sunshine, or you could be missing out on this crucial vitamin that the majority of Americans are deficient in.
Look for mineral sunscreen with non-nano titanium dioxide or non-nano zinc oxide.
Another thing to consider is products with SPF values higher than 50+. High SPF values do not indicate increased UVA protection and may fool you into thinking you're safe from sun damage.
Also, avoid sprays- they do not provide a thick and uniform coating on the skin, and they pose inhalation concerns.
Sunglasses, hats, cover-ups, umbrellas are all great tools to protect your largest organ as well. (Don't forget the UV rays bounce off the sand when sitting under an umbrella so still re-apply if you are sitting pretty in the "shade."
These are some safe options that I personally like and use. Soak up the sun without the guilt! I have sensitive skin so these are my sun protecting biffs.Thanks for reading! Hope this helps!
Warmly,
Samantha Albano
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