More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.
An estimated 90 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun.
With these disturbing statistics, we need to get better about consistently wearing it when in the sun. If you are reading this and you are already good about wearing it frequently, please know you are not the majority. Remember to encourage your friends to use sunscreen when prolonged sun exposure occurs.
Read more facts about skin cancer HERE.
Did you know that some ingredients in your average sunscreen contain chemicals that could harm you and the environment?
Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.
These two chemicals have been banned in Hawaii and Key West. Don't wait for your state to ban these toxic ingredients! With the potential to damage coral reefs as well as be harmful to humans, we all need a safer option.
After much research on the differences between Chemical and Physical sunscreen and their ingredients, I have decided to only use Zinc based (physical) formulas. I want to choose a sunscreen that has rigorous testing to back their safety claims.
There are several good zinc based sunscreens on the market. Since my beloved Beautycounter is not available at the moment, I have been forced to look for other options. Crunchi's Sunlight Collection checks all my "MUST HAVE" boxes. Sunlight Sunscreen is my go to choice this summer. It blends in so nicely and I dare say I like it equal to or maybe more than I loved my Beautycounter sunscreen.
Did you know it is super important for companies to evaluate the particle size of the non-nano zinc oxide they use to ensure that there is low potential risk of it entering the blood stream? It is also super important to know that whatever company you choose to use is testing for other contaminants. I will not use companies that use PEGS (think petroleum based), PFAs (forever chemicals), undisclosed fragrance, and a host of other chemicals.
I'm so proud of the former work I have done with Beautycounter. Beautycounter taught me so much about what to look for in the everyday products I am using. I still refer to Beautycounter's The Never List is a list of over 2800 questionable or harmful ingredients that should not be allowed in products.
And yes, Oxybenzone and Octinoxate are part of The Never List.
After doing TONS of trials and research, below you will find some of the sunscreens I have chosen to recommend for your sunny days.
I have learned so much over the years. Now I will NEVER use CHEMICAL SPF filters due to their potential for skin irritation & the sheer fact that all the ingredients in them get absorbed into the bloodstream. I prefer to use PHYSICAL sunscreens, more commonly known as mineral sunscreens. Find a non-nano zinc oxide that sits on the surface of the skin and physically bounces or reflects the sun’s rays away from the skin. What's the difference? I'm so glad you asked.
I'm so glad you asked!
Physical sunscreen uses Zinc Oxide which acts as a physical barrier to prevent ALL of the sun’s rays from getting to us. Zinc oxide literally sits on the skin and does not penetrate, and it doesn't convert to anything harmful once it comes in contact with the sun’s rays.
On the other hand, Chemical sunscreens (which are typically the major brands you see in stores and ones we are familiar with) use chemicals to block some of the sun’s rays but not all of them. Instead of sitting on top of the skin, they are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream which is an issue - especially when harsh chemicals are involved.
Did you know that the ingredients of chemical sunscreens can also convert to more dangerous substances when the sun comes in contact with them? Not to mention that some of their ingredients are known endocrine disruptors.
A very common ingredient in chemical sunscreens that you probably have heard of is OXYBENZONE. Oxybenzone is a dangerous and toxic ingredient found in most conventional sunscreens and is easily absorbed into the skin. Oxybenzone has been linked to possible hormone imbalances, testosterone disruption, allergies, endometriosis, and even cancer. It also has been shown to harm coral reefs.
How is this not common knowledge? YUCK!
Over the years, several popular chemical sunscreens have been pulled from the market. This particular incident happened July 2021. I still showcase this article years later because I think it goes to show that we are constantly tricked by the marketing of products.
Read Article for Recalled SunscreenThe quick answer is... I DO NOT. WHY? Well, I am not outside everyday. I believe that allowing yourself a healthy dose of sun exposure is not a bad idea. Lots of problems can be caused if we don't get any sun exposure at all as this is the bodies way of converting Vitamin D. Even going without sunglasses for a bit while in the sun is a great idea since one of the way we synthesize Vitamin D is through our eyes. However, when I am outside and exposing my skin to the sun- I 100% wear sunscreen. If I am by the pool or the beach, I reapply ever 2 hours like clockwork. I tan very easily and if I didn’t wear sunscreen, I would not burn. But there is so much more to sun exposure than burning. Let’s be honest, I don’t want to age faster!
There are lots of other ways to help reduce aging, and sunburn in addition to wearing sunscreen.
1. Certain foods can help build your tolerance for the sun. The more you subscribe to the SAD (Standard American Diet), the higher risk you have for burning. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, nuts, seeds, avocados and eggs have been shown to reduce inflammation, protect cells from free radical damage, and may protect against certain types of skin cancer. Studies have also shown that people who have a high Vitamin C intake (possibly Vitamin E also) can have a reduction in sunburns. Further conversation is needed in this arena. So while I think this is 100% true…With my herbalist background, I see loads of digestion and absorption issues so diet alone may not be enough to protect you.
2. Be smart about sun exposure. How much is enough to get some Vitamin D? How much is too much not to get burned? A rule of thumb used to be, 15 minutes of direct sunlight would help you maintain adequate Vitamin D levels. I do not see that as being sufficient anymore. The more I am studying and seeing in my own sphere of practice- I think every person is different. I do think it is a good idea to sit in the sun before 10 am and after 2 pm for short bursts of time. It goes back to knowing your body. Be intentional with the time you have for Vitamin D gathering and the time you are just wanting to relax in the sun & read a book. Make sure you wear sunscreen when you are in the sun for any prolonged period of time- regardless of the time of day. Try to stay out of the parts of the day when the UVA/UVB ratings are the highest-typically mid day.
3. Protect yourself with mineral sunscreen and clothing. The only two active sunscreen ingredients that are currently considered safe are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (mineral UV filters). Zinc oxide is the only single active ingredient that offers protection from UVA and UVB radiation. Reapply every 2 hours, or every time you get out of the water. Clothing, hats, and coverups are the safest way to protect your skin from the sun. I am super cautious when using clothing with SPF because those can be made with chemicals too. So I am searching right now for some safer brands in the clothing arena-stay tuned. Currently, I am taking my chances and buy most of our long sleeve covers at Columbia or REI.
I hope you understand the difference between Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreens.
Now that you know...Ditch the CHEMICAL sunscreens!!! Only choose a PHYSICAL sunscreen when you have prolonged sun exposure. There are mineral based options out there now, so there is no excuse friends.
*If you are at high risk and you avoid the sun at all costs, please consider taking an oral dose of Vitamin D3.
I am here if you need me. Let's be honest, if you are trashing your body - only so much sunscreen will help! I love helping others achieve their wellness goals. I believe your inside health is just as important as your outside! With my wide range of background experience from a Speech Pathologist & Trained Herbalist to Professional Speaker & Coach - I am confident I can help you! Let me know if you need anything at all.
Cheers to Safer,
Dana
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