The fun of a day in the sun should not be minimized by the negative effects of UV radiation. Safe sunscreens protect the skin from all kinds of sun exposure, prolonging skin health and the youthful appearance associated with it. Here are some things to consider as you choose the right sunscreen to keep your skin safe.
The Importance of Sunscreen
As much as we need the sun for survival, too much of a good thing is too much of a good thing. The sun emits powerful UV-A and UV-B rays, and such radiation is a common cause of skin cancer and other damage over time. Sunscreen acts as a protective barrier between the skin and UV radiation, reducing the overall exposure skin experiences.
Because of this benefit, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen or some sun protectant every day, even if planned solar exposure is minimal. By taking this precaution, patients can significantly lower their risk of skin cancer.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Unfortunately, not all sunscreen products are created equal. Some sunscreens are made with toxic chemicals which are harmful to the skin and overall health. When choosing a safe sunscreen, know that there are two umbrella types for how sunscreen is made: chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreens protect the skin with ingredients that absorb the sun’s rays before they can damage the skin. Research indicates that these chemicals, many of them endocrine disruptors, pass into the bloodstream even after a single use, remaining in the body for extended periods of time. Though the research on how these chemicals affect the body is incomplete, endocrine disruptors are well-known to mirror naturally occurring hormones, and they can interfere with metabolic and reproductive processes.
Know What to Avoid
The following are some of the most common sunscreen toxins. If able, use sunscreen products that have a limited amount of these:
Oxybenzone—Oxybenzone has strong links to hormonal health issues caused by hormone disruptions. Particularly dangerous for pregnant women and small children, oxybenzone is associated with increased risk of endometriosis, truncated pregnancies, and cancer. It is absorbed through the skin and can be found in the body weeks after application. Oxybenzone is banned in Key West, Hawaii, and other areas along the coast because it is understood to be harmful to marine life, including facilitating coral bleaching.
Octinoxate—Octinoxate is also an endocrine disruptor, wreaking havoc on thyroid and metabolic health. Octinoxate too is banned in many places because of the threat it poses to delicate marine ecosystems.
Avobenzone—Avobenzone serves as a double threat to human health. It targets the progression of testosterone, and it degrades when exposed to sunlight, leaving free radicals (which lead to cancer) within the skin.
Homosalate—Homosalate is another endocrine disruptor, affecting the estrogen system and significantly increasing the risk of breast cancer.
Octisalate—Octisalate is suspected of being an endocrine disruptor in addition to being a skin allergen.
Phthalates—Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that are commonly used in the manufacture of plastics and products with a fragrance. They have ties to cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, and other negative conditions. Phthalates are common in scented sunscreens.
PFAS—Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly resistant to oil, grease, water, and heat. They are colloquially called “forever chemicals” because they take hundreds of years to degrade. Sunscreens with PFAS can be identified by ingredients with “fluoro” in the name.
Parabens—Parabens are man-made chemicals often used in small amounts as preservatives though they too operate as endocrine disruptors. Avoid sunscreens with ingredients ending in “paraben.”
The Elements of a Safe Sunscreen
If you are on the lookout for a safe sunscreen, your best bet is one of the mineral variety. These products block UV radiation using titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, both of which are naturally occuring, to reflect the sun’s rays. As you browse the sunscreen aisle, make sure your mineral sunscreen doesn’t use chemical fillers.
Active Ingredients
Unlike chemical sunscreens, safe sunscreens with mineral active ingredients use a mixture of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect UV radiation instead of absorbing it. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only active sunscreen ingredients that are approved by the FDA. Avoid sunscreens that list chemical fillers or use the phrase “mineral-based.” Such language indicates that the minerals are mixed into a chemical sunscreen formula.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
There are a few varieties of UV radiation, and if you want maximum protection for your skin, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that covers both UVA and UVB rays. In choosing an SPF value, consider your environment and your skin’s particular sensitivity to sunlight. SPF (sun protection factor) is a ratio between the amount of solar energy needed to burn protected vs. unprotected skin.
Water Resistance
Sunscreen is used most frequently for a day at the beach, and a truly safe sunscreen is cleared for water resistance. Look for a sunscreen that claims water resistance clearly on the label. Such products have undergone specific testing and are not likely to wash or sweat off.
Products Available at Advanced Electrolysis
We understand how important great skincare products are, which is why we offer Glymed®. Their effective skincare line can address a variety of concerns, including protecting your skin in the sun. Learn more by visiting our online Glymed® store today!
