Why You should Choose a Natural Sunscreen
Most people would agree that proper sun protection is crucial for skin health, but it's equally important to be aware of the ingredients in your sunscreen. In this article, we will explore the importance of sunscreen, the concerns associated with chemical sunscreens, and why opting for a natural, non-chemical sunscreen is a better choice for both your skin and overall health.
WHY DO WE NEED SUNSCREEN?
Sunscreen is a recommended defense against the sun's UV radiation, which is categorized into three main groups: UVA rays, UVB rays, and UVC rays. The American Cancer Society provides insights into these rays:
UVA Rays: With the least energy amoung UV rays, UVA rays can cause skin cells to age and contribute to long-term skin damage, including wrinkles and potential roles in certain skin cancers.
UVB Rays: Having slightly more energy than UVA rays, UVB rays can damage skin cells DNA directly, causing sunburns and are believed to be a primary cause of most skin cancers.
UVC Rays: Possessing more energy than the other types of UV rays, Fortunately, UVC rays react with ozone high in the atmosphere and don’t reach the ground, posing to be a small risk for skin cancer.
The strength of the UV Rays exposure to the ground depends on factors such as the time of day, season of the year, distance from the equator, altitude, cloud cover, reflection off surfaces, and atmospheric conditions.
Therefore the amount of UV exposure a person gets depends on the strength or the rays, the length of time the skin is exposed, and whether the skin is protected with clothing or sunscreen.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN CHOOSING A SUNSCREEN
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends looking for sunscreen that is:
Broad Spectrum: Protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF 15: Suitable for everyday activities.
SPF 30 or higher: Necessary for extended outdoor activities.
Now armed with knowledge about UV rays and sunscreen, let's explore the concerns related to chemical sunscreens.
THE CONCERN WITH CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS
The term "chemical-free sunscreens" refers to "physical" or "mineral" sunscreens, those that use minerals like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their only active ingredients. In contrast, "chemical sunscreens" use non-mineral, chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octisalate. (1)
According to publicly available scientific research, the most worrisome sunscreen active ingredient is oxybenzone. Oxybenzone, a common sunscreen chemical, is absorbed through the skin and has been found in nearly all Americans, with higher levels in frequent sunscreen users. (2) It causes allergic reactions, acts as an endocrine disruptor, and may pose greater risks to children (3). Recent studies suggest oxybenzone's potential link to breast cancer and endometriosis (4).
For further details on harmful chemicals negative effect on health, refer to this article from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
A BETTER OPTION - MINERAL SUNSCREENS & ZINC OXIDE
Zinc oxide, one of only 17 active ingredients currently approved by the FDA for use in sunscreens, differs from chemical sunscreens. Its particles sit on the skin's outer layer, scattering, absorbing, and reflecting UV rays. Zinc oxide is unique among sunscreen ingredients in that it offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, and even UVC rays. (5)
While inhaling zinc oxide can be a health risk, this is not a concern in cream and lotion-based sunscreens. (6)
Armed with information on UV rays, chemical concerns, and broad-spectrum protection, consider choosing a mineral sunscreen next time your out in the sun. The EWG has a great Sunscreen Guide with recommendations of broad spectrum protection products with fewer health concerns.
SOURCES
1- “The Difference in Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreens.” Babo Botanicals, https://www.babobotanicals.com/blogs/news/the-difference-in-physical-vs-mineral-sunscreens
2-4. Sunscreens, EWG's Guide to. “EWG's Guide to Safer Sunscreens.” EWG, https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
5,6 “Zinc Oxide Sunscreens, Nanoparticles and Clear Zinc: Badger Balm.” BADGER, https://www.badgerbalm.com/pages/zinc-oxide-nanoparticles-clear-zinc-sunscreens
