Sunscreens, Chemical or Natural

It's Summer!  Time for the water and pool side activities to begin.  It's also time when sunscreen will be showing up on your grocery list.  But before you lather any cream on your little ones, we've got some information you should know about the chemicals in our sunscreens. 

For a few years now we've heard claims of sunscreen chemicals being bad for you in the long run.  We were advised by two dermatologist that only SPF 20/30 was needed.  Anything higher was just extra chemicals on our skin.  Yet in the past couple of years we've seen an increase in TV commercial's regarding sunscreen SPF 40 & 50.    

Skinbiology.com spells out just how bad the chemicals in sunscreen can be and how some of the sunscreens can actually have adverse effects on our skin as well as blocking vitamin D absorption.  We need adequate amounts of daily sunlight to stay healthy.  Sunshine is the best source of vitamin D, which is necessary for proper brain development, to prevent colds, flu and reduce the risk of certain cancers and diseases.  15 to 20 minutes a day without sunscreen (being careful with the prime sun hours between 10am & 2pm) is more then adequate time for us to soak it in.  However some children may have more sensitive skin, so please use your best judgement when doing this.  

"Worldwide, the greatest rise in melanoma has been experienced in countries where chemical sunscreens have been heavily promoted  The rise in melanoma has been exceptionally high in Queensland, Australia  where the medical establishment has vigorously promoted the use of sunscreens. Queensland now has more incidences of melanoma per capita than any other place on Earth."   (Garland, Cedric F., et al. Could sunscreens increase melanoma risk? American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 82, No. 4, April 1992, pp. 614-15). 

Researchers encourage consumers to READ THE LABELS on sun/skin-care products. If the product contains any of the following chemical ingredients, use discretion before applying to your skin:

• Benzophenones (dixoybenzone, oxybenzone)These chemicals contain estrogen-like properties that can disrupt the development of reproductive organs, according to research conducted by the University of Zurich’s Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Most of us are already exposed to these chemicals through our environments or diets (for example, in the fish we eat), so absorbing the chemicals through our skin just further overwhelms your body with toxins. And children are particularly at risk when using products that affect development.
• PABA and PABA esters (ethyl dihydroxy propyl PAB, glyceryl PABA), This ingredient is rarely used today. It can cause a host of reactions and may even increase the risk of skin cancer in certain individuals.
• p-aminobenzoic acid padimate O or Octyl dimethyl PABA
• Cinnamates (cinoxate, ethylhexyl, p-methoxycinnamate)
• Salicylates (ethylhexyl salicylate, homosalate, octyl salicylate)
• Avobenzone (butyl-methyoxydibenzoylmethane; Parsol 1789),There is evidence that the sun’s light may cause these chemicals to become reactive and cause free-radical damage when they’re absorbed into the skin.
• Digalloyl trioleate
• Menthyl anthranilate
• Propylene Glycol: Called a humectant in cosmetics, it is industrial antifreeze, and the major ingredient in brake and hydraulic fluid. Material Data Sheets on Propylene Glycol warn to avoid skin contact as it is systemic and can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. If anti freeze is spilled on your garage floor and a dog or cat drinks one lick, it will kill them.

We found the only organic or natural sunscreens are the ones (without) Titanium Dioxide.

That's right!  

In our research, we've found that the so-called "Natural Titanium dioxide" is nowhere near natural.  This substance has had a lot of questionable tests and studies.  One test in lab rats resulted with a return of carcinogen; yes cancer causing.  Yet it is in almost every "natural" make up & sunscreen product you see on the market today.  

Titanium dioxide is also well used in paint and food dyes (another questionable substance that has recently been linked to ADHD and has already been banned in Europe and Canada.)   

In small doses, non-nano zinc oxide is the best form of UVA/UVB coverage.  

The Solution

So, where can you find sunscreen that does not have chemicals or Titanium dioxide in it?  

In addition to the web sites below, check your local health and beauty salon.  They usually carry natural products, but make sure they do not have Titanium dioxide (TD).  (As most "organic & natural") labled sunscreens will have TD in it.    

http://www.badgerbalm.com/p-372-spf-30-for-face-body.aspx  (badger is also sold at REI)

http://www.lovingnaturals.com/

http://www.kabanaskincare.com/ (Great natural sun screen with the maker of this product dedicated to selling true natural skin products) 

http://www.organic-baby-resource.com/kabana-skin-care.html  

We hope you find this information useful in keeping your kids healthy and protected from the sun over the summer.  Have a very fun, safe, and maybe even a little relaxing summer.