The Ins and Outs of Sunscreen

Let me help you understand the differences between clean and toxic sunscreen!

sunscreen-blog

Sunscreen is a skincare product that protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. It contains ingredients that help to prevent damage caused by UVA and UVB rays, which can lead to premature aging and even skin cancer.

What are UVA and UVB Rays?

There are two types of UV light when talking about sunscreen: 

Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength. It is associated with skin aging.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength. It is associated with skin burning.

 

While UVA and UVB rays differ in how they affect the skin, they both do harm. Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.

An effective sunscreen is the one that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Alternatively, SPF is a relative measure of how long a sunscreen will protect you from UVB rays only.  In other words, a higher SPF value does not mean better UVA protection.

sunscreen-blog-sunglasses

Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreens: Key Differences

 

Mineral Sunscreens

Uses natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients

Forms a physical barrier on the skin that reflects and scatters UV rays

Provides broad-spectrum protection

Less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions

Works immediately upon application

Typically more difficult to apply and may leave a white cast on the skin

May be more resistant to water and sweat

Recommended for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions like rosacea or eczema

Chemical Sunscreens

Uses synthetic compounds like: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Avobenzone

Absorbs UV rays and converts them into heat, which is then released from the skin

    May provide less broad-spectrum protection

    May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions

    Needs time to be absorbed into the skin before it starts working

    Typically easier to apply and has a more lightweight feel on the skin

    May require more frequent reapplication

    Recommended for people who do not have sensitivities to the active ingredients

    Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen

    One major benefit of mineral sunscreen is that it provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays without penetrating the skin. This makes it ideal for people with sensitive skin or those who are prone to allergic reactions because mineral-based sunscreen does not contain common irritants like oxybenzone or avobenzone which can be found in a chemical sunscreen. Another benefit of mineral sunscreen is its ability to remain effective for longer periods of time compared to chemical sunscreens.

    Are Chemical Sunscreens Safe?

    Chemical suncreens such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone are all systemically absorbed into the body after one use, according to the studies published by the FDA. The agency also found they could be detected on the skin and in the blood weeks after they had last been used.

    They penetrate the skin deeply and can disrupt hormones. These chemicals rate high on EWG (10 as the most toxic), and/or the EU Chemicals Agency database marks it for endocrine disruption, thyroid issues, allergens and behavior issues among other things. There may be a reasons as to why these are being banned on islands such as Hawaii… because they are very toxic to the coral reefs.  

    Other studies have reported finding sunscreen ingredients in breast milk,urine and blood plasma samples. And it’s possible for sunscreen users to inhale ingredients in sunscreen sprays and ingest some of the ingredients they apply to their lips, so the ingredients must not be harmful to the lungs or internal organs.

    So, a true non-toxic face sunscreen is one that contains NO oxybenzone, octinoxate, or homosalate. 

    The other chemical UV filters such as octisalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone seem to be okay.  However, many times sunscreens that have them are rarely without the three chemicals discussed above.  So, it is safest to make sure you are using a mineral facial sunscreen instead of a chemical one.

    What is Natasha Favorite Wellness Tip?

    Remember: a true non-toxic face sunscreen is one that contains NO oxybenzone, octinoxate, or homosalate.

    Similar Post:

    Check out this post on How Often We Should Clean Makeup Brushes