How Toxic Is Your Sunscreen?
April 24, 2009
There has been considerable hype lately about health risks posed by sunscreen itself. Organic sunscreen aside, almost all commercial brands carry potential hazards. In the end, the consumer must make the final decision based on the facts.
Of great concern to researchers is the use of nano particles in sunscreen. These are extremely small particles that can pass through membranes that have been able to block previous manufactured materials. The health risks of nano particles are not fully understood as they are the result of relatively new technology. The bottom line is finding how far toxins can go at this small size.
One notorious component of commercial sunscreen is oxybenzone. While the compound provides benefits by protecting the skin, is has also been associated with cell damage, hormone disruption, and allergies. Of particular concern is a trend of low birth weight for girls whose mothers used oxybenzone during pregnancy.
To the relief of many, the FDA announced plans for ensuring the safety of sunscreens back in 1978. Unfortunately, these plans amounted to good intentions and were never completed. Today the public must remain skeptical towards the claims of many sunscreen companies.
Five out of the six active ingredients in sunscreen have been found to mimic estrogen in the human body. Risk groups for these effects include children and breast cancer patients. All of these chemicals were examined in actual breast cancer cells.
SPF ratings provide the public with a measurable assessment of a sunscreen’s effectiveness. However, these ratings do not take into account UVA ultraviolet rays, which can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer. Though not an issue of toxins, many sunscreen products leave the user under-protected and under-informed in this area.
The final word on the negative health effects of sunscreen is yet to be heard. Clear communication and action on the part of the FDA would be helpful to all, and in the meantime organic sunscreens can provide a healthy alternative.
Entry Filed under: skin care. Tags: organic products, organic sunscreen, skin care, sun protection, toxic sunscreen.
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1.
Jeff | May 3, 2009 at 11:35 am
Hello Mark,
I’ve read a few articles from you and appreciate that you are trying to educate people on sun safety.
I did want to comment on the “organic” sunscreen description. Technically all chemical sunscreens are classified as organic, as in “organic chemistry” and the physical blocks, such as Titanium & Zinc are classified as inorganic.
Many companies are marketing “natural” and though Titanium & Zinc are natural minerals, there is a chemical and mechanical process to micronize these minerals. Now it has gone farther and there is nano-sized particles. There is so much press on the potential harm of minerals in the blood and DNA damage.
It makes it difficult to know what to use but we have to use something, as we know the sun can harm us as well.
I wanted to introduce you to KINeSYS Performance Sunscreen. The EWG spoke highly of KINeSYS on the CBS morning show, see: http://www.kinesys.com/index.php?v=cbs-kinesys – stating it was stable, high efficacy and low hazard ingredients.
KINeSYS is the “greenest” sunscreen on the market, using recyclable packaging, non-pressurized aerosol pumps, and is Carbon neutral, using green power and purchasing carbon offsets.
I’m happy to send a samples if you are interested in trying it.
all the best,
Jeff Kletter
2.
Richard Bates | July 1, 2009 at 12:13 pm
There’s so much research coming out these days about the risks of suncream – its crazy. Personally I always use an organic sunscreen (this one: http://chicogarcia.wordpress.com/2008/02/05/sunscreen-kills-corals/ ), which I think is safer. Not too sure, but certainly it “feels” safer!