Is there a healthy sunscreen?

As summertime approaches we turn our thoughts to being outdoors , whether you are in your own backyard or on the beach how do you protect your skin and your family’s skin?  Is there a  healthy sunscreen and do they work?   According to the National Cancer Institute, the rate of new melanoma cases among American adults has tripled since the 1970s, from 7.89 per 100,000 population in 1975 to 22.7 in 2010. (NCI 2015). Sunscreens do not prevent skin cancer.

Most people use sunscreen but do you know what is in sunscreen or which ones are safe?  How about your kids, what are you using on their skin?

Most sunscreens contain toxic chemicals.  Here are a few to avoid:  retinal plamitate ( Vitamin A) and oxybenzone , a synthetic estrogen that disrupts the hormone balance. Scientists have found that vitamin A can spur excess skin growth, known as hyperplasia, and that in sunlight retinyl palmitate can form free radicals that damage DNA (NTP 2000).  Many sunscreens contain chemical filters such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Some products combine zinc oxide with chemical filters. Straight zinc oxide is better. This is the white cream you may have seen the lifeguards at our public pools use twenty plus years ago.

Inactive ingredients often make up half to nearly all of a sunscreen product. “One ingredient in particular is a cause for concern: methylisothiazolinone, or MI, a preservative. This year, EWG has found MI listed on the labels of 91 sunscreens, 13 marketed for children and 54 SPF-rated daily moisturizers. MI is used alone or in mixtures with a related chemical preservative called methylchloroisothiazolinone, or MCI.” The American Contact Dermatitis Society named MI its “allergen of the year” EWG.org sunscreen report

So, what is the best thing to do?

In light of the shortcomings of today’s sunscreens, EWG suggests that you adjust your attitude about sun exposure.

• Do not use sunscreen as a tool to prolong your time in the sun.
• Cover up! Hats, shirts and sunglasses are the best protection.
• Avoid sunburn!
• Do not use a tanning bed or sunbathe.
• Protect kids! Early life sunburns are worse, so keep little ones out of the hot sun.
• Pick a sunscreen with strong UVA protection.
• Get vitamin D.  There is speculation but not proof that adequate levels of vitamin D can reduce the risk of melanoma. But we know that vitamin D is good for combatting other types of cancer. Commit to getting screened for vitamin D deficiency.
• Examine your skin. Check your skin regularly for new moles that are tender or growing. Ask your primary care doctor how often you should see a dermatologist.EWG.org

Better brands to use according to my research:

• Alba Botanical
• All Terraign
• Babo Botanicals
• Bare Belly Organics

Look for ingredient names you know such as coconut oil, sesame seed oil, aloe vera, etc.  Basically anything you can eat is safe for skin.

There are natural recipes .   See the next blog for a great recipe. 

Funny thing …  since using Max and Jane skin oil on my face daily ( all natural organic oils, flowers and plants) my face is not burning when I am outside.   Mmm.. what does that tell us all?

Check out our amazing natural , all organic skin oil Max and Jane here…Albuquerque Natural Health Center Store   Plus, no more eye wrinkles and lines around my mouth!  I love this product, looking younger everyday!

If you have a natural sun screen recipe or this was helpful please leave a comment below.