Your skin is your largest and possibly most abused organ.
It covers and protects everything inside your body. How you take care of it or what you put on it has a huge effect on your overall health. Yes, what you slather all over your body, those chemicals are penetrating the skin and are floating around in your bloodstream. Many products contain estrogen-mimicking agents that only enhance many of our problems.
The unknown long-term consequences of the chemicals and dangers of sunscreen are just starting to be revealed and the results are horrific. Sunscreen is supposed to protect us from harmful UV radiation from the sun, unfortunately there is conflicting evidence on whether sunscreen actually prevents cancer or enhances it via the chemicals.
Some studies have shown that sunscreens do protect us from some types of less threatening forms of skin cancers, but others have found that sunscreens may actually contribute to the risk of some of the worst forms of skin cancers.
Here are some keys to avoid when buying sunscreen:
1. Oxybenzone – This is a hormone disrupting chemical and one that blocks the good rays that are providing essential Vitamin D. Avoid at all costs – especially for your children (1).
2. Vitamin A – A 2009 study released by the National Toxicology Program found that when this is applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, it may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions (2).
3. Fragrance – These petroleum based chemicals are linked to organ toxicity and allergies (3).
4. High SPF – There is no scientific proof that SPF above 50 work any better than lower SPF, plus the FDA does not regulate anything above 50 (4).
5. Sprays or Powders – These have additional chemicals added and any additional chemicals results in additional problems. The sprays can be toxic or harmful to your lungs, especially that of children.
For more information on the ratings of the popular sunscreen brands, check out the Environmental Working Group’s 2014 Guide to Sunscreen. Just so it doesn’t surprise you, the big name brands tend to be the worst ones.
So what do we do?
Are you starting to wonder if it is even worth while? In the past I have been skeptical, especially when I had to slather sunscreen onto our harmless children. Even when I thought I was using the best on the market, it made me cringe every time. This doesn’t even consider when I would use it on my own face and skin and feel the slight burn of the chemicals reacting.
We certainly don’t want to look all wrinkly and washed out like leather from being in the sun too long without protection, but I also don’t want to increase my cancer risk by using products that could be harmful.
So here is what I’ve found:
The only sunscreen that has been rated with the highest purity level available in the United States!! It is made with purified zinc oxide and provides UVA and UVB protection, is dermatologist recommended and safe for the entire family including children under six and pregnant women. It contains eight organic, allergen free, edible ingredients. It is paraben-free and contains no petrochemicals. I am excited to have FINALLY found something that works and is safe.
This broad spectrum all over sunscreen works on your entire body (and is safe for use on your entire family, too). Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, the lightweight, water-resistant formula sinks into skin without leaving white streaks or that tell-tale smell. Protect All Over’s non-nano UVA and UVB formula also includes aloe vera that hydrates skin and green tea and blood orange extracts that supply antioxidants. Wear Protect All Over Sunscreen from Monday to beach day, to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
Why is it safe?
Many sunscreens use chemical sun blockers like oxybenzone as I talked about above. Protect All Over uses non-nano zinc oxide, which is an effective, natural, and safe mineral sun blocker.
If you are worried about what you are putting on your skin, and you should be, this is the best product I have found for my entire family.
Beautycounter offers other amazing toxin free products as well so be sure to check them out.
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