Protecting ourselves from the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun can be as easy as covering the body with sunscreen. However, do we really know that the sunscreen products that we have chosen are really protecting us from all of the destructive properties of sun exposure? To really understand how sunscreens provide protection, it is necessary to take a look at the properties of sun lotions and their ingredients.
What are the common ingredients in sunscreens?
Non-mineral and mineral formulations are two types of sunscreen currently on the market. Mineral varieties are more commonly advertised and sold on the premise that their ingredients are less toxic to the body than those of the non-mineral varieties and are considered safer by some chemical watch groups. These manufacturers’ claims are based on studies of the effectiveness of the formulations and also on the safety of the ingredients in each of the products. Many chemical based sunscreens can age and break down, producing chemical toxins that are easily absorbed into the skin.
The Safer Option- Mineral Based Varieties
Using minerals as their base ingredient, mineral sunscreens are considered the safest option because they are not absorbed into the body. While the minerals are able to block harmful ultraviolent rays, they leave a white, thick coating on the skin which can be quite noticeable. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide are ingredients commonly found in this variety.
Both of these types of minerals are not able penetrate the skin; many people find that they tolerate them very well without ill effects. Be sure to check if the brand that you are using contains, “nanoparticles,” when choosing mineral based varieties. Nanoparticles are very tiny particles that manufacturers have found to decrease the thick, white coating that develops when using mineral based sunscreens. When the particles are this tiny, they are readily absorbed into the skin and can reach the bloodstream.
Chemically Decreasing the Sun’s Rays with Non-Mineral Based Varieties
According to the Environmental Working Group, a chemical watch-dog organization, there are several toxic chemicals that are active ingredients in non-mineral/ chemical sunscreens. While manufacturers will have their own unique formulations in their own products, a few chemicals are found in many types of sunscreens.
Oxybenzone is found in almost 60% of all sunscreen products. This particular chemical functions by filtering out ultraviolet rays and turning those rays into heat. Unfortunately, it has also been found to be readily absorbed into the skin. It has been found to produce issues with hormone imbalance and has also been associated with photo-sensitivity. In addition to oxybenzone, avobenzone, PABA and PABA Esters, Cinnamates, and Salicylates are also commonly found in sunscreens and have been found to be toxic.
The amount of deterioration that can take place after the sunscreen has been applied must be taken into consideration with these chemical type screens. These chemicals have issues when mixed with certain types of cosmetics, such as powders and some foundations. Cosmetics that are applied over chemical sunscreens may cause the underlying layer of sunscreen to be rubbed off. Also, the iron containing pigments in cosmetics can cause a chemical reaction with the additives in the sunscreen products. These reactions may lead to products that could lead to carcinogenic toxins.
Safest and Most Effective Sunscreens
When choosing a product to protect yourself from the sun, check the labeling to ascertain if it is effective for protecting against both types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. Both of these ray types have been linked to skin cancer, but many sunscreens do not provide adequate protection from both UVA and UVB.
The top brands for protecting the skin and avoiding chemical toxins are listed on the Environmental Working Group’s website. The brands are listed alphabetically which reduces bias and does not promote endorsing one product.
Sources:
The Environmental Working Group: Best Sunscreens (Accessed February 26, 2011)
Plastic Surgeons.com: Safety of Sunscreens (Accessed February 26, 2011)
Medline Plus: Sunscreens (Accessed February 26, 2011)
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