There are numerous health benefits of sunlight; it synchronises our circadian rhythm, melatonin production, increases vitamin D levels so we can’t underestimate the importance of daily UV exposure. Vitamin D is extremely important to maintain optimal health. It is produced by our skin in response to sun exposure. When UVB rays hit our unexposed skin our body starts to produce vitamin D. Therefore sunscreens can inhibit the absorption and production of vitamin D.
Furthermore, there’s no proof that sunscreens prevent most skin cancer. Rates of melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer – have tripled over the past 35 years. Most scientists and public health agencies have found very little evidence that sunscreen prevents most types of skin cancer. Skin cancer due to sun has been so over stated that many people, especially children, are vitamin D deficient which is itself a factor in many cancers. The issue is not the sun exposure itself but burning when it comes to skin cancer. According to one study in The Lancet, exposure to UVB light can actually protect against melanoma. So regular short exposure is fine.
There are over 1800 sunscreens on the market to choose from which makes it very difficult and confusing for us to pick the best one for our children.
If you are passionate about toxin-free and natural products then the following items should never make it to your shopping basket:
Spray Sunscreens: there’s growing concern that these sprays pose serious inhalation risks. They also make it too easy to apply too little or to miss a spot, leaving bare skin exposed to harmful rays.
Very high SPFs: Although SPF stands for “sun protection factor,” this refers only to protection against UVB radiation, which burns the skin. It does not protect against UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin, suppress the immune system, accelerate skin aging and may cause skin cancer.
The following are the most common harmful ingredients in sunscreens:
Oxybenzone: It is a UV absorber and is commonly used in sunscreens. The chemical oxybenzone penetrates the skin, gets into the bloodstream and acts like estrogen in the body. The potential effects are photosensitivity, chronic actinic dermatitis and contact allergy.
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA): It is used as a UV absorber. It may cause contact dermatitis, eczema and may increase the risk of skin cancer.
Benzophenone: It is often used in sunscreens as UV absorber. Potential effects are hives, photoallergic reactions and skin sensitivities. It is on the National Institute of Health’s Hazard List.
Homosalate: Endocrine disruptor and toxic when absorbed through the skin.
Sunscreens with vitamin A additives. (retinyl palmitate): on a sun exposed skin it speeds development of skin tumours and lesions.
Making your own sunscreen is an affordable and easy option:
The following oils have natural SPFs: Carrot seed oil (spf 38-40), raspberry oil (28-50), wheatgerm oil (spf 20), avocado oil (spf 4-15), coconut oil (spf 2-8), olive oil (spf 2-8), macadamia nut oil (spf 6), almond oil (spf 5), shea butter (spf 3-6), jojoba oil (spf 4).
Homemade Sunscreen:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
- 1/4 cup Beeswax
- 2-4 tablespoons Zinc Oxide Powder
- 30 drops essential oils with SPF
Instructions
- Heat oils and beeswax in a double boiler until melted. Remove from heat.
- Stir in essential oils and zinc oxide. The more zinc oxide you use, the higher the spf. 2 tablespoons will be about SPF 20.
- Continue to stir as it cools.
The ideal sunscreen would completely block UV rays that cause sunburn, immune suppression and damaging free radicals. It would remain effective on the skin for several hours. It would not form harmful ingredients when degraded by sunlight. It would smell and feel pleasant so that people would use more of it. None of the sun creams on the market meet these goals. The best ones to buy are the plant based natural sunscreens with zinc oxide which are naturally occurring, safer and more effective than toxic chemical sunscreens.
There are a few natural, non-toxic sunscreens on the market that are made without the harmful E numbers and synthetic chemicals. Visit our Facebook page where we will be sharing product reviews and more toxin-free holiday tips over the next few weeks. https://www.facebook.com/raisingtoxinfreechildren
Enjoy a toxin-free summer!