It seems like sunscreen contains a lot of chemicals, is daily exposure to sunscreen safe?
-blog reader Ann
Good question! To date, there have been no studies showing a statistically significant increase in caner rates from sunscreen ingredients BUT I also question the effects of sunscreen chemicals on things other than cancer, which have not really been studied. Oxybenzone is a synthetic chemical that absorbs sun rays (so your skin doesn’t). It is widely found on sunscreen ingredient lists…I avoid it. When cancer cells are exposed to oxybenzone, it causes a hormone disruption, however it has not been shown to cause cancer. Additionally, oxybenzone and butylparaben activate marine viruses that kill coral food supply. As coral reefs all over the world are dying for no definitive reason, I encourage you to do what you can and avoid these chemicals. Chemicals sting your eyes too. Synthetic chemicals end in –one, -ene and –ate and they need to be applied 15 to 20 minutes before going into the sun because a chemical reaction with skin protein needs to occur to activate their ray absorbing abilities.
As I have said in previous posts, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the best sunscreen choice. Both are natural minerals that deflect (not absorb) sun rays and they break down in nature. They are great for sensitive skin and they do not sting eyes because they are natural. Also, because they are a mineral and not a chemical, they work immediately so there is no need to apply them early and wait before heading outside and they block a wider range of UV rays. They are commonly available; there is no need to shop at specialty stores to find them. I haven’t tried everything on the market by any means, but here are my brands:
For children I especially like Solar Sense Clear Zinc stick for faces. It is like a deodorant stick and it never runs into the eyes. They can apply it to their face while you do their bodies with a liquid. Try drugstore.com (a Walgreens website where I buy tons of stuff all the time) or amazon.com
For my face I use SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense
For my neck and chest I use Neutrogena Pure and Free Liquid daily sunblock. It is half the price of SkinCeuticals, but it is not quite as sheer, so it is more budget friendly to use it on areas that need the care you face does, but that you notice a little less. This is the only drugstore facial sunscreen to contain the right ingredients.
For body I use whatever contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and is water resistant (there is no such thing as waterproof). Target brand has a nice formula and Coppertone Kids is good.
Posted by Dani 
