Dermatologists urge us to lather on the sunscreen to protect us from  the sun’s dangerous cancer-causing UV rays.  But environmentalists say the chemical ingredients in sunscreens could be just as hazardous to our skin and bodies.  Most sunscreens contain ingredients like Avobenzone, Oxybenzone and Parabens - to name a few that I can pronounce.  Studies by the Environmental Working Group have shown that these chemicals can actually increase your risk of getting skin cancer because they produce free radicals, which damage skin cells and make them suseptible to disease. 

These toxins have also been linked to allergies, hormone disruption and low birth weight in babies when mothers are exposed during prenancy.  Not to mention, the chemicals pollute the waters you’re swimming in when they’re washed off your skin.  The FDA has been looking at new standards for sunscreens for years now.  In the meantime, you might want to protect your skin naturally.

Products that are made with natural ingredients, such as botanicals like wild pansy or green tea extract.  I found quite a few products locally at Ulta Cosmetics.  Burt’s Bees has been around for quite a while and has a great reputation for natural products.  Their chemical-free sunscreen has an SPF of 30 and is made with hemp seed oil.  It costs about $15.  Other products made by Ocean Potion have Cranberry Seed Oil and sea botanicals.  (I guess there’s a reason Neptune never looked a day over 40), about $8-$10.  I picked up other goodies like Shady Spray, made from botanicals and paraben-free for $24.  Also, a sweet-smelling face sunscreen, SPF 30, with watermelon extract by Korres (pronounced Kor-ez), $28.  Two products the cosmetic ladies told me are popular are bareMinerals Natual Sunscreen (SPF 30) and Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30.  Both run about $30 and list Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide as their biggest skin protectors.

Experts agree that those two natural minerals are the best at blocking both UVA AND UVB rays!  These minerals sit on the skin and act as barriers to the harmful broad-spectrum rays which can damage cells and age your skin.  That’s what has always made them healthier, too because they didn’t absorb into your skin.  Zinc oxide has long been associated with products like Bull Frog; you know, the white globby stuff that most people put on their nose and ears?  Well, now there are versions of invisible zinc in products like Solar Sense.  While it looks much better than the oder versions of zinc oxide, and still offers great protection - enviro groups are now concerned that the micronized zinc - called nanotechnology - used to make the product invisible, is now able to sink into your skin and may not be so healthy for you either.  Wow - it’s always something!  Read about it and decide for yourself.

Environmental Working Group has a Skin Deep cosmetic safety database that you may want to check out.  They’re about to release a new study of 1,000 brand-name sunscreens that you may find interesting.  You DO have to sign up with your e-mail address and zip code to get the articles, but it’s really good information!

So do your homework.  There is so much information to “soak in” about the topic and it will definitely broaden your green horizon on a subject many of us “just spray and move on” about.  You might also check Whole Foods for their products and there are plenty on-line that you can order, too.   Happy summer!