There seem to be more sunscreen brands on the shelf everyday yet skin cancer is on the rise. 80% of newly diagnosed cancers in Australia are skin cancer. Environmental Working Group in the US found that 4 out of 5 sunscreens contained harmful chemicals or were ineffective. Though there is some controversy about their findings, the fact remains that all sunscreens are not created equal. Here is my Sunscreen 101:UVA and UVB. UVA rays cause ageing and go deeper into the skin. UVA rays go through almost everything including light clothing. UVB rays cause sunburn and are considered to be the main cause of skin cancers.
SPF and Broad Spectrum. SPF only measures a sunscreens effectiveness for UVB rays. You can buy a 30+ sunscreen that does nothing to protect you from UVA rays. To protect from both UVA and UVB rays you must buy a product labelled Broad Spectrum, 30+.
Chemical vs Physical Filters. There are basically two ingredient groups to protect against the sun. Chemical filters bind with skin cells to convert rays to heat so they cannot damage the skin. Physical filters are particles that sit on top of the skin and prevent the rays from getting through. There are only 2 physical filters: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, both natural. Zinc Oxide offers the greatest protection of any ingredient from both UVA and UVB rays and is natural.
15 Minute Beauty has a fantastic chart which gives an overview of the different sunscreens ingredients and what rays they are effective in blocking out. A great resource to check your sunscreens against.
Preservatives: Preservatives are present in all sunscreens to keep them from going off. The overwhelming majority of preservatives are chemicals.
So what does this have to do with being green? Well, I have made a commitment to take as many chemicals out of our home, bodies and food as is possible both for our health and for the environment. The best natural choice for sunscreen is Zinc Oxide. However, none of us want to be mistaken for a mime!
I am loving wotnot (100% what's good, 0% what's not). It is a zinc product with a natural preservative. Plus has organic aloe vera and macadamia nut oil. It goes on clear and easy (but a bit greasy initially). My kids don't like the smell but that is probably because they are used to something that smells supposedly like a strawberry. Downside is it is expensive (about $25 for 115 ml).
So, put a little green in your sunscreen this summer... xxx
P.S. Let me know if you have any natural favourites...I have a few more to come.
Sources: Cancer Council, Environmental Working Group, UV Facts: UVA vs UVB from Ezine.
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