Safe(r) Sunscreen

The Spring is here & with it means more time outdoors playing in the sunshine!  My little one returned from school the other day with bright red cheeks & a sun rash.  It reminded me that I need to restock this year’s sunscreen arsenal. But after all of the controversy I’ve heard lately regarding sunscreens, I needed to do a some research for myself.  I am fully grown (yes, insert a short joke here!) therefore I am not less concerned for myself.  However my daughter is still growing and I want to be certain that I am not coating her in a substance that might impede her development.

BUT… and this is HUGE!!!  Before we talk about ‘potentially’ harmful ingredients, I would like address the fact that UV rays are harmful!  We know the deadly out come of sun damage. Even one instance of a bad sunburn and you can be well on your way to the beginnings of skin cancer.  What we do not yet know is the long term cumulative effects of the ingredients in sunscreens.   We need to protect ourselves & our children.  The best way to do that ‘should be a package of protection. A hat, staying out of the sun, avoiding the hottest part of the day and covering up are all part of the whole story. It’s not just the sunscreen.” (Dr. Morrison via Skincancer.org)

emmaline-running-with-peteI started my search with SafeMamma.com to learn what ‘safer’ options were out there.  Most of these options are a combination of zinc & titanium (careful of the nano sized particles) but the problem for consumers is that they typically leave a white, sticky residue.

Two major Ingredients in question:

  • Oxybenzone.  This is a photostabilizer  that absorbs UVB and short UVA rays.  The debate around oxybenzone focuses on the potential to be an endocrine disruptor.  Several researchers say that this is a theoretical concern and that no such effect has been shown in humans.  According to Truthinaging.com, ‘As a photocarcinogen, it has demonstrated an increase in the production of harmful free radicals and an ability to attack DNA cells; for this reason, it is believed to be a contributing factor in the recent rise of Melanoma cases with sunscreen users. Some studies have shown it to behave similarly to the hormone estrogen, suggesting that it may cause breast cancer.  It has also been linked to contact eczema and allergies.’ Oxybenzone was approved for use in the US by the FDA in the early 1980s. Revised as of April 1, 2013, the FDA allows oxybenzone in cosmetic products up to 6%
  • Titanium Dioxide ‘is one of the top fifty chemicals produced worldwide. It is a white, opaque and naturally- occurring mineral.’ (Organic Makeup).  There is controversy regarding the use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in cosmetics. One study (as referenced on Organic Makeup), ‘concluded that cytotoxicity (danger to the cell) was dependent on the particle size of titanium dioxide. The smaller the particle size, the more toxic it is. We have seen, however, that if titanium dioxide particles used to act as a sunscreen are small enough, they can penetrate the cells, leading to photocatalysis within the cell, causing DNA damage after exposure to sunlight .’  It was recently classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as ”possibly carcinogen to humans” however this refers to very specific findings surrounding titanium dioxide powder when inhaled.  ‘This evidence showed that high concentrations of pigment-grade (powdered) and ultrafine titanium dioxide dust caused respiratory tract cancer in rats exposed by inhalation‘ (CCOHS) Recent studies suggest titanium dioxide nanoparticles may be toxic, although further research is needed.

IN CONCLUSION: There is not enough scientific evidence to prove or disprove that these chemical agents are harmful to humans. We know they are harmful in animal testing.  We do know that tiny nano particles are much easier to absorb, so I would avoid ANY cosmetics with micronized minerals.

For more Truth on SPF’s, Sunscreen Types & Protection please visit the Skin Cancer Foundation article here.

 

lovingnaturals_sunscreenWhat did I choose? Loving Naturals

Active Ingredient: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide – 24.7%

Ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (from Coconut Oil), Organic Beeswax, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Shea Butter, Stearic Acid (from Palm Oil), Purified Water

 

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What sunscreens how you found the most effective?  What are your concerns with what I have addressed or other ingredients of concern?  We welcome your comments below!

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Adrienne Maples

 

Kansas City photographer, Adrienne Maples, weaves together powerful narratives with her photographs to create mood and evoke emotion.

 

She a board member of AIGA and KCAC. As a committee member of KCDW, she organized the 2024 talks: The A.I. Asset, Creator as Curator.

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About

the Author

Adrienne Maples

 

Kansas City commercial photographer, Adrienne Maples, weaves together powerful narratives with her photographs to create mood and evoke emotion.

 

She's an AI enthusiast, passionate about teaching others how to use technology responsibly for the greater good. Known for her 'spunk & pizazz', she directs & curates images to transform mediocrity into the extraordinary.

 

She a board member of AIGA and KCAC. As a committee member of KCDW, she organized the 2024 talks: The A.I. Asset, Creator as Curator.

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