As the weather turns warmer, many of us will be spending more time outdoors in the sun. And while it’s important to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, many of us are unwittingly doing more harm than good for our family’s health and wellness by using sunscreen that is loaded with chemicals.
Most sunscreens on the market today contain a number of harmful chemicals that can be absorbed into the skin. These chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer.
There are a number of natural sunscreens on the market that provide effective protection without the harmful side effects.
As a functional medicine provider, we believe in the power of nature to enhance our overall well-being. This is why we advocate for the use of natural sunscreens over conventional options.
The Dirty Truth About Sunscreen
The truth is that many of the sunscreens on the market today contain potentially harmful substances such as oxybenzone, a synthetic compound that has been linked to hormone disruption, or octinoxate, a chemical that can cause skin irritation.
Studies have found that when these active ingredients in sunscreen are tested in a laboratory, they are absorbed into the skin and can trigger reactions that can be hazardous to your health and wellness. It’s not just the active ingredients you should be worried about. Many sunscreens also contain preservatives and fragrances that can be toxic.
The only way to be sure that you are not putting your health at risk is to use an all-natural sunscreen that does not contain any of these potentially dangerous ingredients. Natural sunscreen is formulated with ingredients such as non-nano zinc oxide, non-nano titanium dioxide, and minerals from the earth that are not harmful to your health.
The Dangers of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two of the most commonly used active ingredients in sunscreen. Unfortunately, studies have found that both of these chemicals can have harmful effects on the body.
Oxybenzone can potentially disrupt the hormone system by mimicking the body’s natural hormones, while octinoxate has been found to cause skin irritation and possible toxicity when absorbed into the skin.
Your body can absorb both oxybenzone and octinoxate, as well as other chemicals present in sunscreen, when applied to the skin. This can cause a range of health problems, including increased risk of cancer, hormonal imbalances, developmental issues in young children and reproductive issues in adults.
It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with using sunscreens with these active ingredients, and to always check the ingredients label before buying a sunscreen.
The good news is that there are plenty of other alternative sunscreens on the market which are free from oxybenzone and octinoxate and still provide good protection from the sun.
What Are The Benefits of Natural Sunscreen?
Natural sunscreens provide superior protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, without any of the nasty chemicals. Here are some of the main benefits:
1. Non-irritating – Natural sunscreen is often much gentler on the skin than synthetic chemical sunscreens. Many chemical sunscreens contain irritants that can cause rashes or breakouts. Natural sunscreen is much less likely to cause irritation.
2. Free from harsh chemicals – Natural sunscreens are free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and titanium dioxide, which have been linked to a variety of health issues.
3. Environmentally friendly – Natural sunscreens are also better for the environment, as they don’t contain any single-use plastics, and won’t run off into nearby waterways when you swim.
4. Broad-Spectrum Coverage – Natural sunscreens are quite effective at providing broad-spectrum coverage, meaning they protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
Making the switch to natural sunscreen is an easy way to start caring for your skin and your health and wellness. You can feel confident knowing that you are protecting yourself and your loved ones, without compromising quality or safety.
How Does Natural Sunscreen Compare To Chemical Sunscreen?
Natural sunscreens are typically more expensive than chemical sunscreens, but they offer greater protection from the sun’s UV rays, and they also provide other benefits such as moisturizing and nourishing the skin.
Natural sunscreens typically provide a physical barrier, meaning their active ingredients sit on top of the skin, rather than going through it. This helps to reflect and scatter the sun’s UV rays, resulting in better protection. Chemical sunscreens usually go into the skin and absorb the sun’s UV rays.
Another difference is that natural sunscreens are generally considered to be safer due to the fact that they are made from natural ingredients such as non-nano zinc oxide, non-nano titanium dioxide, and other organic compounds. Chemical sunscreens can contain potentially harmful ingredients, such as oxybenzone.
Overall, natural sunscreens are a better option for protection from the sun’s UV rays. They are also considered to be much safer than chemical sunscreens, as well as more beneficial for the skin and the environment.
How Do I Find The Right Natural Sunscreen For My Family?
If you’re tossing your box-store sunscreen in the trash and looking for a new option, it is important to do your research. When selecting a natural sunscreen, try to ensure it contains some combination of non-nano zinc oxide, non-nano titanium dioxide, and/or red raspberry seed oil.
You could make your own sunscreen with any of the following ingredients:
Red raspberry seed oil – SPF 28-50
Carrot seed oil – SPF 38-40
Wheat germ oil – SPF 20
Soybean oil – SPF 10
Macadamia oil – SPF 6
Jojoba oil – SPF 4
Here are some natural sunscreen brands that we love and trust:
Farmhouse Fresh
3rd Rock
Avasol
Badger
Earth Mama
Maelove
Raw Elements
Thinkbaby
Keeping Your Family Safe From The Sun and Harmful Chemicals
If you are planning to spend some time in the sun, make sure to check the labels of any sunscreens you buy to ensure they do not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. It is also important to limit your sun exposure and remember to regularly reapply sunscreen when outdoors in order to make sure you are getting the best protection possible.
Making the switch to natural sunscreen is essential for protecting your health and wellness. Natural sunscreens offer the same protection from UV rays as their traditional counterparts, but without any of the potentially harmful chemicals.
Plus they are often infused with hydrating vitamins and minerals that can provide an extra layer of protection and nourishment to the skin.
Not only is making the switch to natural sunscreen good for our health and wellness, but it can also give us the peace of mind knowing our skin is covered and safeguarded against damage.
With the right natural sunscreen, and plenty of knowledge to back it up, there is no reason why your family’s skin cannot be safe and healthy while they enjoy a sunny day.
