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Protect yourself from harmful sun rays and chemicals
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The next generation is finally starting to catch on to what I have been grousing about for decades: the latest, greatest sunscreen chemicals are NOT good for us! |
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Sunscreens(UVA/UVB blockers) are designed to to prevent sunburns and to protect consumers from skin cancers (carcinomas and melanomas). They come in two forms: Chemical and Physical. |
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CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS: |
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Chemical Sunscreens work by absorbing the ultraviolet (UVB) rays but that may increase your risk of cancers of the breast, ovaries, prostate, and colon; and are associated with skin irritation and rashes. The active ingredients include:
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Benzophenone (and similar compounds) is one of the most powerful free radical generators known. It is used in industrial processes as a free radical generator to initiate chemical reactions. Benzophenone is activated by ultraviolet light energy that breaks benzophenone's double bond to produce two free radical sites. The free radicals then react with other molecules and produce damage to the fats, proteins, and DNA of the cells - the types of damage that produce skin aging and the development of cancer. |
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Adding to the problem is that large amounts of applied sunscreens can enter the bloodstream though your skin. In the 1970s, Prof. Howard Maibach warned that up to 35 percent of sunscreen applied to the skin can pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream but this had little effect on sunscreen promotion or safety testing. (Maibach, H. "NDELA-Percutaneous Penetration." FDA Contract 223-75-2340, May 19, 1978) The longer sunscreen chemicals are left on the skin, the greater the absorption into the body. (Bronaugh, R.L., et al. "The effect of cosmetic vehicles on the penetration of N-nitrosodiethanolamine through excised human skin, J Invest Dermatol; 1981; 76(2): 94-96.) This may be a factor in the large increases in cancer (breast, uterine, colon, prostate) observed in regions, such as Northern Australia, where the use of sunscreen chemicals has been heavily promoted by medical groups and the local governments. According to the National Toxicology Program, benzophenone has been found in surface water and groundwater, as well as soil and air, and may affect the liver and bone marrow of animals ingesting large amounts of the water. This and other endocrine disruptors in sunblocks can also enter the water system when we swim or bathe, and from there can wind up in fish, amphibians, and marine wildlife, posing a threat to the animals' reproductive cycles.
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Avobenzone |
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One molecule of Avobenzone can absorb UVA radiation only once, making it inactive from that time forward as opposed to zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that can reflect UVA radiation over and over again with minimal decay. All of the avobenzone applied to the skin is virtually rendered inactive after five hours of UVA exposure.
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Many sunscreens also contain Triethanolamine, a compound that can cause the formation of cancer causing nitrosamines in products by combining with nitrite used as preservative and often not disclosed on sunscreen labels. |
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Have you grabbed your sunscreen bottle and read the label yet?? |
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Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh in California believes that the use of sunscreens causes more cancer deaths than it prevents. He estimates that the 17% increase in breast cancer observed between 1981 and 1992 may be the result of the pervasive use of sunscreens over the past decade (Ainsleigh, H. Gordon. Beneficial effects of sun exposure on cancer mortality. Preventive Medicine, Vol. 22, February 1993, pp. 132-40). Recent studies have also shown a higher rate of melanoma among men who regularly use sunscreens and a higher rate of basal cell carcinoma among women using sunscreens (Garland, Cedric F. et al. Effect of sunscreens on UV radiation-induced enhancement of melanoma growth in mice. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 86, No. 10, May 18, 1994, pp. 798-801 :Larsen, H.R. "Sunscreens: do they cause skin cancer." International Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 1994; 12(12): 17-19; Farmer K.C. & Naylor, M.F. "Sun exposure, sunscreens, and skin cancer prevention: a year-round concern." Ann Pharmacother, 1996; 30(6):662-73)
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PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS |
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Old fashioned Physical Sunscreens contain inert minerals such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or talc and work by physically reflecting the ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) and visible rays away from the skin. These come in two forms - regular pure sunblocker and various micronized or encapsulated versions. While there are also "chemically enhanced" versions of each readily available.... after viewing the 'benefits of chemicals' above, they are Not Appealing! Because they are inorganic and inert, they are also least reactive to other kinds of cosmetic ingredients. This inorganic nature also reduces the potential for allergic reactions, a common problem with sunscreen usage. Zinc oxide is also a wonderful anti-inflammatory and has great healing properties. It is safe for use by people who have rosacea, both because it is anti-inflammatory and because it provides the protection they, more than most, so urgently need.
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And, what about the newly "approved" and loudly touted Mexoryl ? |
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Mexoryl effectively extends the life of Avobenzone and two formulations were developed. Mexoryl SX is a water-soluble form that is suitable for day wear sunscreen formulations. This would include sunscreen-containing moisturizers and facial foundations. Mexoryl XL is an oil soluble form that is suitable for water-resistant sunscreen formulations, including those worn on the beach and during vigorous physical exercise. |
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Great! They took a bad chemical and made it last even longer??? |
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Can you believe all you read..... |
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The protective level of a sunscreen plateaus around SPF 30-32 ! Anything more than that is merely misleading by the use of higher SPF numbers. In fact you would be lucky if an SPF 60 or higher gave you more than an extra mintue or two in the sun. What you do get however, is an increased amounts of whatever ingredients they used on your skin. Companies like to show their consumers that they have an SPF of 60 or even 100! ...and yet these do not offer any more protection than an SPF 30+. It would be nice to think that an SPF 100 would offer 3.5 times more protection than SPF 30 but it is truly not the case. The FDA was bringing into force a 'reality check' on these sorts of unfounded claims via their Final Monograph on Sunscreens in 2002, where they specify that the highest rating permissible will be SPF 30+. That monograph was stayed shortly thereafter so that FDA could address the issue of measuring protection against UVA rays, which cause skin cancer. Since that time, no further official action has been taken by the FDA, although skin cancer rates continue to rise, especially among young persons and women. However, it does get mentioned in the FDA 2007 Congressional Justification. |
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So, what does all of this mean to you?? |
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By now, you have decided you want to avoid the chemical sunscreen products... So, you are looking for products who's Active Ingredients are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide...... NOTE: Active Ingredients are what does the protecting!
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Natural Mineral Sunscreen 100% Block $16.50 for 4oz Tube (supposedly "greaseless" lotion) |
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"This product has no (SPF) rating number because it is a total block with the Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide." *** |
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Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 12.5%, Zinc Oxide 0.5% *** |
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This is "Natural" ? .. Harrumph... moving right along..... |
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UV natural SUNSCREEN SPF 30+ Broad Spectrum - Enhanced Formula $49.50 for 7oz Tube (Lotion) |
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"This NATURAL MINERAL SUNSCREEN is a 100% block with UVA and UVB protection. It is greaseless! Formula includes Aloe Vera concentrate, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. It works - you'll love it! For backs of hands and neck too." |
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Ingredient List: Vitis Vinifera /refined grapeseed oil; Carthamus tictorius oil/safflower oil; Sesamum indicum oil/sesame oil; Macadamia ternifolia(seed) oil/macadamia seed oil; Candelia cera(wax)/candellia wax; Cera Alba(wax)/bees wax; Copernica prunifera/Carnauba wax; Tocopheryl acetate/copherol 1250; Camellia sinensis extract/green tea extract(liposoluble); Vitis vinifera (seed) extract/grapeseed extract; Caprylic/capric triglycerides; Iron Oxides; Micronized Zinc Oxide. |
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There is no Titanium listed in the ingredients list - only in their description??? There is no "Active Ingredients" listed?? and, don't you just love that price? |
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Aubrey Organics Green Tea Sunblock SPF 25 $7.45 Sale price for 4 oz Tube (lotion) |
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"This herbal formula offers full spectrum, UVA/UVB protection, plus antioxidant-rich Matcha green tea to prevent free radical damage. This is the ideal sunblock for those with sensitive skin. This soothing lotion helps prevent the formation of cancer-causing free radicals and restores lost moisture with organic shea butter and organic jojoba oil. " |
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Aubrey Organics Titania Full Spectrum Sunblock SPF 25 $8.25 for 4 oz Tube (lotion) |
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"Provides UVA/UVB ray protection with titanium dioxide, a mineral that deflects burning rays off your skin, and PABA ester. Made with organic shea butter, white camellia oil and other emollients to keep skin soft and well hydrated for hours. Somewhat lighter jasmine scent then the Green Tea Sunblock." |
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Active Ingredients: For all the Aubrey suncreens we sell, active ingredients are Titanium Dioxide and Padimate O (PABA Ester)*** *** See Chemical List at top of page! Inactive Ingredients: Doesn't matter after reading the Active Ingredients! |
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This one is touted as "Organic" too!! This is getting more depressing by the minute. ..try searching "Mineral Sunscreen"..... |
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Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15 $12.95 for 6 oz. bottle (lotion) |
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"Excellent for normal to very dry or sensitive skin, this innovative antioxidant-rich formula contains mineral-derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as the only active ingredients. Careful blending is required to avoid a whitish cast on skin but this all-in-one daily moisturizer and sunscreen leaves a beautifully soft matte finish." |
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Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 6.36%; Zinc Oxide 2.19% (sunscreen agents). |
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This is "Pure Mineral" sunscreen? |
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All-Natural Sunscreen $10 for 4 oz (lotion) |
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***See the chemical list at top of page !
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Colorescience Sunforgettable (SPF30) Brush $45 Refill $30 |
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Safe for men, women and children &endash; won‹t rub off on your clothes & will not burn your eyes. The First All &endash;Powerful, Long-Lasting Sun Protection for YOUR BODY. Colorescience uses hightech nanotechnology to bring you AMAZING breakthrough in sun protection! Sea minerals (aka coral seaweed) to protect the Langerhans cells against ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Actives: 12% micronized titanium dioxide & 12% micronized zinc oxide. Lose the twenty minute wait. A whole new category in sun protection! Brush it on, pat it in and forgetabout it! |
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Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (12%), Zinc Oxide (12%) |
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Not too many chemicals ... and the Bismuth Oxychloride filler that makes sooo many people itch or break out! |
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Not many others available.....Except Premium Minerals' SuprSun and FunrSun
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