Chemical Sunscreens Vs Mineral Sunscreens – Choose Wisely!

Chemical sunscreens are by far NOT the best choice you can make for yourself and family. Remember, manufacturers will never tell you the whole story on their labels. Instead you have to teach yourself to look through the ingredients contained in the product. They tell a much clearer story than what’s on the front of the package but that's assuming you know what the ingredients mean!

Whether you’re basking in the sun on the beach or skiing on a mountaintop, the effects of these chemical ingredients are the same. They can become noxious to some people and you never know if you’re one of them until it’s too late.

Years ago, most all of us bought sunscreens to protect us from the harmful rays of the sun. (Fear is always a useful driver for BIG CORPA sales!) Even today with all the new information available, people are still purchasing sunscreens in mass quantities because they want to avoid things like melanoma and aging skin. That’s understandable!

What’s doesn’t make sense is that in order to avoid getting cancer, you end up exposing yourself to chemicals that disrupt hormones and can screw up the thyroid. Not to mention these chemicals are harmful to the environment and wildlife.

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UVA, UVB, and UVC Breakdown

UV rays carry ionizing radiation which creates a chemical reaction inside the body. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause aging. UVB rays cause sunburn. UVC rays never reach the earth and are therefore not harmful.

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Harmful Ingredients in Chemical Sunscreens

The biggest worry with sunscreens is found in the ingredients. Quite a few chemical sunscreens cause allergic reactions, act like estrogen in the body and cause hormone disturbances, reduce sperm count, and some may even play a role in endometriosis.

The words “all natural” on the label means nothing. It is only when you read the ingredients that you truly understand what you’re investing your money in. This helps protect you from purchasing products that leave you and your family at risk.

*Note: The list below was posted by EWG (environmental working group). The ingredients are numbered from 1-10. Ten of course is the worst of the worst.

Ingredients in Chemical Sunscreens and Their Harmful Effects

Chemical Name	Health Concerns	EWG Rating	Skin Penetration	Allergic Reaction
Oxybenzone	hormonal disruption, associated with endometriosis	8	found in nearly all Americans, mothers’ milk	high
Octinoxate	hormone-like activity, reproductive/ thyroid/ behavioral alterations in animals	6	found in mothers’ milk	moderate
Homosalate	unstable/may breakdown upon exposure to sun	4	found in mothers’ milk	unknown
Octisalate		3	found in mothers’ milk	rare
Octocrylene		3	found in mothers’ milk	high
Avobenzone	may damage sperm	2	limited	high

Other Ambiguous Ingredients in Chemical Sunscreens

Petroleum Jelly, Mineral Oil – These give sunscreens their moisturizing qualities but they are made from petrol/oil. Not only do they cause skin irritation and acne, they are occlusive, which means they block moisture from being absorbed into the skin and they obstruct pores from releasing toxins.

Dimethicones and silicones – These give sunscreens their slippery feel and give some water resistance but they are also occlusive.

Synthetic preservatives like paraben and MIT (methylisothiazolinone) – Have been shown to cause neurotoxicity, fetal impairment, hormone disturbances, and allergic reactions.

Synthetic fragrance – Can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, skin irritation, asthma, and even cancer.

Retinyl palmitate – This is a synthetic form of vitamin A which is usually safe for humans. However, in concentrated amounts, it has been shown to increase chances of skin cancer, and may cause aging of the skin.

As you can clearly see, there are numerous GOOD reasons to ditch these problematic products and make a switch!

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Chemical Sunscreens Vs Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral and chemical sunscreens work differently in protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin and thus absorb UV rays. This process unfortunately allows UVA rays to radiate into deeper layers where they do their damage. Mineral sunscreens such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, form a roadblock on top of skin and reflect UV rays back up at the sun, which prevents UVA rays from being absorbed altogether. They also protect your skin from burning and that helps prevent the deadly cancer melanoma.

Mineral sunscreens are the single most reliable sunscreen today and 100 percent natural! Today’s mineral products like zinc oxide are nothing like they used to be. They no longer turn you totally white and make you feel greasy! They are far superior to ALL other products by far! Give them a try!

Other options include things like making your own sunscreens using ingredients like carrot seed oil and cocoa butter. Find a great recipe here! You can also take astaxanthin, a super cartenoid that helps form melasma in your skin- and blocks the sun from the inside out or wear white clothing or a wide-brimmed hat!

The best way to avoid problems is to avoid the risks altogether! Yes, chemical sunscreens are convenient but how long will you keep trading convenience over health?

Always consult your physician before using natural remedies, especially for anyone with preexisting conditions or anyone currently taking prescription medications. Although many efforts are made to ensure that the advice given on this site is professionally sound, the advice is not intended to replace a mutual relationship with a medical provider.

Related Pages on This Site

DIY Non Toxic Sun Protection Cream Recipe

Sunburned Skin - Prevent It if You Can or Treat It If You Can't!

How to Reduce Wrinkles - 7 Easy Pain-Free Options

Increase Collagen Production by Including These 12 Key Nutrients in Your Diet

The Trace Mineral Silica – Boost Collagen by Getting More of These 7 Foods

Which Nail Problems Indicate Health Issues?

How to Determine Your Skin Type

Resources

Sunscreen Chemicals are Killing You and Poisoning the Environment

Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid

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