What you must know about sunscreens before applying another layer

We can all agree that while the sun is vital and has many benefits such as helping our bodies make vitamin D, over-exposure can damage our skin.

So if you are prudent like most of us, you wear protective clothing, limit your exposure to sunlight, or use sunscreen with the appropriate SPF for your skin type.

But when it comes to buying a sunscreen product it can be quite confusing and overwhelming because of all the choices on the market, all claiming to be the best.

And, for the most part, you don’t think about the safety of these products, because after all, they are supposed to be safe and protect us, right?

Wrong!

Many of these products on the market contain harmful ingredients that can damage your health.

Studies have shown that many of the ingredients found in chemical sunscreens may be detrimental to your health and negatively impact the environment.

Here are a few chemicals to avoid when buying sunscreen

Avobenzone is one of the most widely used active ingredients in chemical sunscreens. It’s regulated as an organic, broad-spectrum UV filter. However, research has shown that the byproducts of avobenzone can cause allergic reactions and may also have hormone-disrupting effects.

Oxybenzone is a chemical of concern to doctors and researchers. It’s absorbed through the skin in significant amounts and has been linked to allergic reactions, hormone disruption, and cell damage.
Homosalate is often used in sunscreens because it absorbs short-wave UVB rays. It has been linked to endocrine-disrupting effects, raising concerns that it could contribute to breast and other hormonal cancers.

As a menopausal woman, anything that can disrupt your endocrine system and your hormones can further exacerbate your symptoms and can lead to other serious illnesses.

So what do you do?

Since all sunscreens are not created equally, you must be prudent when selecting a sunscreen product.

Select a natural sunscreen without harmful chemicals and irritants.

First, use the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Sunscreen 2024 Report and their verified list of sunscreens to help you select a safe product.

According to the EWG, only 1 in 4 sunscreens out of 1,700 SPF products meets their standards for ingredient safety and sun protection efficacy.

The EWG also indicated that products sold in the U.S. continue to fall short because of ongoing Food and Drug Administration inaction with about 66% of sunscreens on the market today do not adequately protect you.

Even more frightening, the report indicates that about 50% of sunscreens sold in the U.S. would not be allowed on the market in Europe because of insufficient protection against UVA rays.

The EWG continues to work to get the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve the quality of sunscreens.

Leave me a comment, and let me know your thoughts:-)

Source: The Environmental Working Group, Food Revolution.com and Dr. Axe.com

In Good Health,

Deon

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to provide medical advice. The purpose is to provide education and a broader understanding to my readers. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. I do not recommend or prescribe, or recommend changing dosage or discontinuing, any prescription medications or pharmaceutical drugs.