Ever wonder how sunscreen can actually “screen” the sun? Well, for starters, there are specific ingredients that work to block the rays. The FDA regulates those ingredients that can be used as sunscreen agents. Materials such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can do the job. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, that is where the FDA stops its regulation. It has been 33 years of the FDA dragging its feet to set specific standards for sunscreen manufacturers.
The Environmental Working Group summed it up in its 2011 Sunscreen Guide. There are too many “what ifs” in the sunscreen world and much debate as to whether most of the sunscreens available are doing their jobs! Both UV radiation and many common sunscreen ingredients generate free radicals that damage DNA and skin cells, accelerate skin aging and cause skin cancer. “An effective sunscreen prevents more damage than it causes”. The EWG group only found about 140 sunscreens that were both safe AND effective. THAT is scary!
So, what do I need to look out for? Toss your sunscreen if it contains any of these terrible chemicals: Para amino benzoic acid… Octyl salicyclate… Avobenzone… Cinoxate… Padimate O…. Dioxybenzone… Phenylbenzimidazole… Homosalate… Sulisobenzone…Menthyl anthranilate….Trolamine salicyclate… Octocrylene… and ESPECIALLY the notorious hormone disruptor OXYBENZONE or 4-MBC. According to EWG, Scientists have called for parents to avoid using oxybenzone on children due to penetration and toxicity concerns!
Vitamin A may have anti-aging properties, but according to EWG, recently available data from an FDA study indicates that a form of vitamin A, retinyl palmitate, when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions (NTP 2009). This evidence is troubling because the sunscreen industry adds Vitamin A to 30 percent of all sunscreens. Scientists have known for some time that vitamin A can spur excess skin growth (hyperplasia), and that in sunlight it can form free radicals that damage DNA (NTP 2000). If your sunscreen contains any form of Vitamin A, get rid of it!
Now, let’s talk about the preservatives used in these nasty sunscreens. Propylene Glycol is one of my favorite nasty guys because not only is it used to preserve personal care items, but it is used in everything from salad dressings to pancake syrup. It’s especially a bad dude because it is used to de-ice planes. Do you want something like that in your product? I sure don’t! Parabens. Those foul fellows are in practically everything and they are not alone! Parabens usually hang out with their friends and companies love to use more than one type! Sulfates are just as wicked.
Another thing you have to watch out for with mineral sunscreens are nano particles. Nano particles are so tiny we cannot see them. Because of this, they can get into your system by penetrating the skin and cause havoc. So, what’s worse, having minerals penetrate your skin or chemicals penetrate the skin? The answer is both. NOTHING should be penetrating your skin that is not safe! With your skin being your largest organ, you should definitely take an interest in what you are putting on it!
The sun is important! You need, I need, we ALL need Vitamin D. Most of us are deficient in it and it’s important, especially during the winter, to take a Vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D is crucial to so many cell functions. We often lose sight of that when we are slamming on the sunscreen. How can you tan safely? Make sure you use the right sunscreen, stay in the sun for appropriate amounts of time. Don’t listen to people who tell you to “stay in the sun for only fifteen minutes and you should be fine.” The amount of time that is appropriate for you is different than what is appropriate for someone else. You know your own skin. Be mindful of the temperature outside and the amount of sunshine versus clouds. Take special care of infants. Although the FDA does not suggest sunscreen for infants, I happen to believe the “right” sunscreen is better than infant sunburn! Remember, the sun CAN and WILL travel through clothes and hats. They help, but when you can’t get away from the sun, use a smart sunscreen.
At Poofy Organics, we stand by our products and we stand by our sunscreen. Our ingredients are completely safe for you, your babies, and your Earth! Each active ingredient in this outstanding product has been carefully chosen to specifically protect and nourish your skin.
Ingredients: Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Unrefined Shea Butter, Organic Beeswax, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Camellia Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, NON-NANO Zinc Oxide, Organic Rosemary Extract, Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Natural Vitmain E.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil has been used for hundreds of years to moisturize the skin. If you have skin sensitivities, it is likely to be mild and gentle on your skin.
Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is a non-fragrant natural emollient that serves up superior moisturizing and skin conditioning properties.
Shea butter: Shea butter is a natural plant lipid used as both a thickener and an emulsifier. What's more, it also has effective moisturizing properties.
Beeswax: Makes our sunscreen water resistant!
Rosemary Extract is a known cancer fighter and acts as a natural preservative so we don’t have to use any horrific chemicals!
Natural Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E): non-GMO Vitamin E is not only good for your skin, it also acts as a natural preservative.
As with all safe sunscreen lotions, you should re-apply frequently, especially after swimming, perspiring, or towel-drying.
As with all safe sunscreen lotions, you should re-apply frequently, especially after swimming, perspiring, or towel-drying.
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