So, what do you do about sunscreen if you need to be outside for long periods of time?
How do you pick a safe sunscreen?
Some sunscreens have carcinogenic ingredients and hormone disrupters that should be avoided: Oxtinoxate,
Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Avobenzone, and Retinyl Palmitate (a form of Vitamin A). Be sure to check any sunscreens for these ingredients; they absorb easily through the skin and are toxic when combined with sun exposure. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safe, active sunscreen ingredients to look for. They are not absorbed through the skin but reflect the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
Dr. Elizabeth Plourde, in her research paper “Exposing the Hazards of Sunscreen,” says there is concern that “sunscreen chemicals should be examined in relation to rising autism rates.” If you are interested in this subject, read her paper. (2) She also found that they were the reason coral reefs are dying. She also found that sunscreens are a major toxin to coral reefs and could be a predominant factor in their decline. When exposed to sunscreens, “Coral dies in 96 hours. Plankton dies, jeopardizing our vital-to-life source of food and oxygen. Fish become intersexed, and some even stop spawning.” If you are interested in any of these subjects (autism, coral death, etc.), I recommend reading her papers or books. (They are trying to ban these toxic sunscreens from Hawaii, because they are harming the coral reefs and aquatic life.) Aquatic life is threatened by these toxins in sunscreens. Do not wear them into the water, if you have them on. Wash them off first.
Which Sunscreens Are Safe to Buy?
Thinkbaby and Thinksport **
UV Natural *
Soleo Organics *
Badger *
Loving Naturals *
Purple Prairie Botanicals *
Beyond Coastal
UV Natural is a good sunscreen, and one of the safest. It contains 24.8% zinc oxide and green tea extract, grape seed, and macadamia nut oil.
I personally don’t wear sunscreen, unless it is made of non-toxic essential oils and then only when I’m at the beach all day long and unable to get under some shade. Also, I drink and eat a lot of foods that can provide some natural sun protection. Drinking carrot juice or eating carrots also gives the body some natural sun protection due to beta carotene.
I think getting sun is healthy, but too much of it can be a problem for many people. So, try to have some shade near-by or a hat or clothing to naturally protect your skin from too much sun. This can be a good way to protect yourself from sunburn without having to worry about toxic sunscreens.
I love the sunshine, but I’m careful not to get burned. I hope this helps you to have a wonderful time outdoors enjoying the fresh air and sunshine!
By Nancy Addison CHC, AADP
Nancy Addison is the award-winning author of 6 health and nutrition books/cookbooks.
Sources:
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Dr. Joseph Mercola. “Slathering on Sunscreen Does Not Prevent Cancer.” Dr. Joseph Mercola’s website. articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/08/02/sunscr een-cancer.aspx
2.“Exposing the Hazards of Sunscreen.” Elizabeth Plourde, CLS,NCMP, PhD. Price-Pottenger Journal Vol. 36, No. 1.3. “Sunscreens Exposed: 9 Surprising Truths.
3. & 4. EWG’s Skin Deep—Sunscreens 2011.” Environmental Working Group website. June 20, 2011. http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2011/06/9- surprising-truths-about-sunscreen/.
