What You Need to Know About Natural and Safe Sunscreens

Medical researchers say that all sunscreens should be free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, SLS/SLES, paraben, PEG (polyethylene glycols), phthalates, propylene glycol, and other potentially dangerous chemicals.

Oxybenzone is a synthetic chemical that disrupts the nervous system and endocrine system. In some studies, oxybenzone is linked to cancer. When used it the sun, oxybenzone creates free radicals that may harm the body.

Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide Blockers

Many natural sunscreens also contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticle blockers. Some animal studies suggest that these ingredients are carcinogenic to humans and the ecosystem. Although all the evidence isn’t in concerning titanium dioxide and zinc oxide ingredients in sunscreen, it’s possible to avoid these ingredients in many natural sun-protective products.

Using these chemicals isn’t necessary to obtain full-spectrum UV skin protection from the sun. Learn more about safe, natural sunscreen products that protect human users and surrounding environments, such as delicate coral reef ecosystems.

Octinoxate and UV Radiation

Octinoxate absorbs UV rays like oxybenzone. However, octinoxate is known to cause dormant algae viruses to wake and multiply. Coral bleaching or coral death can occur when people use sunscreens containing octinoxate.

Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Some sunscreen products don’t protect the user from UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. Over-exposure to UVB rays causes sunburn. UVA radiation affects the deep support layers of the skin. UVA damage is responsible for wrinkles, premature aging, or skin cancer.

Select a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection. It’s necessary to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. According to SkinCancer.org, most so-called natural sunscreens use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to achieve broad spectrum coverage. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to warn consumers if the sunscreen product doesn’t offer broad-spectrum coverage. Look for the Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB label on sunscreen before purchase.

Sunscreen and Aging

Everyone wants healthy, beautiful skin. Most physicians in general practice tell their patients, “Avoid the sun and wear sunscreen every day.” A study in the “Annals of Internal Medicine” (2013) concludes that daily sunscreen use can reduce skin aging by approximately 24 percent.

Few doctors tell their patients about the kind of sunscreen to wear each day. Medical science supports the widespread belief that natural products are better for humans. It makes sense to buy a natural sunscreen product, but don’t assume that all sunscreen products labeled “natural” offer broad spectrum protection and safe ingredients.