Getting enough sun is essential for our body to produce vitamin D, to decrease your risk of viral infections, autoimmune diseases, depression and high blood pressure. We also know that too much sun exposure can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer amongst other problems.
Avoid TOXIC Sunscreens – DIY Natural Sunscreen Recipe – 5 INGREDIENTS
So how can we get enough vitamin D without the risks of skin damage from the sun? According to Dr. Eric Berg DC, the answer is to expose ourselves to sunlight without sunburn.
Sunscreen is essential for protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, to prevent sunburn, premature ageing and skin cancer. BUT, did you know that some commercial sunscreens may contain toxic ingredients that can cause more harm than good?
They are known to disrupt hormonal balance and cause environmental issues.
If you’re looking for alternatives, reef-safe sunscreens with mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are a great choice.
It’s true that our skin, being the largest organ, interacts with countless substances daily, it’s vital to be mindful of what we apply or expose our bodies to. These cumulative exposures—whether from skincare, diet, or environmental factors—can indeed add up, potentially affecting overall health.
Reducing your “toxic burden” involves small, mindful adjustments, like:
- Opting for organic produce to minimize pesticide exposure.
- Using natural, chemical-free personal care and cleaning products.
- Avoiding plastic containers, especially for hot food or liquids.
Maintaining a balanced diet to support your body’s natural detox systems.
Making these changes can help “empty the cup” and lighten the load on your body. It’s all about what you can control, even in a world of unavoidable exposures!
Toxic Chemical Ingredients
Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
Oxybenzone (aka benzophenone-3), found in some sunscreens, is linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, allergic reactions, and environmental harm, prompting bans and concentration restrictions in various regions.
Octinoxate is a chemical UV filter that absorbs into the skin and can exceed safety thresholds in blood samples. It has been linked to hormone disruption, thyroid effects, and allergic reactions. Additionally, it poses environmental risks, prompting bans in certain regions. 1
“When at effective levels, certain chemical UV filters, namely oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been found to negatively impact coral reefs and contribute to coral bleaching,” says dermatologist, Tiffany Libby, MD.
What Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreen, According to Dermatologists
Homosalate
Homosalate, a chemical UV filter widely used in U.S. sunscreens, is flagged by the FDA for insufficient safety data. Known to penetrate the skin, it may disrupt hormones and act as an endocrine disruptor. The European Commission suggests a limit of 1.4%, while the FDA permits up to 15%. 2
Homosalate has been linked to skin allergies and hormone disruption,” Dr. Aanand Geria
What Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreen, According to Dermatologists
Octisalate
Octisalate is a chemical UV filter that absorbs into the skin at levels 10 times higher than the FDA’s safety threshold. The FDA has requested additional tests to determine its safety and effectiveness, citing concerns about allergic contact dermatitis. 3
Octocrylene
Octocrylene, a common ingredient in sunscreens and cosmetics, has been linked to potential health concerns such as allergic reactions, endocrine disruption, and the formation of benzophenone, a carcinogenic compound, as it ages. It may also pose risks to marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. The FDA has insufficient data to classify it as GRASE “Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective,” The European Commission found some evidence of hormone-disrupting potential but considers concentrations up to 10% safe for use. 4
Avobenzone
Avobenzone, a widely used non-mineral UV filter for UVA protection, is often paired with stabilizers due to its instability in sunlight. It absorbs into the skin at levels nine times above the FDA’s systemic exposure limit, and its breakdown products may cause allergic reactions. Additionally, avobenzone has been linked to endocrine disruption and the inhibition of testosterone effects in cellular studies. 5
“It is destabilized upon light exposure, so it is often coupled with other ingredients to maintain its efficacy at protecting skin from UV radiation. Avobenzone has been reported to be a possible cause of allergic contact dermatitis,” Brendan Camp, MD.
What Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreen, According to Dermatologists
Retinol (Vitamin A) and Retinyl Palmitate
Retinol (Vitamin A) is vital for metabolism but can cause toxicity with excessive exposure, potentially affecting reproduction and development. When exposed to UV light, it breaks down into free radicals that can damage DNA and lead to gene mutations, increasing cancer risk. An FDA study suggests that retinyl palmitate, a derivative, may accelerate skin tumors and lesions under sunlight exposure.
Retinol is the pure form of vitamin A, while retinyl palmitate is a derivative, formed by combining retinol with palmitic acid. Retinyl palmitate is less potent than retinol and often used in skincare for its stability, making it suitable for more sensitive formulations. However, both can break down under UV light and produce free radicals, which may harm the skin when exposed to sunlight. 6, 7
“This form of vitamin A is added to sunscreens as an antioxidant. However, it can potentially increase the risk of skin cancer when exposed to sunlight,” says dermatologist, Aanand Geria, MD.
What Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreen, According to Dermatologists
Fragrances
Fragrances in skincare may contain undisclosed chemicals due to trade secret laws, potentially causing skin irritation, allergies, hormone disruption, and cancer risks. Opting for fragrance-free products is often a safer choice, especially for those with sensitive skin. 8
Parabens and Methylisothiazolinone
Parabens are preservatives in cosmetics that may disrupt hormones, mimic estrogen, and cause reproductive and cancer risks, while also triggering allergies. Methylisothiazolinone, another preservative, is linked to allergic reactions, particularly in sensitive skin, and is a concern for those seeking hypoallergenic options. 8
“This ingredient (Methylisothiazolinone) can cause allergic reactions for some people, particularly those with sensitive skin,” Dr. Aanand Geria.
What Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreen, According to Dermatologists
What Experts Recommend
Experts generally recommend mineral-based sunscreens for sensitive skin, as chemical sunscreens can trigger allergic reactions. With zinc oxide and titanium dioxide recognized as “safe and effective” ingredients, are marine-friendly and safer for the skin. They’re often labelled as “biodegradable”. 9
SPF Is Not All It’s Cracked Up to Be
SPF ratings are an unreliable measure of sunscreen effectiveness, as they primarily focus on UVB protection and often neglect UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and cancer, according to EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens. High SPF products can create a false sense of security, leading to prolonged sun exposure and increased risks of UVA damage. Additionally, such products often contain higher concentrations of active chemicals, which may pose health risks without significantly improving protection. It’s recommended to opt for broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF values between 30-50 for balanced protection. 10
In conclusion, while sunscreen is essential for safeguarding our skin from harmful UV rays, it’s crucial to be mindful of the ingredients we use. Many commercial sunscreens contain chemicals linked to health concerns and environmental damage, making mineral-based, reef-safe options a preferable choice. Taking small steps to reduce toxic exposure—like choosing natural products and maintaining a balanced diet—can greatly benefit our overall well-being. By making informed choices about what we apply to our skin, we can protect both ourselves and the environment, achieving a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
Source
1-5. The trouble with ingredients in sunscreens | EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens
6. EWG Skin Deep® | What is RETINOL (VITAMIN A)
7. Toxic Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid – Amy Myers MD
8. What Ingredients To Avoid In Skin Care? – Derm Talk Docs
9. What Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreen, According to Dermatologists
10. The trouble with SPF | EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens
