What Sunscreen Is Safe to Use? What Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid
Summertime is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the sun. But it’s essential to ensure you’re using sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But not all sunscreens are created equal – some contain ingredients that can harm your health. So what sunscreen is safe to use? This blog post will tell you which ingredients to avoid in sunscreens and provide a list of our favorite safe sunscreens. Enjoy the summer!
Toxic Sunscreen Chemicals
Eleven sunscreen chemicals require further evidence from safety and effectiveness testing. The following chemicals should be avoided in a sunscreen:
Oxybenzone
The active ingredient in most sunscreens, oxybenzone, is thought to be harmful to sea life. Oxygen levels decrease over time and cause coral reefs even more damage due to their ability to remain in the environment long-term; it has also been linked with endocrine disruption, which can lead to hormonal problems later on down the line if not treated right away!
Avobenzone
The avobenzone in this product is stable and effective, but it breaks down quickly when exposed to sunlight. Once you apply the sunscreen alone, only 30 minutes will go by before half of what was initially present has broken down. This means that UVA rays are responsible for causing most damage because they get deep inside your skin layers which we cannot see until years later-and, sometimes not even then!
Zinc Oxide
Zinc oxide is a common ingredient in many sunscreens, often used by people who work outdoors or spend time near the beach (or both); if the sunscreen’s main ingredient is zinc oxide, it disappears quickly when exposed to intense UV light due to its chemical makeup. After about 2 hours, zinc oxide not only does it no longer become effective but can also get toxic to the skin.
Octinoxate
Another prominent UV protector found in chemical SPF sunscreens is octinoxate. Octinoxate is rated a five on the Skin Deep toxicity scale by EWG and has been related to reproductive and endocrine disruption. This indicates that topical treatment and marine life might have detrimental hormonal effects on people. Although it is often found in SPF sunscreens, Octinoxate may also be found in nail polishes, cosmetics, and skincare products. It is used to extend product life and prevent sun damage over time.
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide can be very toxic when inhaled, but this is still a common ingredient in cosmetics. This chemical is not as dangerous when mixed with sunscreen products UNLESS it is used as a nanoparticle; anything bigger than a nanoparticle will not be capable enough to get into the body’s system.
Homosalate
Homosalate is an organic compound that belongs to the salicylate chemical class. Salicylates protect the skin from direct sun exposure by absorbing ultraviolet radiation (UV Rays). Homosalate absorbs shortwave UVB rays, which are linked to DNA damage and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Octocrylene
Octocrylene may not show a harsh side effect, but traces of said chemical is found in the skin even after weeks of not using sunscreen. Children and those with sensitive skin should avoid octenate due to rosacea or eczema issues; also, anyone who plans on breastmilk as their source of nutrition while nursing should take caution in sunscreen usage since this can cause allergies like rashes.
Meradimate
Meradimate is considered safe, but it has been shown to produce higher levels of reactive oxygen species in the body.
Padimate O
The researchers found that PABA, a derivative of Padimate O, blocked the release of thyroxine, which is responsible for regulating metabolism. Suppose you have low levels and experience symptoms such as fatigue or weakness. In that case, it could indicate seeing your doctor about hypothyroidism. In the presence of this derivative, rather than protecting against the UV rays, these rays are more likely to damage the skin DNA.
Polyethylene Glycol Compounds (PEGs)
PEGs enhancers are chemicals that allow other components to pass through the skin more easily. It can be polluted with ethylene oxide, a chemical linked to several types of cancer.
Safe Sunscreen to Buy
So now that you know the dangerous ingredients, let us get into the safe sunscreen ingredients to look for when buying.
Many dermatologists believe that the greatest sunscreen is one that individuals will tolerate and use.
Tinosorb S and M
Tinosorb S and M is an ingredient commonly found in chemical sunscreens that can protect against both UVB and UVA rays, making it one of the ideal ingredients for sun damage prevention. It also helps stabilize other sunscreen filters, which makes this product perfect if you want your lotion or spray protection to last longer!
The ingredient is frequently added to sunscreen to increase its effectiveness. It has not been linked to any significant risk concerns.
Mexoryl SX
Mexoryl SX is a UV filter used in chemical sunscreens and lotions across the globe. It can block UVA1 rays, a longwave radiation that promotes skin aging-related diseases like squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carin. Trusted source shows it’s effective at absorbing these harmful radiations while preventing damage to your delicate complexion.
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is dangerous to the environment but is good for your skin. This is mainly found in physical sunscreens. Oxybenzone, often found in broad-spectrum sunscreens and one of the most popular ingredients for U.S based sunscreen brands, does not demonstrate any endocrine disruption according to research done so far. Oxybenzone helps filter both UVB and UVA rays (specifically shortwave length).
It doesn’t significantly demonstrate endocrine disruption and may even have some benefits like protecting against UVA rays that are not blocked by traditional sunscreens!
How to Choose a Clean Sunscreen
Now you know what to look for in a good sunscreen; I know there is a broad selection of sunscreen.
Read the Labels
When shopping for sunscreen, look for a product labeled as broad-spectrum with at least 30 SPF. This will ensure your protection against the sun’s harmful rays without unduly compromising skin thickness or barrier function with other ingredients to achieve this level of effectiveness. The EWG reported that there had been an increase in the number of sunscreens claiming to offer high SPF values. One problem with these claims is that they only apply to UVB protection. Sunscreen may not adequately shield your skin from harmful ultraviolet A rays that cause aging and possibly melanoma.
Learn the Difference between Sunscreen Types
It might be a piece of new knowledge to some, but there are types of sunscreen; common ones are chemical sunscreen, physical sunscreen, and mineral sunscreens.
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing into your skin, converting UV rays into heat, and releasing them from the body. They’re great for activities like swimming or playing sports where you need protection against water and airborne chemicals that can easily get absorbed in this formula!
Physical Sunscreens
The best type of sun protection is a physical sunscreen, which sits on top and reflects the rays. It can be less irritating for sensitive skin types and more moisturizing if needed! Newer brands offer tints with an even white cast that make blending easier while providing maximum coverage against UV ray damage.
Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens are ideal for people with sensitive skin and those who want to avoid chemical irritants. They work immediately, unlike the slow absorption time of 20-30 minutes typically required with most types of chemicals; this means you can use them while wearing your favorite face cream or foundation!
Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
The FDA says that broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against UVA –which causes wrinkles and skin cancer– and UVB rays. Most people tend to think only about sunburns when they use these products. Still, it is important for your protection and future health since many signs of aging are caused by exposure too early in life, such as unsorted wrinkles or gray hair!
Water Resistance
The sun is powerful and relentless. It’s also a threat to our health, with the FDA noting that sunscreen must remain effective in water for at least 40 minutes before it can claim “water resistant” status- but don’t forget about 80! As such, I recommend getting some products that offer this extra layer of protection against UV rays, so you’re not left vulnerable when splashing around on vacation or working outside during intense heat waves.
Conclusion
Sunscreen is an essential part of any summertime routine. Still, it’s crucial to ensure you’re using sunscreen that doesn’t contain harmful ingredients. This blog post provides a list of safe sunscreens and a list of ingredients to avoid in sunscreens. We hope this information helps keep your skin healthy and protected during summer. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
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