Chemical Sunscreens: Harmful to Health & Planet
Are you aware that there is a hidden danger lurking in your everyday sunscreen? We often slather on sunscreen before stepping out, believing we're protecting our skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays and lowering our risk of skin cancer. However, the truth is that many commercial sunscreens on the market are filled with harmful chemicals that have the potential to cause a host of health issues.
Multiple studies confirm that many chemically-laden sunscreens contain ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone. These ingredients, among others, have been proven to disrupt hormone function and have been linked to endocrine disorders. In fact, a study by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered that plasma concentrations of these chemicals continue to increase on the third day after application and remain in the body for at least 24 hours after sunscreen use has ended.
Moreover, these chemicals don’t just harm us. They wreak havoc on our environment too. Octinoxate and oxybenzone are known to be toxic to coral reefs, contributing significantly to bleaching and death of these spectacular marine organisms. The gravity of the situation led Hawaii in 2018 to pass a bill banning sunscreens containing these chemicals from 2021 onward.
The good news? Not all sunscreens are bad! Introducing zinc-based sunscreens, a far healthier and safer alternative. Zinc oxide is a mineral that sits on your skin's surface and physically — rather than chemically — blocks harmful rays. It does not absorb into the skin like the other sunscreens, reducing the risk of any internal damage. Unlike most of its chemical counterparts, zinc oxide gives full-spectrum coverage, blocking both UVA and UVB rays. A review from the Skin Cancer Foundation found no toxicity issues with zinc oxide in sunscreen, making it an ideal choice for sun protection.
Taking a few moments to check the ingredients of your sunscreen can drastically improve your health and wellness. Opting for a zinc-based alternative is just one small step towards living a toxin-free and environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Remember, healthy living isn’t merely about plant-based food and keeping our bodies strong. It extends to the products we use daily. So, go ahead and swap your chemical sunscreen for a zinc-based one. Your body and our planet will thank you.