Sun Safe Guide
Like many of us who live along the Jersey Shore, I am a full-blown sun seeker. I thrive on the feel good vibes from enjoying time under the sun. One of the biggest adjustments of my life was living in Seattle... that was when I learned the many benefits of 'Happy Lamps'.
Ever since I was a young girl, I've chased the rays of the sun for the warmth, bronze glow on the body and peaceful feeling from vitamin D & P (aka pleasure). Though it feels so wonderful to stretch out like a plump house cat, I don't do it without protection...
We are applying it to the largest organ in the body, so why not do it right?!
'It’s a scary reality that the vast majority of sunscreens stocked on American store shelves aren't as safe as most of us think they are. Many simply do not provide enough UVA protection, and some contain potentially hazardous chemicals such as oxybenzone, a hormone disruptor, or retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A linked to skin damage.'-EWG.org.
The market in so-called suncare products appears to be thriving. IBIS World, a market research company, reports that sunscreen product sales grew 2.6 percent a year between 2010 and 2015 and generated $399 million annually (IBISWorld 2015).
With this large of a market, there are many options to choose from in terms of sunscreen.
There are few ingredients to avoid when choosing a high quality sunscreen:
Oxybenzone and OMC, known as Octylmethoxycinnamate and Ureas
Both Oxybenzone and OMC are endocrine disrupters used in most skincare products and 90% of sunscreens. Amazingly these two chemicals used in sunscreens are known to be most toxic when exposed to sunshine.
Paraben, methylparaben, butylparaben and propylparaben
Used as a preservatives. Suspected endocrine disrupters and may interfere with male reproductive functions.
Mineral Oil, Paraffin, and Petroleum based products: Used in some products for shine and as a moisture barrier. Can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer.
Triclosan and Dioxane
Triclosan is endocrine disrupter widely used in antibacterial cosmetics and skincare products. According to researchers at University of California Davis, Triclosan impairs muscle function and skeletal muscle contractility. The leading author of the study, Isaac Pessah says that “Triclosan is found in virtually everyone’s home and is pervasive in the environment. These findings provide strong evidence that the chemical is of concern to both human and environmental health.”
Dioxane is a by-product of ethylene oxide. Dioxane has been linked to cancer brain damage, damages to central nervous system and kidneys and liver problems.
My favorites
- ISUN Sun Butter (I keep this one with me all summer long). Natural sunblock protection is provided with 18% transparent zinc oxide with additional UV protection from Phytoplankton extract (photolyase enzyme) and a range of phyto-antioxidants including carotene-rich buriti fruit oil from the Amazon rain forest. The active ingredients are blended into a base of butters and oils that offer additional natural UV protection. SPF equivalent of 15.
- Badger Damascus Rose Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 25: Lightweight and easy to apply, this daily face sunscreen lotion provides excellent broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays with non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide. It contains Damascus Rose, Chamomile, and Lavender soothe, refresh, and revitalize delicate skin. Seabuckthorn, Rosehip, and Pomegranate deliver potent antioxidants and vital nutrients.
- Adorable Baby SPF 30+ Sunscreen: Organic, Gluten-Free, Baby/Kid Friendly. Contains non-nano zinc oxide as UV protection.
Interersted in trying ISUN Sun Butter? Visit our shop page and enjoy it all summer!