Why do we need sunscreen?

UVA: These are the aging rays that penetrate the deepest into the skin causing issues such as melanoma, and breakdown of structural elements such as Collagen and Elastin, speeding up skin aging. There is only one type of sunscreen that is effective against UVA and that is mineral sunscreen containing Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide.

UVB: The burning rays, even more damaging than UVA. It has been known that even one bad sunburn can trigger a carcinogen DNA mutation. UVB rays can be absorbed by chemical sunscreens and blocked by mineral sunscreen.

UVC: The MOST DANGEROUS of all UV rays. They are naturally filtered by the ozone layer. Sunscreens are ineffective against them, and that is why we don't hear too much about them from cosmetic brands. Considering that the ozone layer is now significantly thinner, with gaps above major metropolitan areas, due to pollution, it is crucial to limit sun exposure. When in the sun, it is advised to wear hats, sun glasses, and loose clothing to help protect your skin.

What's Chemical Sunscreen?

• Chemical sunscreen is unstable and breaks down overtime, therefore requiring penetration enhancers, preservatives, and various other chemicals to protect the formula. They also require more frequent application, which means higher toxic load on the body, increasing susceptibility to photo-allergies and contact dermatitis, with long term use.
• Chemicals in this type of sunscreen have been found in breast milk and urine after just one use, and detected in blood several weeks after application.
• They can be inhaled (sprays) or ingested (lip balms) possibly causing lung and organ damage.
• Not enough studies have been conducted to determine safety, levels of sensitivity and hormonal disruption.
• One of the most commonly used ingredient in these sunscreens is Oxybenzone. An FDA study found its levels 438 times above cutoff for systemic exposure (according to EWG.org). Oxybenzone has been found to cause skin allergies and disrupt hormonal balance. According to CDC-collected exposure data, adolescent boys with high Oxybenzone measurements showed low testosterone levels.
• Avobenzone, also commonly used in Chemical Sunscreens. This compound breaks down easily under the sun, which warrants the use of stabilizers in the formula, increasing the toxic load on the skin and body. It has also been found to be quite high on the rate of skin allergy.
• Study results continue to be mixed on chemical sunscreens but many have shown side effects such as lower sperm count, sperm abnormalities and alterations to the reproductive thyroid hormones in animal studies on mice exposed to Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.

At the Beauty Doctrine we are ruled by common sense, and while many cosmetic companies hide behind the fact that not enough studies have been done on humans to definitively prove the dangerous side effects of chemical sunscreens, continuing to promote potentially harmful products detrimental to human health, we feel that waiting for all the confirmations is a dangerous strategy. We choose to err on the side of safety, and strongly caution against any products containing Oxybenzone, Avobenzone or Octinoxate.

Something to think about:

You may want to pause for a moment and consider the main reason you want to use a sunscreen. If that reason is preventing skin cancer, then please think about all the other chemicals, found in sunscreens, that have been linked to breast cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, etc... Not to sound alarming, but you don't want to substitute one cancer for another. Please refer to this article for more information on harmful cosmetic ingredients that have been linked to cancer and other serious health problems. 

What's Mineral Sunscreen?

This refers to products containing Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. They are very stable ingredients that aren't absorbed by the skin, therefore deemed safer and less likely to cause allergic reactions. They work by absorbing sun rays as well as forming a shield deflecting UV rays away from the skin. Few if any particles have been shown to penetrate the skin. You may find Zinc in many products advertised for sensitive skin and diaper rash creams. It provides healing and protective properties. The level of protection depends on the percentages of zinc in the formula, which can go up to 25%. Bare in mind that the higher the percentage, the whiter and thicker the cream will be. We spent a great deal of time testing formulas and reading reviews on zinc-based sunscreens. Most negative reviews have to do with texture, difficulty blending, and a white cast. This is where personal choice comes in. You would have to make a decision on wether you want to sacrifice health for beauty & ease, or the reverse!

How to select a 'better' sunscreen?

• Prior to applying sunscreen, make sure your skin is well-hydrated. Hydrated skin can tolerate the sun better and may sustain less damage.
• Opt for skincare products with ingredients that have natural sun protection, although low in some cases, but helpful. The more the merrier! Carrot Seed Oil is said to have an equivalent of SPF30+. Red Raspberry Seed Oil contains SPF25+. Almond Oil, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter all have sunscreen of 5. You want these ingredients to be high on the list in order to have a levels enough to provide protection. We still recommend following with mineral sunscreen to ensure a broad spectrum protection.
• The higher the SPF, the better. Ensure you have at least a broad spectrum SPF 30.  Reapply often, especially after swimming and perspiration.

What are the best mineral sunscreens?

1-BloomEffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF 50

2- Odacité Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50 Mineral Drops

3- Earth Harbor Eclipse Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30

4- Salt & Stone Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Water Resistant SPF 30

Beautifully formulated to be easily bendable and light-weight. Packed with skincare ingredients such as Ashwagandha, Hyaluronic Acid and Green Tea Leaf Extract. Beyond that, it uses non-nano Zinc which makes it one of the safest sunscreens one can use. A winner on many levels, including value. A mere $18.     

5- Kari Gran Sunscreen SPF 30

Kari Gran Sunscreen is a Beauty Doctrine favorite! Its simple, hydrating and effective formulation can be worn on its own or over a light serum. A natural sunscreen that does double duty: providing broad-spectrum mineral protection against the sun’s harmful rays while moisturizing skin with naturally derived organic oils.

 If you have any helpful tips to share with our community, please don't hesitate to share in the comment below. Also, please subscribe to our email list here to stay informed on all things health & beauty, and check with us often. We will continue to grow this list as we shuffle through all the products out there. Please leave a comment with any questions. We LOVE to help!

Be well. Be safe. Be beautiful!

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Disclaimer:

As a blogger, my content may include affiliate links from advertisers. I may earn a small commission from actions readers take on these links such as a purchase, or subscribe. All my recommendations are based on my own research and personal trust in the products that I share. I am not a doctor or nutritionist. Please consult with your practitioner prior to using any products recommended.