Summer is here, a favorite time of many, including me. The beach, the most frequented place, the Sun can be our ally, but taking the proper precautions to protect ourselves.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source, sun exposure might help treat several skin conditions.
Also, medical studies reveal several benefits of the sun, among them, it is a source of Vitamin D, improves your sleep, reduces stress, maintains strong bones, helps keep the weight off, strengthens your immune system, fights off depression.
But they also warn about the risk of extensive sun exposure. They always recommend the right amount of time, wearing protective clothing, and using products that protect from UVB rays, as well as act by moisturizing and conditioning the skin.
Here are some warnings related to ingredients in sunscreens:
SUNSCREEN INGREDIENTS YOU SHOULD AVOID
The FDA recently released safety information about sunscreen, and their research showed that only two of the many chemicals in this product could be classified as safe. Here are some of the dangerous toxins you can find in most sunscreens.
1. OXYBENZONE
Oxybenzone is a significant hormone disruptor that can wreak havoc on your endocrine system. This chemical has been shown to lower testosterone levels in men and increase the risk of endometriosis in women. The FDA recently released a statement saying that sunscreen ingredients quickly absorb through the skin and stay there for weeks. That’s a lot of time for toxins to destroy your health!
On an environmentally friendly note, many chemicals in sunscreen, including oxybenzone, are horrible for the environment and damage coral reefs.
2. OCTINOXATE
Octinoxate is one of the leading chemicals companies use as a UV blocker. Like oxybenzone, it damages the environment so much that Hawaii has banned manufacturers from using it! This toxin is also an endocrine disruptor and can affect fertility and thyroid function.
This chemical is easily absorbed in the bloodstream, and it’s been found in breastmilk. It’s crazy how one toxin can affect so many people!
3. SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE
Synthetic fragrance is added to sunscreen to give it that “day at the beach” smell. The worst thing about synthetic fragrance is that a legal loophole keeps consumers in the dark.
There is such a thing as the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) transparency list, which includes over 4000 ingredients. So, what you see labeled as “fragrance” can be a combination of any of these ingredients. Many of the elements on this list are classified as carcinogens, too. On a surface level, synthetic fragrances can cause skin irritations and allergies. I’ll stick with my essential oils, thank you very much!
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