The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Sun Protection

When it comes to protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, choosing the right sunscreen is crucial. Most commercial sun protection products contain ingredients that may not be as safe as you think. In fact, there are 5 common ingredients that have been used since the 60's and 70's and have been linked to various health concerns.

Before we talk about these potentially harmful ingredients, I want to share with you an incredible discovery that can be taken orally to assist in sun protection and has many other health benefits: Astaxanthin, derived from microalgae, offers significant benefits for sun protection due to its potent antioxidant properties. It is known to be 6000 times stronger than vitamin C in neutralizing free radicals, making it highly effective in shielding the skin from UV-induced damage. By reducing oxidative stress, astaxanthin helps prevent sunburn and premature aging caused by UV rays. It also supports skin elasticity and structure, potentially minimizing the formation of wrinkles and age spots. When used alongside a natural sunscreen, astaxanthin enhances the skin's defenses and contributes to overall skin health, thanks to its anti-inflammatory benefits.

What are the 5 dangerous ingredients?

1. Oxybenzone: Its side effects include rashes, severe itching, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Oxybenzone gets absorbed into the skin, unlike other chemical substances used in sunscreens. It filters UV rays from the sun, but in the body, it can mimic estrogen, interfere with testosterone production and disrupt adrenal hormones. This hormone interference could lead to hormone related cancers such as breast cancer. The Environmental Working Group recommends avoiding sunscreens that contain Oxybenzone.

2. Octinoxate: It increases cell proliferation in cells that grow in response to estrogen exposure. Lifetime estrogen exposure is an established risk factor in the development and progression of breast cancer. Octinoxate affects other hormone systems as well.

3. Homosalate: Nearly half of all sunscreens in the United States contain it, yet Homosalate is a hormone disruptor for men and women. This means it messes with your endocrine system - the system responsible for regulating all the activity of your cells and organs, which has been linked to hormone disruption and can accumulate in the body over time.Homosalate has been banned in Europe per Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2195 of November 2022. It amends Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009,restricting the use of Homosalate (among others) in cosmetic formulas.

Octocrylene: This is a cornucopia of nasty side effects. It's considered a hazardous eye irritant and, as an allergen, is also known to cause skin allergies. As a hormone disruptor to coral, it also causes hormone disruption in humans, affecting estrogen production particularly in women and testosterone production in men. Another concern is the body's ability to absorb octocrylene, which can present in the blood, urine, and breast milk. It may promote the production of free radicals, which can damage DNA, potentially increasing the risk of melanoma.

5. Avobenzone: Due to the toxicity of avobenzone, it is recommended to avoid any products that contain it. As a sunscreen it is not very effective as it breaks down from UV exposure, only providing protection for about 30 minutes. Furthermore Avobenzone can mess with hormonal function as an endocrine disruptor, as well as harm the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.

Read your labels!

By being mindful of the ingredients in your sunscreen and opting for safer alternatives, you can protect your skin without compromising your health. Remember, the sun is essential for vitamin D production, but it's important to shield your skin from its harmful rays with a safe and effective sunscreen.

What are UVA and UVB rays?

When it comes to sun protection, most people are familiar with the terms UVA and UVB. But why is it important to have broad-spectrum protection that covers both types of ultraviolet rays? Let's delve into the science behind it.

UVA rays are longer wavelengths that penetrate deep into the skin, leading to premature aging and wrinkles. On the other hand, UVB rays are shorter wavelengths that primarily affect the outer layer of the skin, causing sunburns and skin cancer.

Why do we need broad-spectrum protection?

Using a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection is crucial because each type of ray can cause different types of damage to the skin. UVA rays can lead to long-term skin damage and aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and skin cancer.

How does broad-spectrum protection work?

Sunscreens with broad-spectrum protection contain ingredients that can absorb or reflect both UVA and UVB rays, providing comprehensive coverage against the harmful effects of the sun. This helps to prevent sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer.

What are the benefits of using broad-spectrum protection?

By using a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, you can ensure that your skin is shielded from both UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. It is an essential step in maintaining healthy skin and protecting yourself from the harmful effects of the sun.

Remember, when choosing a sunscreen, always opt for one that offers broad-spectrum protection and does not contain any of the above 5 toxic ingredients.

At Pure Skin Science we have crafted incredibly effective antioxidant products that protect your skin from sun damage based on plant extracts which have naturally occurring sunscreens, and we add non-nano zinc to have reliable broadband protection. Look for our Blueberry Powerhouse for daily protection, Antioxidant Moisturizer for outdoor activity or swimming, and Blueberry Silk (no zinc) for full body plant based protection. Don't forget to re-apply every 2 hours and after swimming.