Is this cancer causing ingredient in your sunscreen?

image courtesy of mensjournal.com

Recently, the EWG, Environmental Working Group released its annual report regarding sunscreens and the results were electrifying!  Less than 8% of those studied-(approximately 500),  held up to their claims and could be recommended based on the

safety of their ingredients.  Since melanoma rates have been on the rise for decades could

Sunscreen be a culprit?

One controversial subject is the toxicity of their sun blocking ingredients.  Another new topic is the presence of retinol palmitate or other retinols, which are forms of vitamin A, think Retin A a prescription drug, which is known to accelerate photosensitivity.  In a recent animal study, 21% of mice pretreated with retinols experienced lesions compared to a control group.

The EWG is currently advising consumers to avoid sunscreens containing the substance.

An underappreciated dilemma with regard to sunscreen is that most consumers do not know how to use them properly.  SPF just refers to the fact that it extends the time one can spend in the sun without burning as opposed to those with unprotected skin.  Care must be taken to reapply every couple of hours.  Even with a high quality sun block care should be taken to avoid the most powerful rays, reflection in water etc…

Chemicals to avoid:

To make it onto EWG's safe list, sunscreens must:

• Be free of oxybenzone
• Be free of retinyl palmitate (a type of vitamin A)
• Provide a maximum of SPF 50, and
• Protect against both UVA and UVB sunrays

Are You Drowning your skin in Toxicity?

Oxybenzone is one of the most troublesome ingredients found in the majority of sunscreens. According to EWG's findings, 56 percent of sunscreens contain this harmful chemical. Its primary function is to absorb ultraviolet light. However, oxybenzone is also believed to cause hormone disruptions and the type of cell damage that can provoke cancer.  I also have major concerns with any chemicals that employ nano technology as these particles can leach into the systemic circulation.

My votes for sunscreens employ only physical mineral sunblocks such as: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and some essential oils.

Climb On! Mineral sunscreen was voted a number one off the EWG website and is the only sunscreen that we have offered ever in our natural pharmacy store.  FREE shipping on all orders and 10-20% on freshest products and all orders over $99  We also have an AMAZING skin boutique with all natural products that I have carefully developed. Visit it here!

Wishing you safe sunbathing!

Best of Health!

Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for top prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

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Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

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