Summer is finally here and for many of us, that means fun in the sun!
You would have to live under a rock to be unaware that exposure to the sun directly contributes to skin cancer. We are constantly bombarded with commercials and doctors warning us to never get in the sun without applying sunscreen, especially to our kids. And this is sound advice.
However, the problem with this billion dollar a year market is that not all sunscreens are created equal and in many cases, sunscreens do more harm than good. Recently, reports from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Consumer Reports have warned consumers against using many types of conventional sunscreens, especially on children.
There are two ways that sunscreen can protect the skin from sun damage. The most common way is with a chemical barrier. Chemical sunscreens use one or more chemicals including oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. New research by the EWG reveals that these chemicals are endocrine disruptors, estrogenic and may interfere with thyroid and other hormone processes in the body. Of the 1,400+ sunscreens tested by the EWG, only 5% met their safety standards and over 40% were listed as potentially contributing to skin cancer.
The most common sunscreen chemical, Oxybenzone, was found in 96% of the population by a recent study by the CDC. This is especially alarming since oxybenzone can reduce sperm count in men and may contribute to endometriosis in women. A warning has been issued against using oxybenzone, especially on children or pregnant/breastfeeding women.
More alarming, the Vitamin A derivative, retinyl palmitate, that is often used in sunscreens was shown to speed up the growth of cancerous cells by 21%.
Spray sunscreens have become increasingly popular in recent years, but have additional dangers, especially if inhaled. Consumer Reports warns that spray sunscreens should not be used on children and that adults should exercise caution and make sure not to use on the face or inhale them.
The EWG’s most recent report listed Neutrogena as the #1 sunscreen brand to avoid, citing high concentrations of oxybenzone and other hormone disrupting chemicals, and misleading claims about their SPF levels.
The other option: Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens are typically considered a safer option, but with a few caveats… Some mineral sunscreens also contain the chemical ingredients above and have the same risks. Additionally, if nano particles of zinc oxide or titanium oxide are used, these can be easily inhaled and enter the body and carry risks as well.
The safer Mineral Sunscreen:
Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 by Beautycounter, does not contain any of these dangerous chemicals. In fact, they have banned more than 1,500 ingredients from all of their products, including sunscreens, setting a new health and safety standard. Because the founder was concerned about what she was using on her own kids, a safer sunscreen was one of the first products she developed.
This lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide and evaluates its particle size to ensure there is no potential risk of respiration when sprayed. Therefore, it does not enter the bloodstream to cause harmful effects to the body. This physical barrier provides an effective shield from both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, it is delivered using only compressed air with no chemical propellants used in most aerosol cans.
Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and soothing California Poppy, it is gentle and pleasant feeling on the skin. It sprays on white to help guide application, then blends in easily, and dries quickly without an oily residue. It is also available in a lotion and a convenient sunscreen stick
Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 is not only healthier for your family, but also the planet. They banned Octinoxate or Oxybenzone, ingredients that are known to contribute to the collapse of coral reefs around the world, making their sunscreens safer for both people and our oceans.
All Beauty Counter products have a 60 day, no questions asked, money back guarantee. If you do not love any product, simply use the return label for FREE return shipping to receive a full refund.
For more information or to purchase, click HERE.
