Most people have felt the sting and burn from over-exposure to the
strong sun on an Aussie summers’ day. We’ve always been told the
importance of ‘Slip, Slop, Slapping!’, and re-applying sunscreen every
two to three hours.
What we haven’t been told is the toxicity of sunscreen, and the carcinogenic chemicals added to boost its’ effectiveness. Take a look at how your innocent looking sunscreen could in fact be poisoning you with every use.
Strong marketing campaigns over the last few decades have taught us to re-apply sunscreen repeatedly to ourselves and our children while outdoors in order to protect our skin and our health.
The problem is that most sunscreens may be just as detrimental to our health than too much sun.
The
truth is that most sunscreens on the market contain dangerous toxic and
carcinogenic ingredients, that may actually increase your chances of
developing skin cancer and other pathological disorders.
Common sunscreen ingredients are suspected or known carcinogens and/or hormone disrupters, including:
- dithanolamine
- triethanolamine (DEA, TEA)
- padimate-o
- octyl dimethyl PABA
- benzophenone
- oxybenzone
- homosalte
- octyl-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate)
- salicylates
- and parabens.
The results of numerous studies suggest that many of the popular
sunscreens could contribute to cancer due to their mutagenic and
free-radical generating properties.
Perhaps a more disturbing finding is that many of the chemicals commonly used in sunscreens have strong estrogenic actions that may in fact interfere with the normal sexual development, and could cause reproductive problems.
Chemicals in sunscreens can also cause skin irritations, itching and ongoing rashes.
Octyl
Methoxycinnamar (OMC) is a common ingredient found in up to 90% of
sunscreens currently available on the market. This ingredient is
actually an attracter of UV, making it twice as toxic during sun
exposure. This increase in attraction of UV rays is actually increasing
your chances of developing cancer of the skin.
Another ingredient called Psoralen also increases your skin cancer
risk by as much as 83%. This is simply shocking considering that 35% of sunscreen applied to the skin is absorbed directly into the blood stream.
Studies
have shown that some of the chemicals in sunscreen are absorbed into
the bloodstream in significant amounts. The longer these chemicals are
left on the skin, the greater the absorption into the body.
According
to Dr. Cameron Hayden (University of Queensland, Australia), when asked
about oxybenzone, which is a compound chemical derivative common in
most sunscreens; "It would be prudent not to apply oxybenzone to large
surface areas of skin for extended and repeated periods of time, unless
no alternative protection is available.
There may be additional concern for young children who have less
well-developed processes of elimination and have a larger [skin]
surface area per body weight than adults, with respect to systemic
availability of a topically applied dose."
Strange though that is is exactly how sunscreen is used.
Dr. Hooper’s Comment:
While
too much sun can cause sunburn and skin damage, moderate sunshine is
crucial to health. Everyone needs adequate amounts of sunlight everyday
to stay healthy.
Sunshine is the main source of Vitamin D, which helps to reduce the risk of many cancers and other diseases.
It is simply a case of moderation.
How much sun is too much
is dependent on individuals. Daily sun exposure can be done with the
safety of a hat, clothes and active movement - there is no need to
sunbake.
Ensure that your children get around 10-15 minutes everyday in the
sun, making sure that they are wearing a wide-brimmed hat and
sufficient clothing.
Parents have long been in the habit of
generously applying sunscreen to their children every day during
summer. As you read above, this is not a good idea as sunscreen can be
toxic, and is certainly not something you want to be rubbing into your
child’s body every day.
You may be thinking now that there are no other options.
The good news is there are natural alternatives to mainstream sunscreen products.
Natural Instinct’s Mineral Sunblock Lotion is an effective natural sunblock with no chemical absorbers and no titanium dioxide.
It
is a broadspectrum, low irritant, non-greasy product that is made from
natural, vegetable based oils and ingredients from naturally derived
minerals. It is ideal for sensitive skin, and is suitable for the
entire family.
I cannot recommend this product highly enough.
Not only is is completely chemical free, but it actually works unlike
other natural products.
I would strongly suggest keeping a bottle in the car, in the home and in your child’s school bag.
