Summer Skin Protection

There are 2 types of sunscreen: non-mineral which are made from chemical formulas and mineral sunscreen which are made from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide formulas. The latter are less toxic. Environmental Working Group found 67% of sunscreens didn’t work and many, due to their chemical composition, may disrupt endocrine hormones and even mimic other hormones. Oxybenzone, one of the worst and most common chemicals found 96% in sunscreens, is found to connected to hormonal dysregulation, fertility issues both in females and males, and can cause allergic skin reactions. The EWG also found that the sunscreen products sold in the US would not pass in the European standards because they do not filter enough UVA rays. Thus, SPF is not a good indicator of UVA protection.

Children are more prone to toxic chemicals during development. That is why they should use less toxic sunscreens. Nursing mothers should also use nontoxic sunscreens to prevent chemicals in breastmilk. A study in 2010 found Oxybenzone present in 85% of mother’s milk which could lead to further developmental problems in the fetus and newborn.

Tips:

Sunscreen sprays tend to give inadequate protection because of the lack of thickness and increases the risk of inhaling the chemicals directly.
Most sunscreens block the body’s ability to produce Vitamin D. Tip – Get 10-15minutes of sunlight to help produce some Vit D and then apply your sunscreen for sun protection
Safest option – Cover Up – wear lightweight loose long sleeves, pants or long skirts.
Invest in a well-brimmed hat or sit in the shade

Internal Sun Protection

Limit processed foods, processed vegetable oils, processed grains, sugar – increase inflammation
Eating foods & herbs high in antioxidants such as – antioxidants slow the effect of aging by decreasing free radical damage
- goji berries, cranberries, blackberries, elderberries, dark chocolate, cilantro, kidney beans, pecans, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, parsley, ginger, basil
Supplement antioxidants – glutathione, lutein, quercetin, resveratrol, Vitamin C, D, and E
Astaxanthin –study in 2010 by Journal of Dermatoligical Science found Astaxanthin to act as an internal sunscreen and inhibit UVA effects of
Collagen – build collagen for skin

Best Sunscreens of 2018, Beach & Sport