We all know sunscreen protects us from damaging sun rays which cause our skin to age, wrinkle and potentially result in skin cancer – but do we know the dangerous effects of sunscreen?
Sunscreen can contain harmful chemicals which absorb into our skin causing it to age and in some cases develop skin irritations. Our naturopaths at Hopewood have developed a list of Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to helping you to choose a safe sunscreen for your family to keep your skin natural, healthy and fresh.
DO’s
Zinc Oxide is an active ingredient which blocks the UVA and UVB rays rather than absorbing into your skin along with the harmful rays. It is a natural element and you should be looking for sunscreens that contain Zinc Oxide.
Titanium Oxide is a natural element that works similarly to Zinc Oxide. It blocks the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them and potentially building up within your body. Studies on both zinc oxide and titanium oxide show there is little or no saturation of these compounds by our skin. Sunscreens without Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide leave your skin exposed to 20% more radiation.
Titanium Oxide is a natural element that works similarly to Zinc Oxide. It blocks the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them and potentially building up within your body. Studies on both zinc oxide and titanium oxide show there is little or no saturation of these compounds by our skin. Sunscreens without Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide leave your skin exposed to 20% more radiation.
DON’TS
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) – Luckily most manufacturers have stopped adding this harmful chemical as it creates skin irritations within a huge 40% of the population. However when travelling to other countries make sure this chemical is not included in any sunscreens that you purchase.
Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 – These two chemicals have the dangerous potential to attack cellular components once absorbed into our skin. They may damage our DNA and may result in future health problems so best to avoid them.
Benzophenone, homosalate and octy-methoxycinnamate – After much research and tests these chemicals are said to dangerously affect our hormones, our brain and even reproductive organs. Doctors suggest choosing sunscreens without any of these chemicals.
Overall our advice is to choose Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide based sunblocks. This will helpt to ensure your skin maintains its natural minerals and oils, allowing you to age gracefully and beautifully.
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