As you already know, it is extremely important that you wear sunscreen during the entire year. However, with so many different sunscreens on the market, how can you be sure that you are choosing the best one for your skin?
Sunscreens and its ingredients are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, and a strange as it may seem, FDA hasn't updated their position regarding sunscreens for more than 40 years. Finally, on February 21, the FDA decided to issue a statement where they announced a new proposal for sunscreen safety.
According to their findings, the FDA announced that sunscreens currently have 16 different active ingredients. But only 2 out of these 16 are considered safe to use - zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. PABA and trolamine salicylate, other 2 out of these 16 ingredients were actually considered not safe. In what concerns to the remaining 12 ingredients, the FDA stated that at this point, they don't have enough scientific data to determine if these are harmful or safe.
Here are the top 5 ingredients to avoid In sunscreen
Sunscreens and its ingredients are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, and a strange as it may seem, FDA hasn't updated their position regarding sunscreens for more than 40 years. Finally, on February 21, the FDA decided to issue a statement where they announced a new proposal for sunscreen safety.
According to their findings, the FDA announced that sunscreens currently have 16 different active ingredients. But only 2 out of these 16 are considered safe to use - zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. PABA and trolamine salicylate, other 2 out of these 16 ingredients were actually considered not safe. In what concerns to the remaining 12 ingredients, the FDA stated that at this point, they don't have enough scientific data to determine if these are harmful or safe.
Here are the top 5 ingredients to avoid In sunscreen
#1: Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3 Or BP-3):
Oxybenzone is a common ingredient found on most sunscreens on the market today since it absorbs both UVB and UVA rays. Even though this is a natural compound, you should avoid it. Some animal tests showed that this compound may disrupt the hormone system. In addition, some studies also show that oxybenzone penetrates your skin and that it can increase the production of DNA-damaging free radicals.
#2: Octinoxate:
Octinoxate is also a common ingredient found in most SPF sunscreens because it is the less irritating for your skin while protecting you from UVB rays. FDA only allows it to be used when the skin care formulations are 7.5%. Nevertheless, there are some concerns about it. The truth is that when this compound is exposed to sunlight, it won't be as effective in terms of absorbing UVs. In addition, the exposure to UV rats led to the production of free radicals which continued even after the exposure had ended.
#3: PABA:
As we already mentioned above, the FDA statement was clear to state that sunscreens using PABA shouldn't be used. While this natural chemical can be found in a wide variety of foods such as meat, milk, eggs, and grains, the topical use isn't recommended.
#4: Homosalate:
Homosalate is another organic compound that protects your skin from UVB rays, especially short-wave UVB rays. The main concerns around Homosalate are related to the hormone changes including progesterone, androgen, and estrogen.
#5: Octocrylene:
Octocrylene absorbs both UVB rays as well as short-wave UVA rays and it also moisturizes your skin at the same time. The main concern related to Octocrylene is the fact that it can increase the production of free radicals when you are exposed to the sun. So, you will be increasing the odds of skin cancer and premature skin aging.
What Natural Sunscreen Actually wok?
Here are top three natural sunscreens
You should also consider using a natural moisturizing SPF.
The truth is that moisturizers with SPF do not protect us as well as regular sunscreens [sources: study from University of Liverpool]. But they are not a waste at all because they are perfect to provide some level of protection against the sun. And, it is better to use and moisturizer with SPF then no sunscreen at all. Download effective natural SPF 30 and above by accessing my free resource library below.
- Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Clear Zinc Lotion for Sensitive Skin, Kid-Safe, Also work great for dark skin tones
- Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen | Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, 95% Organic, Tinted Options
- Juice Beauty SPF 30, Sport Suncreen, Waterproof - perfect for sport
You should also consider using a natural moisturizing SPF.
The truth is that moisturizers with SPF do not protect us as well as regular sunscreens [sources: study from University of Liverpool]. But they are not a waste at all because they are perfect to provide some level of protection against the sun. And, it is better to use and moisturizer with SPF then no sunscreen at all. Download effective natural SPF 30 and above by accessing my free resource library below.
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