And don't be fooled by "high" sun protection factor (SPF). Many believe that the high SPF is no more effective than others with a lower number, and that it gives folks a false sense of security. Please take a moment to read this article that provides more detail on the types of sunscreen to avoid...and ones to try: (Click on the link)
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/green/sunscreens-to-avoid-2488130/
In my post from May 3, Skin is In, I mentioned that it was important to use sunscreen and listed Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 30 as the one I was currently using. Well according to the article, this sunblock contains "oxybenzone" which it turns out can cause 'allergic reactions and is a potential hormone disruptor.' Well, Penny needs no help disrupting the hormones so I will be shopping this weekend for a new sunblock from the following 'recommended' list. LOL! (read full story...)
Safer, Affordable Sunscreens:
•Alba Botanica Sun: Mineral Sunscreen Fragrance Free, SPF 30
•Alba Botanica Sun: Mineral Sunscreen Kids, SPF 30
•Aubrey Organics Natural Sun Saving Face Sunscreen, SPF 15
•All Terrain Aquasport Performance Sunscreen, SPF 30
•All Terrain KidSport Sunscreen, SPF 30
•BabyGanics Cover Up Baby Sunscreen for Face & Body, Fragrance Free, SPF 50+
•Caribbean Solutions Natural/Biodegradable SolGuard, SPF 25
•Caribbean Solutions Sol Kid Kare Natural Sunscreen, SPF 25
•Earth's Best: Sunblock Mineral Based, SPF 30+
•Goddess Garden Kids Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+
•Goddess Garden Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+
•Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas: Mineral Natural Sunblock, SPF 30
•Johnson & Johnson's Baby Daily Face & Body Lotion, SPF 40
•Mexitan Products Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 and SPF 30
•MelanSol Natural Sunscreen for Face and Body, SPF 25
•Nature's Gate Mineral Sportblock, SPF 20
•Purple Prairie Botanicals SunStuff, SPF 30
•Solbar Zinc Protection Cream, SPF 38
•Sunbow Dora the Explorer Pink Sunscreen, SPF 30
•Tropical Sands All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 50 and SPF 30
•Vanicream Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin, SPF 30
•Vanicream Sunscreen Sport, SPF 35
I have seen some of these brands in my local Whole Foods grocery store and Target. Some of these brands I've never heard of. The key is to pay attention to your time in the sun. Wear the proper clothing and limit your exposure. And remember, people of all complexions and skin types need to protect themselves from the sun.
Hope this was helpful. .
Be blessed. Be beautiful.
P
What Are Hormone Disruptors?
ReplyDeleteScientists believe that many synthetic chemicals act as endocrine disruptors, or hormone disruptors, interfering with our bodies' natural hormone systems and causing a wide array of health problems. Hormone disruptors often act by imitating our natural hormones. Our bodies are "fooled" by these toxins, which can bind to the same sites to which natural hormones bind, thereby altering, magnifying or blocking the function of the natural hormones.
One hormone often imitated by toxins is estrogen. Toxins that imitate estrogen are called xenoestrogens and may be linked to high rates of breast cancer, endometriosis and other reproductive problems in women and decreased sperm counts, prostate and testicular cancer in men. Research shows that other health problems which are on the rise, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes and behavioral abnormalities in children, may also be linked to chemicals interefering with our hormones.
How can we reduce our exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals? One of the best ways is to educate ourselves on which products contain these chemicals and find safe alternatives. We can also act in our communities to reduce the levels of harmful chemicals in our homes, schools, parks and workplaces.