Rethinking Chemical Sunscreen (Dangers of Chemical Sunscreen)

Posted 30/12/2019

Rất tiếc, mục này chỉ tồn tại ở Tiếng Anh (Mỹ). For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.

UVA rays are commonly associated with skin aging since these beams can cause fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s rays. Thus, putting on sunscreen reduces your chances of getting skin cancer, and prevents your skin from aging.

Harmful Effects of Chemical Sunscreens

1. Unwanted Health Problems

While sunscreens are beneficial, truth be told, some sunscreens have its dangers too.

The chemicals found in sunscreens can penetrate the skin and cause problems such as skin cancer or endocrine disruption. The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, among many others. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration called for more research on the safety and effectiveness of these chemicals.

The most common sunscreens contain chemical filters, the most worrisome being oxybenzone, which can cause allergic skin reactions (Rodriguez, 2006). The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to avoid using sunscreens with oxybenzone on children.

2. Serious Environmental Impacts

Apart from causing harmful effects on your body, chemical sunscreens can result in undesirable environmental impacts. In fact, actor Leonardo DiCaprio and his foundation have been sounding the alarm for years. “Thousands of tourists visit beach communities all over the world, all year long, and the chemicals in the sunscreen they’re wearing are detrimental to the reefs and marine life.”

So Long, Chemical Sunscreens!

By now, you may be considering finding alternatives to chemical sunscreens. Here are 3 great alternatives that will protect your skin.

1. Chemical-Free Sunscreens

Many chemical-free sunscreen options are being introduced, including Umbrella UV-Protection & Light-Diffusing Cream. It provides a mega-dose of SPF 70 in a water-resistant, matte-base. This no-nonsense, fragrance-free, water and sweat proof total blocker blends 3 antioxidant teas, a shine-absorbing micro mesh, and UV reflectors. Moreover, it protects for up to 40 minutes in water and is suitable for children and sensitive skin.

2. Capsules

Capsules that offer enhanced UV protection are a great alternative to sunscreen. Heliocare Purewhite Radiance Max 240 are vegetable-based capsules that help you to achieve more radiant and fairer skin.

Its main ingredient Fernblock^® is an extract from a fern originating from Central America. Fernblock^® is an ingredient that has many properties. To name a few, it has antioxidant properties and can prevent the formation of hyperpigmentation caused by UV rays. It also protects the entire skin surface, increasing the skin’s resistance against sunburn and redness by up to 300%! Not only that, but Fernblock^® also slows down aging by up to 55%.

Furthermore, the blend in White Tech Complex consists of goodies that are clinically proven to promote skin fairness and radiance.

Chrissy Teigen and her daughter Luna wearing Mott50’s swimwear

Photo: Aubrie Pick/ Courtesy of Chrissy Teigen

3. UPF Clothing

UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) swimwear and clothing by brands such as Mott50 are said to block up to 98% of UVA and UVB rays.

The UPF system was created especially for sun protective fabrics. For example, a fabric with a UPF rating of 50 only allows 1/50th of the sun’s UV radiation to pass through it. This means that the fabric will reduce your skin’s UV radiation exposure by 50 times in areas where the skin is protected by the fabric.

Consider switching to these alternatives to spare your skin from the negative effects of chemical sunscreens. And of course, always protect your skin from the sun’s damage.