Sunscreen – the true facts

While sitting outside, enjoying the wonderful weather on Australia Day in the company of great friends, there was a moment where everyone was slathering on sunscreen and it dawned on me, people just don’t know how bad this product can be.  Instead of getting on my soap box and ranting about how bad another product is (something my friends know I do a lot!!), I thought writing might be a better choice this time.

My issues with sunscreen started after I had allergic reactions to every sunscreen I tired.  My skin would break out in a rash with tiny spots that were incredible itchy.  While studying Building Biology, I discovered just how bad sunscreen really can be and was not at all surprised I was having allergic reactions to this chemical cocktail that we put on our skin.

People are much more sun aware these days and sunscreen use is higher than past years but the rate of skin cancer continues to grow.  Most sunscreens do not protect us against harmful UVA and UVB rays; they can damage your skin and most alarmingly increase the risk of cancer and contain chemicals that affect our hormones.

Yesterday, while sitting in the shade of a gum tree, I could smell coconut, I love the smell of coconut, Mmm “who has coconut”, no one, it was a sunscreen.  As great as it smelt, fragrance can contain hormone disrupting chemicals.

There are two types of sunscreen – mineral and non-mineral. Mineral formulations contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, some of which contain nanoparticles which can penetrate the skin and be toxic.   Non-mineral screens can contain oxybenzone, octisalate, octinoxate, and avobenzone.  The EWG are stating that experts caution that oxybenzone should not be used on children.  Oxybenzone, can trigger allergic reactions, is a potential hormone disruptor and penetrates the skin in relatively large amounts (EWG, 2011).    

For sun protection, I personally try to avoid using sunscreen.  I’ll wear sunglasses, a hat and try to stay in the shade.  Don’t avoid the sun though, sun is good for us, everyone needs a good dose of vitamin D but try to stay in the shade in the hottest part of the day.   After a lot of research, when I do wear sunscreen, I choose Wotnot. Invisible Zinc is also a good option.

For a list of sunscreens that are nano and chemical free and ones that contain nano's, click here:

References

Environmental Working Group. 2011. Sunscreens 2011. (Online). Available: http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/sunscreens-exposed/nanomaterials-and-hormone-disruptors-in-sunscreens/

Friends of the Earth. 2011. Safe Sunscreen Guide 2011-12. (Online). Available: http://nano.foe.org.au/safesunscreens

WotNot. (2009). (Online). Available: http://www.wotnot.com.au/

Welcome to the new look EcoClimate website - a rather simple site.  I will be using the blog to keep you informed on lastest energy efficient building materials aswell as giving advice on how to make your home energy efficient and healthy.  We spend so much time in our homes, it's important to feel comfortable in your own sanctuary.  I'm very passionate about building biology, which looks at what's in or around your home that can make you sick, so I will be blogging about it a fair bit.  If you have any questions or would like certain topics discussed, please comment or send me an email - sales@ecoclimate.com.au