The most common ingredients in non-mineral sunscreen products are known hormone disruptors.
Retinyl palmitate and skin cancer
Retinyl palmitate is an ingredient composed of palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A). When exposed to UV light, retinol compounds break down and produce toxic free radicals that can damage DNA and cause gene mutations, which is a precursor to cancer.
Recently available data from an FDA study indicate that retinyl palmitate, when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions. FDA also raised a concern that extensive, daily skin application of vitamin A creams may build up in a pregnant woman’s body at high enough levels that may be toxic to the developing fetus.
This cream has been shown to increase the development of skin cancer lesions in mice during laboratory testing. The FDA has been aware of this increased risk for several years but has done nothing to get the ingredient removed from sunscreens.
Hormone Disruptors in sunscreens
The most common ingredients in non-mineral sunscreen products are octisalate (found in 59 percent), oxybenzone (52 percent) and avobenzone (49 percent). Oxybenzone can trigger allergic reactions, is a potential hormone disrupter and penetrates the skin in relatively large amounts. Some experts caution that it should not be used on children.
A number of sunscreen chemicals are known to permeate the skin. Laboratory studies, tests on volunteers and human bio-monitoring research have detected these chemicals in the general population. In the United States, the widely used chemical oxybenzone (or benzophenone-3) has been detected in 96 percent of the population (Calafat 2008, Wolff 2007). A recent European study detected four common sunscreen chemicals in mothers’ milk, indicating potential for exposure to the developing fetus and newborns (Schlumpf 2008). Indications of human exposure underscore the need for the FDA and other regulatory agencies to carefully review the toxicity of widely used sunscreen ingredients.
Safe sun exposure protects you from skin cancers
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Make your own natural sunscreen
Recipe from the video: 6T coconut oil, 2 T almond oil, 2 T zinc oxide (remove the clumps), 3 tsp shea butter, and 2 tsp bees wax pellets. Melt all ingredients together in a double boiler, then blend with an emulsifying blender while still hot to thoroughly blend the zinc oxide into the oil. Pour into jelly jar and allow to cool.
Another recipe for Homemade Sun Protection
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup, Unrefined Shea Butter
- 5 T Beeswax Pellets
- 2 T Zinc Oxide Powder
- 1/2 tsp Vitamin E oil
- 1/2 tsp Red Raspberry Seed Oil
Melt all ingredients except for the oils in a double boiler then stir in the oils. Pour into a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly. As it starts to solidify you will use an electric mixer to whip until creamy. Store in a mason jar. Use fingertips to apply to your skin for sun protection. This may melt if left in the sun but you can mix it up again, as needed.
Sun Burn Remedies
The goal is using smart sun protection and not overexposure and burning, however here are a few natural remedies that can help treat a sunburn.
Aloe Vera Gel- look for a natural variety that does not contain additive or preservatives, or scrape the gel from the leaf of the plant and gently dab on the skin.
Baking soda– mix four tablespoons of baking soda with 3 cups of cool water. Soak a clean cloth and then lay over the sunburned area, or take a bath in baking soda and Epson salts.
Skim milk– create a compress of skim milk and apply to your sunburn for half an hour every four hours until the pain subsides.
Vitamin E– open a vitamin E capsules and apply directly to the affected area.
Oatmeal Paste- make a paste using ground up oatmeal and water and gently apply to the skin.
Apple cider vinegar put into a spray bottle and lightly mist the skin. This will balance the pH of the skin and help it to heal.
Additional Resources
Using natural oils for sunscreen protection
Find products online:
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen – No Chemical Actives