Less Toxic Guide: for Sun Protection

The Less Toxic Guide reviews sun protection products and emphasizes on the potential dangers. With the thinning of the ozone layer, protection from the sun’s rays has become more important. There are two kinds of sunscreen – one works as a physical block, the other is a chemical block. The best known physical blocks are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, naturally occurring minerals more effective than some chemical sunscreens. They work as a barrier against sun damage.Chemical blocks work by absorbing ultraviolet rays before they reach the skin’s surface. PABA used to be the most popular sunscreen but it proved to be so harsh that most manufacturers no longer use it. Newer chemical sunscreens use benzophonones and cinnamates. Few studies have been published on the safety of chemical suncreens and their use is controversial. One study showed that significant amounts of oxybenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient, appeared to penetrate the skin.

 Two University of California scientists believe that the rise in skin cancer is linked with increased use of chemical sunscreens. They say chemical sunscreens offer a false sense of security resulting in excessive sun exposure. A study by the European Institute of Oncology shows that most people do not apply enough sunscreen to reach the level of protection indicated on the label. They say, in fact, an SFP-50 sunscreen applied at a typical less-than-recommended rate yields a practical SPF of only 2. After evaluating studies on sunscreen use and cancer, Marianne Berwick, an epidemiologist at the Memorial Sloan-Kittering Cancer Centre in New York concluded there is no evidence that sunscreens actually prevent skin cancer. In an article published in Preventative Medicine, Dr. G. Ainsleigh proposes that sunscreen use causes more cancer deaths than it prevents. He says more cancer deaths could be prevented by regular but moderate sun exposure instead of relying on the heavy use of sunscreens.

 A new study from the University of Zurich in Switzerland examined six commonly used chemical sunscreens for hormone-disrupting activity. Scientists discovered that five of the six chemicals, including benzophonones and cinnamates, seemed to mimic estrogen and recommended more studies to look at possible long-term effects. The Cancer Prevention Coalition, headed by Dr. Samuel Epstein, lists cinnamates and benzophonones as hormone disruptors. Some studies suggest sunscreen interferes with the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D and can cause hives and contact sensitivity.Until all of the evidence is in, it would seem prudent to cover up, or minimize sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the summer. Limit sunbathing and choose a mineral-based sunblock.Conventional sunscreens can also contain fragrance, dyes, mineral oil and other petrochemicals.

To view the complete “Less Toxic Guide to Personal Care Products” with their recommendations on preferred brands (natural, organic and regular) and easy to make recipes, please visit www.lesstoxicguide.ca