Protecting your Skin this Summer
Would you believe that most of the sunscreen products we put on our bodies are causing more harm than benefit? That by trying to protect yourself from skin damage you are exposing yourself to hormonal disruptors brought on by these products? This blog post is written as a means of providing evidence-based information regarding some of the widely used products and helping readers to make informed decisions when selecting alternatives.
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What are you putting on your body?
The active ingredients in sunscreen function as mineral (natural) or chemical (synthetic) UV filters that protect us against the sun. However, the most common sunscreen products contain harmful chemical filters. These typically include a combination of the following ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. Comparably, the natural sunscreens on the market use mineral filters, such as zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
Why should you care?
Until recently, I guess we didn’t care, mainly because we didn’t know how this impacted us. However, as of 2019, the FDA published two studies showing that oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone are all systemically absorbed into the body (Matta 2019, Matta 2020). They also found that these chemicals could be measured in blood, breast milk and urine after just one single use.
What does this translate into?
Several of these chemical filters have been labeled as endocrine disruptors.
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What does this mean?
These chemicals have the ability to alter our endogenous hormones, such as our reproductive and thyroid hormones (Krause 2012). Many of the animal studies done around this area have reported delayed puberty and growth development, altered sperm quality and reduced male and female fertility (Endocrine Society 2016).
Similar findings have also been seen in humans. At the National Institution of Health and the State of University of New York, Albany, the research team demonstrated that men with greater exposures to benzophenone-2 and/or 4-hydroxyoxybenzone had poorer sperm quality (Louis 2015) and longer time to conception (Buck-Louis 2014). As for females, exposure to oxybenzone and related chemicals has been linked to increased risk of endometriosis (Kunisue 2012).
Additional findings suggest that oxybenzone specifically, has been reported to produce contact and photocontact allergic reactions, which has been linked to certain diseases in humans.
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Is there an alternative?
With working with a Naturopath at Serene clinic, you will explore alternatives that are individualized to your skin. Evidence suggests that the mineral sunscreens made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide contain microscopic particles and only few, if any, penetrate the skin and reach systemic levels in the blood. Based on the EWG, mineral sunscreens tend to rate better than chemical sunscreens in terms of human safety.
Note: More research is needed in terms of natural sunscreens and their complete efficacy against full UV protection. Therefore, if you are at high risk for melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancers, consult with a health care practitioner to discuss appropriate measures to take. In addition to this note, complete abstinence from wearing any kind of SPF is not the correct alternative option to decrease exposure to hazardous chemicals in sunscreen. Over multiple exposures sans sunscreen, even those who do not have risk factors for melanoma will experience adverse effects of a greater magnitude from sun exposure than from using chemically looted sunscreen. At the end of the day, the take home message is: unprotected sun exposure over time can lead to adverse health outcomes, so sunscreen is warranted whether it be “clean” (preferred, pending more research is done) or “dirty.”
Talk to one of our Naturopathic Doctors at Serene Clinic to understand how to protect, enhance and rejuvenate your skin.
Links for more information:
Clean sunscreen options approved by the EWG:
https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens
Best Scoring sunscreens for kids approved by the EWG:
https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/best-kids-sunscreens
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Try using apps such as “Skin Deep” or “Think Dirty” to assess how ‘clean’ your products really are.
PMID: 28661208
PMID: 29086472
PMID: 30507815
FAQ’s
General Sunscreen Safety
- Is sunscreen safe? Some conventional sunscreens raise concerns due to potential hormone disruption from some chemical UV filters. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally considered safer options.
- What are the risks of chemical sunscreens? Certain chemicals in conventional sunscreens may be absorbed into the bloodstream and disrupt hormones. This can potentially affect fertility, thyroid function, and development.
- Can I get a sunburn without sunscreen? Absolutely! Unprotected sun exposure can lead to sunburn and increase your risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen is vital for sun protection, but choosing a safe and effective option is key.
Mineral Sunscreens
- What are mineral sunscreens? Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays. They sit on the skin’s surface and are less likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Are mineral sunscreens effective? When applied correctly, mineral sunscreens can be just as effective as chemical sunscreens for sun protection. Look for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
- Where can I find naturopathic doctors in Toronto offering advice on sun protection? Serene Naturopathic Doctors [naturopathic clinic toronto] offer consultations to discuss sun protection strategies and recommend suitable natural sunscreens [natural sunscreens toronto].
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Naturopathic Approach to Sun Protection
- What are some naturopathic tips for sun protection? In addition to sunscreen, naturopathic doctors may recommend sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. They can also advise on antioxidant intake to support skin health.
- Can a naturopath help me choose the right sunscreen? Yes! Naturopathic doctors [best naturopath toronto] at Serene Clinic can assess your skin type and sun exposure habits to recommend a safe and effective mineral sunscreen.
- What other benefits can naturopathic care offer? Naturopathic doctors offer a holistic approach to health, promoting overall well-being. They can address various concerns alongside sun protection, using natural therapies.
Additional Resources
- How can I learn more about safe sunscreens? The Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides ratings on sunscreen safety: EWG sunscreen safety scores
- Are there apps to check product safety? Consider using apps like “Skin Deep” or “Think Dirty” to assess the ingredients in your skincare products.
Remember, sun protection is crucial, but opting for a safe and natural sunscreen can minimize potential health risks. Consult a naturopathic doctor for personalized advice on sun safety and natural skincare solutions.
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