We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, but did you know that not all sunscreens are created equally!
After researching the mechanism and active ingredients in our everyday sunscreen products, I learned about why chemical-based sunscreens may be a poor choice for skin protection, and actually can lead to hyperpigmentation and a condition known as Melasma.
Studies also have been conducted, on rats, not humans, indicating that some of the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens can disrupt hormones . There are several websites that are discussing the possibility that chemical sunscreens can also cause Melasma, a pigmentary disorder of the skin, characterized by symmetrical hyperpigmented macules. The condition leaves many woman, and some men, searching for treatment modalities ranging from topical chemicals, like hydroquinone , to chemical peels and lasers.
You can find effective chemical free sunscreens, by looking for mineral-based products, and the active ingredient Zinc Oxide. According to David Hershthal, a professor of dermatology at The University of Miami, this is the main ingredient for excellent broad spectrum coverage.
Breast Cancer Prevention Partners warns against using chemical sunscreens, stating that research suggests they mimic estrogen and play a role in breast cancer development. Click this link to read the full article and access the studies.
Ingredients you may want to avoid are ones that end in -salate and -benzone. Oxybenzone, Octisalate, Homosalate, Avobenzone and Octocryclene are some common ones. According to the University of California, some of these ingredients promote free radicals to the skin when exposed to UV radiation.
If you are looking for some chemical free solutions to treating Melasma, check out this table published on PubMed. You can access the full study by clicking on this link.
Some of my favorite mineral based sunscreen products are Suntegrity Impeccable Skin Tinted Sunscreen , Suntegrity 5-in-1 Sunscreen, Beauty Counter's Countersun Mineral Sunscreen, Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen, and Suntegrity Lip C.P.R. tinted lip color, MDSolarScience Kids Creme SPF
If you want a safe spray Sunscreen, that uses non-nano technology, try Beauty Counter's Mineral Sunscreen Mist or MD Solar Science Qucik Dry Solar Spray.
Try on my Personal Favorites below!
