“Natural” Sunscreen

Personally, this topic creates mixed emotions for me as a mom. Sunscreen is vital, especially in Florida. There is no doubt that the chemicals in conventional sunscreen can be harmful to humans.  But, there is also no doubt that sunscreen is absolutely necessary because of the high incidence of skin cancer. So what should you do? This choice is very personal to each individual and family.  With that, I am arming you with information. I will say, that at my house, I use a mix of sunscreen types depending on the situation and exposure. I do this to limit chemical exposure and provide solid protection for my children and myself. Remember, any sunscreen is BETTER than no sunscreen.

Before discussing confusing sunscreen differences, always remember these other simple steps to protect your skin:

• Sunscreen clothing – hats, glasses, and shirts that are specially designed to protect your skin from UV rays. My entire family uses sun screen clothing during high exposure events.
• Tanning beds are off limits. No explanation needed.
• Avoid high risk hours if possible. In general, this is between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm in Florida. But, I believe in general, this is a good rule of thumb.  
• Don’t forget to protect the less thought of body parts, such as nail beds (melanoma loves to hide here), ears, and tops of feet/hands.

First, there are a couple of “natural” sunscreen facts to educate and support good informed decisions. There are no legal standards for the term “natural” as it applies to personal care products. Sunscreens that are labeled as natural are typically mineral-based. These products typically contain active ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These two chemicals protect the skin by physically deflecting or scattering the sun’s UV rays. Because of this, natural sunscreens tend to be used incorrectly which results in suboptimal protection and an increased risk of sun damage.

Conventional sunscreens contain ingredients like avobenzone, ecamsule, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, octyl metoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate and oxybenzone. These chemicals actually absorb the sun’s rays and transform them into less damaging low-energy waves. They are more effective than natural sunscreens. However, there is definitely evidence linking conventional sunscreen to hormone disruption and some sort cancer relationship. In head to head studies, only 26% of natural sunscreens lived up to their SPF claims. In comparison, 58% of conventional sunscreens lived up to their SPF claims.

After carefully weighing the benefits, you may now be thinking, “What are the best “natural” sunscreens?” This is a crucial question when considering that only 26% meet their claims. Listed below are a few products that I personally use in my family and are moderately priced, with all of them costing less than thirty dollars:

• Kiss My Face Organics SPF 30: With children in mind, this non toxic sunscreen contains both barrier chemicals.  It is thick and must be rubbed in well and is water resistant. This product also provides long-lasting protection.
• Badger Unscented Organic SPF 30: This is designed for sensitive skin. I especially like this product for the face. This product is thick but rubs in easily and has broad spectrum protection.
• Erbaviva – Organic Sunscreen SPF 30: This is definitely this personal mom’s go to product.  It’s a little creamier and water resistant for 80 minutes. It’s a moisturizer and washes off easily in the shower.

As always, please leave comments, questions, or other topics of interest. It’s summer so don’t forget the sunscreen!