What kind of sunscreen should I be using?

Sunscreen is widely used to prevent sunburns during the summer months. However, the active ingredients in most sunscreen products can be harmful to health. Many active ingredients are endocrine disruptors, skin irritants, and possible carcinogens. 

The most common active ingredients in sunscreen are avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, and oxybenzone. Each of these ingredients comes with health risks. Alternative sunscreens use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to provide skin protection.

Avobenzone is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin and can cause severe eye irritation and allergic reactions. This chemical also degrades in sunlight, which causes exposure free radicals, leading to oxidative stress.

 Octinoxate is one of the more concerning active ingredients. This compound is an endocrine disruptor, meaning that it can cause hormonal imbalances. Studies have found that octinoxate absorbs into many of the body systems. Additionally, this ingredient has been linked to coral bleaching. Applying sunscreens with this ingredient can lead to developmental issues in children, reproductive hormone imbalances, and environmental damage.

Octocrylene is generally considered safe, but “[it] quickly degrades into benzophenone, a known carcinogen that also causes contact dermatitis and is an endocrine disruptor.” Avoiding products containing this ingredient can help reduce your risk for health conditions.

Homosalate increases risk for birth defects by interfering with the delicate balance of reproductive hormones. This chemical also builds up in the body faster than it can be eliminated when used regularly. This ingredient is essential to avoid if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Oxybenzone is probably the most risky sunscreen ingredient. This endocrine disrupting chemical has been linked to male infertility and is found in the bloodstreams of 97% of Americans. Oxybenzone is considered a hazardous eye irritant and slightly hazardous when in contact with skin, yet it is found in many sunscreen products. This ingredient also contributes to coral damage by preventing growth and causing bleaching.

The best alternative to conventional sunscreens with harmful chemical ingredients is to choose a mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens physically block the sun from damaging your skin instead of using harsh chemicals. This makes them appear more opaque when applied. The active ingredients in these products are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It is also helpful to shield your skin with clothing when possible. 

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