Sunscreen Safety

Protecting our skin from too much sun exposure is a good practice. But we also need sun exposure to produce vitamin D. Some experts have said that overuse of sunscreens has produced an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. Most experts recommend 10-30 minutes of sun per day to get this crucial nutrient. Those with darker skin tones need a bit more while lighter complexions need less. One factor to consider is the UV index for the day. The higher the index (1-11), the more damage the sun can do. Most weather reports include the UV index as part of the forecast.

There are many commercial sunscreens on the market to help protect skin. Dr. Hadley King, a New York-based dermatologist says that protecting your skin with sunscreens lowers your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40% and your risk of developing melanoma by 50%. So, skin protection is important. But there are concerns about commercial sunscreens. Some contain unhealthy chemicals that interfere with hormones in the body. Dr. King went on to say that “particularly oxybenzone, octinoxate and homosalate,” may be harmful because they mimic hormones. Of these, studies on oxybenzone have been linked to reproductive disorders and allergic reactions.

In the late 2000’s, the CDC reported that oxybenzone is in the bodies of nearly all Americans, and the “levels are highest in those that use sunscreen.” We all deal with a certain amount of toxins daily. Toxicity has been linked to many diseases including cancer. With all the toxins to which we are already exposed, it is wise to consider what we put in and on our bodies.

In 2018, Hawaii became the first state to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate due to their harmful effects on coral reefs and other marine species. Another important reason to be aware of what we purchase and what we use.

Safe sunscreen alternatives include sesame, avocado, and shea butter. Susan Parker, an expert in fixed oils and their usage, says sesame oil has a sun protective factor (SPF) of 15. Avocado oil has constituents that protect from UV radiation. Native healers in Africa have used shea butter for dry, cracked skin and for its protection from the sun. Though there is no research on these natural substances as sun protectors, a combination of them could easily provide some protection from the sun in 30-minute exposures while still getting a daily dose of rays.

In an in vitro study of the SPF of fixed and essential oils, the following results were found:

(In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in

cosmetics; Chanchal Deep Kaur and Swarnlata Saraf)

There is a balance that seems to be helpful in all this. We need sun exposure but there is much caution in getting too much. There are many commercial sunscreens than contain hazardous chemicals that can cause health and ecological problems, but we have safer alternatives. I encourage you investigate for yourself and see what you find. If I can be of help in this, let me know.