Are nano titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in non-toxic face sunscreen safe?īoth titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are UV filters that protect from UVB and UVA rays ( source). Specifically, the best mineral facial sunscreen will contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and we will talk about them below. So, it is safest to make sure you are using a mineral facial sunscreen instead of a chemical one. However, I have not seen any sunscreen that would have them without the three chemicals we discussed above. The other chemical UV filters such as octisalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone seem to be relatively okay.
So, a true non-toxic face sunscreen is not the one that contains oxybenzone, octinoxate, or homosalate. Consequently, the EU Chemicals Agency database indicates that it has been assessed for endocrine disruption. Furthermore, scientists have found that it may interfere with the normal function of hormones by disrupting estrogen, androgen, and progesterone. Is homosalate safe in sunscreens?įor starters, the EWG rates it 4, and it also penetrates the skin. Also, it may cause an allergic reaction, though with lower rates than oxybenzone. Thus, the EU Chemicals Agency database marked it for hormone disruption. Moreover, animal studies have shown that octinoxate has hormone activities affecting reproductive system, thyroid, and behavior. In addition, the EWG rates it 5, and it penetrates the skin. Just as with oxybenzone, Hawaii is banning sunscreens with octinoxate, too, because it is toxic to coral reefs. Last, Hawaii will ban sunscreens with oxybenzone beginning Janubecause it is very toxic to coral reefs. Furthermore, the State of California added benzophenone as a carcinogen to the California EPA’s Proposition 65 List of Chemicals Known to the State to Cause Cancer or Reproductive Toxicity. Because it may alter babies’ birth weight, please do not use sunscreens with oxybenzone during pregnancy.Īdditionally, New Zealand dermatologists and the American Society of Contact Dermatitis believe that it may cause an allergic reaction. When it penetrates the skin, it may disrupt hormones by acting as an estrogen or by blocking testosterone. Further, the EWG rates it 8 out of 10 (10 as the most toxic), and the EU Chemicals Agency database marks it for endocrine disruption. Oxybenzone is also called Benzophenone-3 and its chemical name is 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl. Keep reading to discover the best mineral facial sunscreen options. If you find a sunscreen with some of these ingredients, I believe your perception that you use a non-toxic face sunscreen will change and here is why.
I also checked their information with the European Union Chemicals Agency database. The Environmental Working Group has a really helpful summary table that describes health concerns of these chemicals. The former includes the following chemicals: To begin with, there are two types of UV filters – chemical and mineral. The function of UVB and UVA protection is achieved by UV filters, which are the active ingredients in all sunscreens. In other words, a higher SPF value does not mean better UVA protection. Alternatively, SPF is a relative measure of how long a sunscreen will protect you from UVB rays only.
Best sunscreen face skin#
This is where most skin cancers occur ( source). Thus, recent studies have shown that UVA rays damage skin cells called keratinocytes in the basal (deepest) layer of the epidermis. Besides, it helps to slow down the appearance of wrinkles.īasically, an effective sunscreen is the one that protects you from both short wave (UVB) and long wave (UVA) ultraviolet light. That is why it is important to wear an effective sunscreen on a daily basis. Further, studies have shown that the majority of melanomas (the most dangerous skin cancer) are caused by sun radiation. What does an effective non-toxic face sunscreen entail?Īccording to the National Cancer Institute, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. To choose the right sunscreen for your child, read my Guide to the Safest Baby Sunscreen and Sunscreen for Kids. It will also provide some recommendations for the best mineral facial sunscreen options.
Best sunscreen face how to#
Then, if SPF is not as important as advertised, what are the right criteria for selection? This non-toxic face sunscreen guide will give you tips on how to choose a safe and effective sunscreen. However, experts recommend re-applying any sunscreen, even waterproof sunscreen, every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. For example, SPF 30 should protect you for 450 minutes. Multiply the SPF value by 15 and you will get the amount of time you are technically protected from sunburn. Say your skin burns after 15 minutes of sun exposure. Do you choose your sunscreen by the sun protection factor (SPF)? Though somewhat important, the SPF indicates the length of protection, not the quality.
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