Why I Avoid Conventional Sunscreen

And safe alternatives to use instead!

Is your sunscreen safe?

Have you ever taken a look at the ingredients in your sunscreen? I never would have thought to do that, if not for my health journey. But what exactly are we slathering on to our skin?

"They" say to wear sunscreen daily, and if you're like me, you likely grew up with the classic conventional brands such as Banana Boat, Hawaiian Tropic, Coopertone, and Neutrgena, Cerave - but are they really good for you?

I'm sure you already guessed- no they are not. Why? Unfortunately their ingredients do more harm than good.

What's wrong with the ingredients? How can these formulas be detrimental if the bottle says "dermatology approved" and is a (supposedly) "well reputed", household brand?

I know that for a lot of people (myself included!) these questions are actually pretty heavy, triggering, and frustrating. It comes along with the wakeup call that we can't always just "trust the science", trust the "experts" and rely on marketing. The way to know if a product is safe, is to decipher the ingredients. The power is in our hands when we don't just trust the marketing and labels, but rather understand what we are putting on or in our body. In this case it is ON the body, as we're talking about sunscreen, but the same important message relates to all areas of health.

We don't need to memorize toxic ingredients to avoid, Apps can help with this! I love using EWG or Think Dirty. When it comes to sunscreens' you'll likely surprise yourself that once you are familiar with the ingredients below, you are able to recognize and avoid them.

Why do I avoid conventional sunscreen?

1) Many brands contain Octocrylene/ Benzophenone, which is a carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.

2) Many brands contain other detrimental ingredients such as:

• Oxybezone, a chemical associated with skin allergies and identified as a hormone disruptor

• Octinoxate, an endocrine and reproductive disruptor

• Retinyl Palmitate, which produces free radicals and toxic byproducts when exposed to sunight, and is linked to the development of tumors)

• Parabens, a xenoestrogen/endocrine disruptor, and thyroid disruptor

• Fragrance, an endocrine disruptor and skin irritant Source: EWG

3) Most of these brands don't actually care about your health.

I prefer to opt for brands who value safety and, take extra care in choosing non toxic healthy ingredients (ingredients that are totally safe long term, not just wont-drop-dead-after type of safe). Brands that value integrity rather than just profit.

Watch out for green washing! Brands out there will market themselves as clean but the power is in your hands when you check the ingredients!

Also beware that titanium oxide and zinc oxide when sprayed can be dangerous to inhale, even though topically they are deemed safe.

Which brands to use instead:

Solara, Cocokind, Tanit, Kinfield, Living libations, Beauty Counter, Salt & Stone, Love Sun Body

Kids: Badger, Earth Mama, Love Sun Body An extra perk about non toxic sunscreen is it often has other nourishing ingredients for the skin too!

Wishing you a safe, healthy summer!

xx,

Daniella