Non-Toxic Living: How To Choose A Safe Sunscreen
"Sunscreen is the best anti-aging product."
—Dr. Leslie Baumann
There’s nothing I love more than a sunny day on the beach. It improves my mood, sleep, and Vitamin D levels, the latter of which has downstream effects of lowering my cancer risk while improving my strength.
But alas, there can be too much of a good thing, and protecting your skin from excessive rays is crucial. This guide explores the benefits of natural sunscreens, tips for applying sunscreen, and the best kinds.
Natural Sunscreens for Adults
Why Choose Natural Sunscreens?
1. Reduced Exposure to Harmful Chemicals Conventional sunscreens often contain synthetic ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens, which have been linked to hormonal disruptions and allergic reactions. Natural sunscreens, on the other hand, typically use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. These minerals sit on the skin's surface, reflecting and scattering UV rays without penetrating the skin, thereby reducing the risk of chemical exposure.
Here are some of the other chemicals found in traditional sunscreens which are not considered safe, according to the EWG:
Oxybenzone: a chemical that can cause hormone disruption and has been linked to coral reef damage.
Octinoxate: another chemical that can cause hormone disruption and has been linked to coral reef damage.
Homosalate: a chemical that can disrupt hormones and has been linked to skin irritation.
Octocrylene: a chemical that can cause skin allergies and is known to accumulate in the body.
Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A palmitate): a form of Vitamin A that can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may accelerate skin damage. It’s been shown to produce excessive reactive oxygen species as well.
Parabens: preservatives that can cause hormone disruption and have been linked to breast cancer.
Phthalates: a group of chemicals that can cause hormone disruption and have been linked to birth defects, asthma, and reproductive problems.
Insect repellant: Sunscreen with added insect repellant is often made with toxic ingredients.
2. Broad-Spectrum Protection Natural sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide, in particular, is highly effective in blocking a wide range of the sun’s harmful rays. This ensures comprehensive protection, helping to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
3. Environmentally Friendly The chemicals in conventional sunscreens can harm marine life and coral reefs. Ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate contribute to coral bleaching, which affects marine ecosystems. Natural sunscreens are generally free from these harmful chemicals.
4. Better for the Skin Natural sunscreens are often gentler on the skin compared to their chemical counterparts. They are non-comedogenic, meaning they do not clog pores, which is beneficial for those prone to acne. Many natural sunscreens are fragrance-free, reducing the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. Additionally, these products are typically made with ingredients derived from plants, minerals, or other natural sources, making them a better choice for sensitive skin.
5. Water Resistance Many natural sunscreens offer water-resistant formulas, making them effective for activities such as swimming or exercising. This feature ensures that the sunscreen remains effective for a certain period even when exposed to water or sweat, however, it's important to follow the reapplication guidelines provided on the product label to maintain optimal protection.
Sunscreen Tips
1. Go With a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
UV rays are classified into two types: UVA and UVB. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are mainly responsible for causing sunburns. On the other hand, UVA rays have longer wavelengths, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Many standard sunscreens protect only against UVB rays, leaving the skin vulnerable to UVA rays unless labeled as “broad spectrum.” Natural sunscreens often provide broad-spectrum protection, blocking both UVA and UVB rays, but their effectiveness in balancing these protections can vary. To get optimal protection, check the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) criteria for UVA/UVB balance in sunscreens.
2. Avoid Spray Sunscreen
Wrangling a kid to lather on sunscreen is like catching a greased pig. It’s messy, exhausting, and no one wins. It only makes sense to go with the spray option but, unfortunately, this comes with some health concerns.
The EWG reports that “FDA testing found some aerosol products released particles that could be absorbed deep into the lung, where they could cause irreversible damage. The agency proposed that tests of sprays be required, but it has yet to finalize this action.”
Furthermore, research has found that using these spray sunscreens on even relatively windy days has a significant impact on the application. Australian researchers found that,
“The proportion of sunscreen lost due to the impact of wind varied between products and ranged from 32%-79% for 10 kph and 28-93% for 20 kph.”
The best bet is to avoid spray sunscreens. If this idea is too tough then, at the very least, choose a sunscreen that’s labeled "non-aerosol." Non-aerosol sunscreens don’t contain propellants, which means they are less likely to be inhaled. Second, spray the sunscreen into your hands and then apply it to the skin directly using your hands. This will help to reduce the amount of sunscreen that you inhale and the amount that’s lost in the wind.
Natural sunscreens are effective when used correctly. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are both recognized by the FDA as safe and effective for sun protection. They provide immediate protection upon application, unlike chemical sunscreens that need to be absorbed into the skin before becoming effective.
3. Reapply Frequently
Sunscreen effectiveness diminishes over time, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. My one friend gets an annual sunburn on the front of her shoulders when she remembers that her backpack chair rubs off the sunscreen she just applied as well. To maintain protection, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.
Tip: set an alarm on your phone while you’re applying the sunscreen for 2 hours later as a reminder.
The Best Natural Sunscreen Lotions (Adults)
Top Picks: