randeclip
sunscreen
I recently visited a dermatologist for the first time to have a “blemish” removed. It turned out to be nothing of interest but it got me thinking about my lack of knowledge of sunscreen. So I decided to do some unofficial, unscientific research on the subject of sunscreen safety and its effectiveness.
This is what I learned.
First off there are two kinds of ingredients in sunscreen that protect you from the rays of the sun: absorbers and reflectors. Absorbers are like little chemical umbrellas that shield you from the sun. Reflectors are sort of like wrapping yourself with microscopic tinfoil, reflecting the UV away from your skin. Both forms of protection work well but also have their good and bad points.
After browsing the internet I went to the store and chose seven types of sunscreen.
Coppertone Water Babies
Coppertone Oil Free
Banana Boat Baby Tear-Free
Coppertone Sensitive Skin
Max Block
Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple
Publix Sunscreen Lotion (a local supermarkets generic brand)
All seven are lotion type and are sold sizes of 10oz or less for around $8 with the exception of the Max Block which cost only a dollar. Surprisingly the Publix brand and the Coppertone Water Babies are virtually identical chemically and even smell similar. Also the Coppertone Sensitive Skin and Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple are identical formulas with the only difference being the addition of a moisturizer.
Most of the sunscreens ingredients are safe and effective but I did come across two ingredients that could be a health issue. Oxybenzone and Vitamin A.
Oxybenzone has raised some concerns over the past few years. It has been linked to skin cancers during animal research tests and it is easily absorbed into the body where it slowly dissipates. In Europe products containing this must be labeled: "Contains Oxybenzone". The jury is still out on it's toxicity due to the lack of research but the concerns over its health issues is defiantly worth noting
Vitamin A (RETINYL VITAMIN A PALMITATE) is actually good. People use this on their face before bed to stop wrinkles- and it works. But when used in the presence of Ultraviolet light it promotes cellular mutation in skin cells,- skin cancer fertilizer! Stay away from any sunscreen containing Vitamin A.
From the sunscreens I purchased the two that came out as the best are the Coppertone Sensitive Skin and Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple. They both use Zinc Oxide, a harmless mineral, as a reflector and it contains no Oxybenzone. All the other brands contain Oxybenzone.
A good part of my research was based on the information provide by the .Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep website which lists thousands of brands of sunscreens and cosmetics. Check them out and compare what you already own. You will be very surprised with your findings, as I was.
Enjoy your summer and don't forget your sunscreen!
--------------------------------------------------
So now for a little bit of chemistry
Coppertone Water Babies (and Publix store brand): Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 13%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Oxybenzone 4%
Coppertone Oil Free: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 13%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Oxybenzone 6%
Banana Boat Baby Tear-Free: Homosalate 15%,Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 7.5%, 5%, Titanium Dioxide 2.4%.
Max Block SPF 30: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Oxybenzone 4%
Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Zinc Oxide 14.5%
Coppertone Sensitive Skin: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Zinc Oxide 14.5%
...and this is what this stuff is:
Avobenzone: Absorber whose worst woe is it might stain your cloths.
Homosalate: Absorber that is oil based and somewhat water repellent (won't wash off easily).
Octisalate: Absorber with a floral scent. The words “reproductive and developmental toxicity can occur” but it is used in such low quantities that it is considered a non-issue.
Octocrylene: Used primarily to extend sunscreens shelf life but is linked to cellular changes on the DNA level. That's a nice way of saying cancer causing but once again it is used in such miniscule amounts as to be a non-issue.
Octinoxate: Absorber that is not skin absorbent and water soluble.
Oxybenzone: Holy shit! If you needed something to kill lab rats, this is it! In Europe products containing this must be labeled: "Contains Oxybenzone". The jury is still out on it's toxicity due to the lack of research.
Titanium Dioxide: Reflector. Inert mineral- like titanium glitter only littler.
Zinc Oxide: That white cream stuff people put on their nose. A reflector.
sunscreen
I recently visited a dermatologist for the first time to have a “blemish” removed. It turned out to be nothing of interest but it got me thinking about my lack of knowledge of sunscreen. So I decided to do some unofficial, unscientific research on the subject of sunscreen safety and its effectiveness.
This is what I learned.
First off there are two kinds of ingredients in sunscreen that protect you from the rays of the sun: absorbers and reflectors. Absorbers are like little chemical umbrellas that shield you from the sun. Reflectors are sort of like wrapping yourself with microscopic tinfoil, reflecting the UV away from your skin. Both forms of protection work well but also have their good and bad points.
After browsing the internet I went to the store and chose seven types of sunscreen.
Coppertone Water Babies
Coppertone Oil Free
Banana Boat Baby Tear-Free
Coppertone Sensitive Skin
Max Block
Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple
Publix Sunscreen Lotion (a local supermarkets generic brand)
All seven are lotion type and are sold sizes of 10oz or less for around $8 with the exception of the Max Block which cost only a dollar. Surprisingly the Publix brand and the Coppertone Water Babies are virtually identical chemically and even smell similar. Also the Coppertone Sensitive Skin and Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple are identical formulas with the only difference being the addition of a moisturizer.
Most of the sunscreens ingredients are safe and effective but I did come across two ingredients that could be a health issue. Oxybenzone and Vitamin A.
Oxybenzone has raised some concerns over the past few years. It has been linked to skin cancers during animal research tests and it is easily absorbed into the body where it slowly dissipates. In Europe products containing this must be labeled: "Contains Oxybenzone". The jury is still out on it's toxicity due to the lack of research but the concerns over its health issues is defiantly worth noting
Vitamin A (RETINYL VITAMIN A PALMITATE) is actually good. People use this on their face before bed to stop wrinkles- and it works. But when used in the presence of Ultraviolet light it promotes cellular mutation in skin cells,- skin cancer fertilizer! Stay away from any sunscreen containing Vitamin A.
From the sunscreens I purchased the two that came out as the best are the Coppertone Sensitive Skin and Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple. They both use Zinc Oxide, a harmless mineral, as a reflector and it contains no Oxybenzone. All the other brands contain Oxybenzone.
A good part of my research was based on the information provide by the .Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep website which lists thousands of brands of sunscreens and cosmetics. Check them out and compare what you already own. You will be very surprised with your findings, as I was.
Enjoy your summer and don't forget your sunscreen!
--------------------------------------------------
So now for a little bit of chemistry
Coppertone Water Babies (and Publix store brand): Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 13%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Oxybenzone 4%
Coppertone Oil Free: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 13%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Oxybenzone 6%
Banana Boat Baby Tear-Free: Homosalate 15%,Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 7.5%, 5%, Titanium Dioxide 2.4%.
Max Block SPF 30: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Oxybenzone 4%
Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Zinc Oxide 14.5%
Coppertone Sensitive Skin: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Zinc Oxide 14.5%
...and this is what this stuff is:
Avobenzone: Absorber whose worst woe is it might stain your cloths.
Homosalate: Absorber that is oil based and somewhat water repellent (won't wash off easily).
Octisalate: Absorber with a floral scent. The words “reproductive and developmental toxicity can occur” but it is used in such low quantities that it is considered a non-issue.
Octocrylene: Used primarily to extend sunscreens shelf life but is linked to cellular changes on the DNA level. That's a nice way of saying cancer causing but once again it is used in such miniscule amounts as to be a non-issue.
Octinoxate: Absorber that is not skin absorbent and water soluble.
Oxybenzone: Holy shit! If you needed something to kill lab rats, this is it! In Europe products containing this must be labeled: "Contains Oxybenzone". The jury is still out on it's toxicity due to the lack of research.
Titanium Dioxide: Reflector. Inert mineral- like titanium glitter only littler.
Zinc Oxide: That white cream stuff people put on their nose. A reflector.