Standard sunscreens protect the skin from UV rays. However, the ingredients that make them up are harmful to both health and the environment. How can we find out? Are sunscreens really dangerous? Are there alternatives? Perhaps you are asking yourself these questions? If so, you will find in the next few pages some answers that will help you make up your mind.
Sunscreens with chemical and mineral filters
Sunscreen is composed of chemical or mineral filters. Chemical filters absorb UV rays while mineral filters reflect UV rays.
Mineral filters are produced from fine powdered titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide which are considered nanoparticles. These are so small that they can penetrate cells and cause DNA damage. However, it seems that nanoparticles do not pass the skin barrier. On the other hand, it should be noted that the skin of babies and young children is thinner, as is sunburned or irritated skin.
Chemical filters can trigger allergies such as contact eczema, photoaggravated eczema or cross-allergies between ketoprofen and octocrylene (people who are sensitive to ketoprofen can also be sensitive to octocrylene).
Focus on octocrylene in sunscreens
Octocrylene is a water-resistant and photostable substance found in most non-ecological sunscreens. It is not recommended to apply it on children's skin because it is highly allergenic but not only! Its chemical structure is similar to that of sex hormones. Natural solutions offer alternatives to take care of yourself.
This molecule is therefore considered an endocrine disruptor that can interfere with the true sex hormones, particularly estrogen-like. Depending on the condition and age of the skin, endocrine disruptors pass the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream. Here is the list of ingredients to avoid for their hormone-like effects.
- Octocrylene
- Oxybenzone
- Homosalate
- Benzophenone, oxybenzone
- Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
- 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC)
- Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABA
- Cyclohexasiloxane
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- BHT.
What impact on the environment?
The chemical and mineral filters in sunscreens end up in the oceans, seas, rivers and lakes. These filters are harmful to aquatic fauna and flora and especially to corals. Some regions have even banned octocrylene in sunscreens. This is how the US Virgin Islands and the Republic of the Marshall Islands are trying to protect their already fragile marine ecosystem.
What sun creams choose?
For it to be effective, Sunscreen must have a protective filter against UV. Between chemical and mineral filters, what to choose? The least harmful is the mineral filter because although the nanoparticles that make it up can interact with the cells, there is little chance that it will penetrate the skin barrier. In addition, mineral filters produce much less damage to marine flora and fauna. On the other hand, sun creams with mineral filter suffer from a bad image. Indeed, its application is not very practical, it is difficult to spread and leaves white marks.
Sunscreens, the last link in the protection chain
To protect yourself from the sun, applying sunscreen is the next best thing:
- Wear covering clothing and a hat/cap.
- Get in the shade.
- Do not expose yourself between 11 am and 4 pm in summer.
La sun cream protects against UVThis is undeniable. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that it is only of real interest and effectiveness if it is accompanied by the above-mentioned recommendations. Finally, its effectiveness decreases with time, going back and forth in the water, rubbing with sand, etc... The brands recommend renewing the application every 2 hours and not reusing the same cream year after year because it will be less effective and may create allergic reactions!
Do sunscreens prevent the synthesis of vitamin D?
Vitamin D is synthesized by UV light. It would seem logical that wearing UV protection would prevent the proper synthesis of this vitamin... Well, it seems that a very small amount of UV would be enough to get your daily quota of vitamin D. Thus, exposing your hands and face for 30 minutes a day would be enough!