Sunscreen – Important Questions Answered

Sunscreen – If You Think You’re Protected, Think Again!

 

If you think you’re protected when you wear sunscreen, think again!

There are some important things you NEED to know about sunscreen. In this post you’ll discover what SPF really means (not many people know this!), the difference between sunscreen and sunblock and of course, whether they’re safe to use.

Why Sunscreen?

It prevents us burning.  We burn if we spend too long in the sun.

We can probably blame glossy magazines and TV for convincing us that tanned bodies are healthier and sexier than pale skin. So people sunbathe.

What is SPF? 

sunscreen for tanningThe sun protection factor is the length of time you will take to redden.  An SPF of 15 means you will take 15 times longer to redden than an average person without sunscreen.

What the Difference Between Sunscreen and Sunblock?

Mineral-based sunscreen (containing zinc or titanium) is normally called sunblock as it reflects the sun’s rays away from you, and you don’t really tan at all.

The more traditional chemical lotions are sunscreens, and you will tan while using them and hopefully not burn.

Do sunscreens protect us? 

Yes and no.

  • The evidence seems very strong that too much sun without protection leads to an increased risk of skin cancer.
  • But many studies seem to show that sunscreen users have a higher risk of skin cancer!

This is perhaps because they feel safer and so spend longer in the sun, and it could also be due to the ingredients in sunscreens.

What’s In Sunscreen?

Most sunscreens you buy contain a mixture of chemicals. The most common are –

  • Vitamin A, which is supposed to slow skin ageing and is used in many cosmetics.  But often, what’s used is a chemical (artificial) version of Vitamin A.  And that’s a problem, because when it is exposed to sunlight (which is why you’re applying sunscreen!), it can form free radicals which can damage DNA.   So sunscreens containing vitamin A may in fact be harmful. Vitamin A is often listed in the ingredients as retinyl palmitate or retinol
  • There is growing evidence that chemical-based sunscreens penetrate the skin and disrupt our hormones.   (They then end up in the water system and some studies have shown hormonal changes in fish).
  • Mineral-based sunscreens use mainly titanium or zinc in micro-or nano-sized particles.  They are great at reflecting sun away from you, and are stable in sunlight, which is good.  But these tiny particles of titanium and zinc ARE absorbed, and can damage your skin.  So always avoid nano-zinc or nano-titanium. In this case, bigger is better! Mineral-based sunscreens will often be advertised as “natural” sunscreens, because titanium and zinc occur naturally and are mined from the earth.  (Don’t automatically assume “natural” = “good”.  Often, it is.  But cyanide is also “natural” for example).

Are Sunscreens Safe?

we need more sun!We don’t really know.

I don’t think they’re safe and I don’t buy them, but I found it difficult to find definitive research studies showing long-term effects of wearing sunscreens.

Are You Unknowingly Wearing Sunscreen Every Day?

Perhaps you don’t wear sunscreen every day?

Many moisturizers contain sunscreen, so you may in fact be using sunscreen every day without realizing it.

It seems worrying that something you may use every single day might not be good for you.

I know a lovely lady who wears a high-SPF moisturiser every day, even though she works long hours indoors in a shop with no windows, and travels home only a short distance, often at low-sun times. She thinks she’s protecting herself from skin damage.

Another Problem with Sunscreen

We spend less time outdoors nowadays, and so many people are lacking Vitamin D (which we get from being in the sun). This is a big problem –  more details here. And when we do go into the sun, we use sunscreen, which blocks or reduces vitamin D production!

So What Should You Do?

If sunscreen is not protecting us, then what should we do? Burn?

No, of course not!

There are several things you can do.

  1. One of the best things you can do is to make your own sunscreen – yes, it’s super-easy, it’s totally non-toxic, and it’ll save you money too. Homemade sunscreen ideas here.
  2. Alternatively, buy less toxic sunscreen – see The Best Sunscreen
  3. Also, wear a hat, sunglasses, and cool cotton clothing – they’ll all help to reduce the risk of burning.
  4. You could also use Impregnated Clothing – clothes that contain chemicals to protect you from the sun and bugs.  But often the ingredients are unlisted, and wear off after a certain number of washes – do you keep track of how many times you’ve washed things?

Other Sun Protection Tips

Moderation: Remember, as a general rule we are not getting enough vitamin D.   Spend short amounts of time in the sun without sunscreen – gradually build up your exposure time depending on how sensitive your skin is to the sun.  Spending time in the sun makes you feel better too!

Eating Well Helps:  Try to eat plenty of dark green, red, and yellow fruits and vegetables, to keep your skin healthy and less prone to skin damage.  Eating fewer processed foods and drinks is better for your health in general, but there is some evidence that eating quality fresh food and drinking lots of water can also help to protect your skin against sunburn.  Green tea is also good for skin cancer protection.

Reverse your Thinking:  Consider how healthy you are from the inside out instead of the outside in.

Man at BeachOuch!  If you do end up with sunburn, consider natural, eco-friendly relief.  Aloe Vera gel is soothing, and a soothing oatmeal bath can also be helpful.

What About Men?  I was surprised to read a survey in America which showed that almost 80 percent of women wear sunscreen, while only 34 percent of men do.  (That got me wondering – do more men get skin cancer?  Do women spend more time in the sun than men?  Is men’s skin better protected?  I don’t know the answers, but I found it fascinating).

I hope this helps!

Warm regards

signature Clare

 

 

 

 

 

Are you getting enough?

The safest sunscreen is the super-simple one you pour yourself!

My personal recommendation for the safest sunscreen you can buy


Tags

is sunscreen safe?, spf, sun protection, sunblock, sunburg, sunscreen, suntan lotion, ubv, uva, vitamin D


  • I’m not sure at what SPF sunscreen becomes sunblock. I do know I don’t use enough sun protection. For those unfamiliar with the farmer’s tan or burn, it reflects short sleeves. To have a garbage man tan it’s only on one arm.

  • I sure wish I would have known about this 20 years ago! Doing plumbing in the scorching hot Las Vegas sun will always take its toll!

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