sunscreen

We all know to protect our skin from harsh sun rays, especially during hot weather. Sunscreen is an integral part of this. However, not any sunscreen will do. You need to carefully read the ingredient list to check for harmful ingredients that will do more harm than good.

Some of these ingredients induce hormone disruption, premature aging, allergic reactions and increase one’s cancer risk.

There are 2 kinds of sunscreen. The most common is physical sunscreen (sunblock). These contain natural minerals such as titanium dioxide that cover the skin surface to physically block or reflect the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. They tend to leave a white film on the skin due to titanium dioxide.

Chemical sunscreens penetrate beneath the top layer of skin to protect the deeper layers. These contain synthetic ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. The skin can get irritated by the chemicals, which sometimes form cell- damaging free radicals when exposed to sun.

Octinoxate is one ingredient to watch out for. It causes hormone disruption by affecting estrogen levels. It also leads to premature ageing  due to production of free radicals that damage skin and cells.

Paraben preservatives (butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-) are a huge enemy to human skin. They can induce hormone disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity and allergic reactions. They have both chronic and acute side effects.

Octocrylene is readily absorbed by the skin and accumulates there over time. When exposed to the sun, it absorbs the rays and form radicals that damage cells and cause mutations.

Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) contains retinol compounds that break down and produce destructive free radicals that damage DNA, are toxic to cells,  and may lead to cancer. Studies have shown that Retinyl Palmitate tends to aggravate the development of malignant cells and skin tumours.

Homosalate helps sunscreen to easily penetrate the skin. After absorption, it accumulates in our bodies faster than the skin can get rid of it, becomes toxic and disrupts hormones.

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