Sunscreen

By Kelly Hagee

The harsh realities of too much sun exposure include skin cancer and premature aging, which have been clearly linked to time spent outdoors without protection. But is sun protection really just as simple as choosing a "good" sunscreen?

There are two types of sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens filter ultraviolet (UV) radiation before it reaches the skin, protecting it from specific types of radiation. UVA is responsible for tanning and is implicated in tumor formation. UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cell damage. No chemical sunscreen blocks 100 percent of UV radiation, so they are often combined and marketed as "full-spectrum." These preparations are invisible on the skin and must be applied before sun exposure and reapplied frequently.

Physical sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zine oxide, reflect and scatter all types of UV rays by creating a barrier between skin and the sun. They give a white appearance to the skin and are effective when enough is applied to create a reflective surface. Physical sunscreens need to be used in ample amounts, and must be reapplied after swimming and sweating.

Sunscreens are rated with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF). This number, multiplied by the number of minutes it takes you to burn, gives you the total protection time of your chosen sunscreen. Putting on more sunscreen at the end of that time period does not give you more protection! Also, all types of sunscreen should be discarded after one year of use (two years if unopened).

Unfortunately, sunscreens may have a dark side. Many chemical sunscreens may be endocrine disrupters, that mimic or block hormones and disrupt the body's normal functions. These chemicals have been found in surface and groundwater, soil and air, and may affect the liver and bone marrow of animals ingesting large amounts of contaminated water. Chemical sunscreens enter the water system when we swim or bathe, eventually winding up in fish, amphibians and marine wildlife and affecting their reproductive cycles. Titanium dioxide is a highly processed ingredient, and is mined using open pit "strip" mining technology (most zinc mines are underground) which can cause deforestation, erosion and water or air pollution.

Additionally, the "nanoparticles" of minerals that are now favored in physical sunscreens are new to our bodies and lack a safety track record. A 1996 study showed that if titanium dioxide particles are small enough, they can penetrate cells, leading to an accelerated photoreaction within the cells, generating free radicals and causing DNA damage after exposure to sunlight. Other studies on subjects who used sunscreens with microfine titanium dioxide daily for two to four weeks showed that the skin can indeed absorb these small particles.

Even the simple act of choosing a sunscreen can be complex. What to do? Remember tried-and-true options like covering ourselves with tightly woven clothing made of natural fibers and wearing wide-brimmed hats. Voluntarily limiting sun exposure between the peak hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. is a good tactic. But don't forget that the sun is the best source of vitamin D, which may, among other things, protect against cancer. A few minutes of direct sun exposure every day is healthful, preferably not in peak hours.

You'll need to assess your own risk for developing sun-related problems and choose accordingly. If you must use a high SPF that only a chemical sunscreen can offer, reduce your chemical exposure by using the least amount necessary to be effective. Choose one that is "full spectrum" for maximum protection.

Physical sunscreens with a larger particle size are the best option currently available. They do, however, leave a white film on the skin. Aubrey Organics, in particular, offers a wide selection of sunscreen formulas that contain minerals that have not been processed into "nanoparticles." These would be especially recommended when you're going to be swimming in lakes and rivers. After making an informed decision about what you put on your body, you can also make the connection between the ingredients in your sunscreen and their impact on the land!