Natural Sunscreen, in form of Zinc Oxide has been used for generations. Zinc oxide is the only sunscreen ingredient that is FDA recognised as having both UVB and UVA broad spectrum protection.
Unlike chemical sunscreen, the natural sunscreen zinc oxide cannot be absorbed into the skin and is not metabolized by the body. The natural sunscreen mineral zinc oxide won't degrade in the sun.
UVA and UVB - what are they?
UV-B rays are most commonly associated with sunburns but it is UV-A rays which penetrate the base layer of the skin.
UV-A rays cause wrinkling and premature aging of the skin and UV-A rays can cause suppression of the immune system and contribute to the development of melanoma.
Chemical sunscreen ingredients are designed to absorb portions of the UVB (burning rays) or UVA (cause of aging and skin cancer) rays. Sunscreens which chemically absorb rays have long been effective against UV-B rays. Today chemicals are being added to help screen UV-A rays. Some of these chemicals can deteriorate in light and interrupt with UV-B absorbing ingredients, while others can cause skin irritations or worse.
Common chemical sunscreen ingredients are known carcinogens and/or hormone disrupters, including diethanolamine, triethanolamine (DEA, TEA), padimate-o, octyl dimethyl PABA, benzophenone, oxybenzone, homosalate, octyl-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate), salicylates, and parabens.
Is natural sunscreen safe?
We need to choose what offers the least harm. Of course, covering with clothing is always the safest but this is not always practical, especially if our kids will be swimming in the sun for long periods. Recommendations: stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or cover with hats and clothing during these times.
If you are out in the sun for long periods or swimming, use a micronised zinc oxide natural sunscreen. Moderate sunshine every day is healthy.
There will always be articles that claim that zinc oxide could be unsafe. We can't say it's 100% safe (no product natural or chemical based can make this claim!). But it is the least toxic option that provides the greatest protection, next to covering up with clothing.
The natural sunscreen mineral zinc oxide is recognised as the most effective natural sunscreen. Sunscreen without the toxicity! Comfortable to use on babies, children, adults, grandparents… the whole family!
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Fiona McColl founded
Natural Skin and Beauty to introduce Natural Skin Care and Hair Care Products with
Organic Aloe Vera and Mineral Makeup to clients worldwide and to raise awareness of the chemical content in commercial skin care products.
Our psyche, what we eat, what we do and our skin are inter-related.
Love the skin you're in!
