There has been a lot of talk about mineral sunscreens and all that buzz needs to be regarded. Why you may ask? Well, because the chemicals that are found in chemical sunscreens are known to enter into our bloodstream. Yes, you read that correctly.
The Link Between Chemical Sunscreens and Your Body
A recent study by the FDA published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) endorsed this fact. Better For Your Skin According to the FDA, if a sunscreen chemical surpasses a blood level of 0.5ng/mL, this suggests possible concerns with that component. As a result, it should endure additional nonclinical toxicology evaluation as well as complete carcinogenicity and further progressive and procreative research.
The FDA study included 24 healthy partakers with an age of 35 years old. They were separated into four subdivisions with each group trying a particular type of chemical sunscreen: sprays, lotion, and cream. Scientists applied sunscreen on the partakers four times a day for four days and complied with 30 blood samples over a seven-day period. The findings were shocking. Blood concentrations greater than 0.5ng/mL were uncovered for all chemical sunscreen ingredients that were tested, as well as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octocrylene. And this was only after the initial day of testing.
Why should you be concerned? Well, inevitably because the idea of having chemicals enter into your bloodstream is unsettling. Particularly when it affects a product that should be utilized every day to shield your skin from the dangerous UVB and UVA rays.
Is there a Better Option?
Yes, and its zinc oxide and titanium dioxide! Now let’s look at 8 reasons why you should abandon the chemicals and make the move to a mineral sunscreen.
1) Chemicals utilized in chemical sunscreens making their way into the body and can be found in urine samples, breast milk, and blood samples. Chemical sunscreens comprise octinoxate, avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene.
2) Octinoxate and oxybenzone are both considered endocrine disruptors, indicating that they adversely alter hormones.
3) Oxybenzone along with octocrylene, avobenzone, and PABA are associated with allergic skin rashes.
4) Octinoxate and oxybenzone are also known to be ecological contaminants as they have been known to add to coral bleaching when washed off in the ocean.
5) Chemical sunscreens saturate into the skin and absorb most UV radiation, transforming it to heat energy. Chemical filters are modified by this method in that they break down, decreasing their UV protection. As well, the alteration in chemical structure also distributes free radicals.
6) Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are innate minerals that lay at the top of the skin and function by exposing, dispersing, and attracting UV rays. They are also referred to as “physical barriers” which suggests that conflicting to their chemical counterparts, they don’t penetrate the skin.
7) Mineral sunscreens are broad-spectrum, shielding the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreens provide an either/or situation because they can’t effectively deter both kinds of rays.
8) Rendering to the Canadian Dermatology Association, individuals with sensitive skin must apply “chemical-free” sunscreens to prevent skin irritation. Mineral sunscreens have no chemicals and, consequently, are perfectly appropriate for all skin types as well as sensitive skin. With mineral sunscreen’s broad-spectrum safeguard and chemical-free elements, you can carry out safe sun practices with consistent peace of mind.
Remember, you can talk to a skincare expert here at Mederm Esthetics & Laser Clinic in Concord. They will tell you that all of AlumierMD’s broad-spectrum sunscreens are mineral-based. They will also answer any questions you may have about chemical or mineral sunscreens. We stand by mineral sunscreens and know how much better they are for your skin. At the end of the day, we make beautiful skin happen for our clients. Research and studies have proven that mineral sunscreens are better for you and the research on chemical sunscreens speaks for itself. We would never go back to promoting or using chemical sunscreens as we know they are harmful to your skin. Here are some products from the AlumierMD skincare line that we recommend and that can replace chemical sunscreens: Clear Shield Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 42, Sheer Hydration Sunscreen SPF 40 in Untinted/Versatile Tint, and the Moisture Matte Sunscreen SPF 40 Ivory/Sand/Amber.