Having grown up in the arctic Finland where a sunny day is somewhat of a rare occasion and the winter lasts for the most part of the year, burning in the sun – instantly – is in my genes. So a few years ago when I started seeing articles and hearing of test results that linked sunscreen with toxic chemicals, and even cancer, I got worried. I stopped wearing conventional sunscreen. Soon afterwards I found out that organic sunscreens worked even better for me – they stay on for hours and offer surprisingly good protection from burning.

NATURAL SUNSCREEN IS THE WAY TO GO

Last fall I moved from Philadelphia to Las Vegas and went for a jog on my second day here in the desert. The noon sun was blazing, and I was hotter than ever in my life (ummm, obviously in the heat sense of the term). I felt grilled. I jogged for 3.5 miles with organic sunscreen on, and was surprised when I got home that I didn’t even get a slight redding on my skin afterwards. It was amazing. Also, eye-opening. I haven’t gone jogging in the daylight since.

D FOR DANGER

The American Medical Association admitted that an increased use of (conventional) sunscreen is correlated with an increased incidence of skin cancer! Conventional sunscreen also acts as a barrier for the natural absorption of Vitamin D which has been shown to help prevent cancer. Vitamin D is also used to help diabetes, obesity, muscle weakness, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, PMS, and the list goes on. Conventional sunscreen can seriously block your vitamin D intake.

A 2012 article in the British Journal of Dermatology concludes “When the amount of sunscreen and SPF advised by the World Health Organization (WHO) is used, vitamin D production may be abolished.”

5 SUNSCREEN CHEMICALS THAT FEED CANCER

In a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sunscreen chemical oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) was detected in more than 97% of 2000 Americans that were tested. In a second study by CDC, mothers with high levels of oxybenzone in their bodies were more likely to give birth to underweight baby girls. Many UV filtering chemicals affect the body much like estrogen and therefore can cause more problems for women. A Swiss study published in Environmental Health Perspectives lists these 5 sunscreen chemicals that behave like estrogen and in laboratory testing, cause cancer cells to grow more rapidly.

• Octocrylene
• PABA
• Octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC)
• Benzophenone-3
• 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC)
• Homosalate

Please make sure your sunscreen doesn’t have any of these harmful chemicals!

4 NATURAL, ORGANIC, SAFE AND SWEET SUNSCREENS

[products ids=”4905, 4903, 4890, 5151″]

SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen by John Masters Organics

Extracts of green tea, shea butter and jojoba oil hydrate, moisturize and replenish the skin with vitamins and minerals. Combines titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to provide all-over skin protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. For all skin types.

Solar Rx SPF 30 by Keys

I remember reading in several interviews of super models or actresses about their skin care routines and how surprisingly many swear by wearing sun blocking moisturizer every day, even in the winter. Keys’ Solar Rx seems like the perfect solution for this since it’s an everyday moisturizing cosmetic sunblock specifically for the face, neck and hands. It’s not designed to be used for going to the beach, sun bathing or sports. It’s cosmetically clear so can be used daily, alone or as a foundation for make up.

Sea Flower SPF 15 Nutrient Intensive Moisturizer by Starflower Essentials

This is another great option for every day wear and protection from normal sun exposure (not for sun bathing). Contains borage (starflower) and jojoba oil, aloe vera gel, monatomic mineral water complex, herbal extracts and Vitamins C and E, as well as natural SPF from titanium dioxide and zinc oxide minerals. Good for all skin types.

SPF 30 Sunscreen Mist by Supergoop

This is a sprayable, antioxidant-infused sunscreen mist with vitamin C and 100% natural oils that provide a fresh and light citrus scent. Water-resistant. For all skin types.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by juju computer fairy Bhakti who’s in charge of our website, newsletters, postcards and such. In her free time she does yoga, hikes in the mountains of Red Rock Canyon, and obsesses over vintage clothing, vegan food, organic lifestyle, and meditation.