Dangers of Conventional Sunscreen: Why You Should Switch to Natural Alternatives

Living Naturally, , Leave a comment

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. However, this comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products and services that I truly believe in. Please note that I am not responsible for the quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, or any other aspect of the products and services sold on external websites linked to this post.

Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the need for sunscreen. You know it’s summer when you get a whiff of that tropical fruit-like scent at the beginning of the season. That nostalgic scent is most likely the good ole Banana Boat sunscreens. Does that smell just bring you back to those simpler times? *deep inhale through the nose. slow exhale through the mouth* Me too, me too.

All reminiscing aside, did you know that many conventional sunscreens can actually be harmful to your health and the environment? In this post, we’ll explore the dangers of conventional sunscreen and why it’s important to choose a natural alternative.

The Dangers

First and foremost, conventional sunscreens often contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin and into the body. These chemicals include oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate, which have been linked to hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and even cancer. In fact, a study by the Environmental Working Group found that over 75% of sunscreens contain harmful ingredients.

In addition to being harmful to our bodies, conventional sunscreens can also be harmful to the environment. When we swim in the ocean or other bodies of water, the chemicals in our sunscreen can wash off and harm marine life. In fact, oxybenzone has been shown to cause coral bleaching and damage to coral reefs.

Natural Solutions

So what can we do to protect ourselves from the sun without harming our bodies or the environment? The answer is to choose a natural alternative. Natural sunscreens use mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide to block the sun’s rays, rather than relying on harmful chemicals. Not only are these ingredients safer for our bodies, but they are also safer for the environment. I really like TinkBaby and ThinkSport for mineral-based sunscreen options.

Even some oils have naturally occurring SPF!

Raspberry seed oil is a popular natural alternative to conventional sunscreens. It is high in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E, which make it an effective moisturizer and protectant for the skin. Additionally, raspberry seed oil contains natural SPF properties, which make it a viable option for sun protection.

A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that raspberry seed oil has a natural SPF of between 28 and 50, depending on the concentration used. This makes it an effective alternative to conventional sunscreens, which typically have an SPF of 30 or higher.

However, it is important to note that using raspberry seed oil alone may not provide adequate protection against the sun’s harmful rays. You should reapply every 30-60 minutes, depending on your activity and sun exposure. In some cases, it is best to use it in combination with other natural sun-protecting ingredients like zinc oxide if you’re going to be around water or doing strenuous activity for an extended period of time.

When choosing a natural sunscreen, be sure to look for one that is labeled “broad spectrum” to ensure that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. You should also choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours when spending time outdoors. If you prefer to use natural oils in lieu of blocking the sun’s rays completely, I recommend using this combination of oils.

In conclusion, conventional sunscreen can be harmful to our bodies and the environment, but there are natural alternatives that are both safer and more effective. By choosing natural sunscreen, we can protect ourselves from the sun without compromising our health or the health of the planet.

Resources

  1. Chemicals in conventional sunscreens:
  1. Harm to the environment:
  1. Mineral-based ingredients and natural sunscreens:
Unknown's avatar

Posted by

Victoria is a dedicated mother of four children who strives to create a warm and nurturing home environment for her family. Her passion for health and wellness led her to start a blog, "Victoria Naturally" formally "Nourishing Our Nest," where she shares her insights and experiences with others. Through her writing, Victoria inspires her readers to embrace a healthy lifestyle and prioritize self-care while also offering practical tips and advice for busy parents. Her dedication to her family and commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle makes her a true role model for parents everywhere.

Leave a comment