Many holistic health care practitioners recommend twenty minutes of sun exposure per day for optimum health and a daily dose of vitamin D. However, during the past few decades doctors have become increasingly aware of the rise in skin cancer and the need to protect ourselves from ultraviolet radiation, which is intensified by the effects of global warming. The harm caused by UV rays can include premature aging (such as wrinkling and age spots), skin cancer, and permanent, sometimes blinding, damage to the eyes. In addition, certain over the counter drugs like antibiotics, antidepressants, diuretics, and retinoids can cause increased sensitivity to the sun. As such, it’s critical to apply UV protection anytime you head outdoors.
Unfortunately, most sunblocks that are designed to protect our skin actually contain dangerous chemicals that have been linked to degenerative diseases and even skin cancer. For example, traditional brands like Banana Boat, Bain de Soleil, and even many so-called “natural” and “organic” sun care brands like Avalon Organics and Zia are made with chemicals like oxybenzone and parabens. A derivative of benzophenone, oxybenzone serves to absorb ultraviolet rays. However, when exposed to sunlight and penetrated into the skin, this compound has been known to cause malignant melanoma, which according to recent studies, is responsible for 75 percent of all skin cancer related deaths.
Parabens are chemical preservatives commonly found in most shampoos, shaving gels and lotions, including sunscreen. Traditionally, parabens are used for their bacteriocidal and fungicidal properties. However, when rubbed into the body or washed down the drain into drinking water, are known to disrupt the function of the body’s endocrine system (which includes the hypothalamus, ovaries, and thyroid) and mimic the hormone estrogen, which has been linked to the development of breast cancer.
Given the health and environmental risks, it’s best to avoid sunblocks—or any cosmetics for that matter—containing oxybenzone or parabens.
