Beat the Heat: Sunscreen 101
Summer’s here, which means endless hours of fun in the sun. As you prepare your boat and beach bags, make sure you’re stocked up on plenty of sunscreen to beat the heat. When was the last time you read the ingredients on the back of a sunscreen bottle? Do you know what to look for and avoid? Here’s some tips to keep your skin and body happy and healthy:
• Avoid sunscreens with added fragrance. Fragrance is a known endocrine disruptor and can lead to unbalanced hormones.
• Stay away from oxybenzone and avobenzone! Both endocrine disruptors, these chemicals have been shown to affect the estrogen levels in women and testosterone levels in men. Oxybenzone is potentially more harmful to children, too.
• Beware of titanium dioxide, a known carcinogen found in most cosmetic and food products. Titanium dioxide is most harmful through inhalation, which is a huge concern with spray sunscreens. Zinc oxide, in the form of nanoparticles, is also a concern when used in spray formulations.
My personal favorite that is easily accessible is Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen. You can find it in Target stores or online. Not only is this sunscreen free of harmful chemicals, PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, and petroleum, but the zinc oxide that is used in this formula is non-nano. So, toss out the old sunscreen, read your labels carefully, and enjoy the summer knowing you’re protecting your skin with only the best ingredients!
Follow along on @toxlyss for your beginner’s guide to living a low tox lifestyle.
Written by Alyssa Carter // Photography by Guzmán Barquin