Sunscreen Dangers
The Truth about Sunscreen
by James Hahn and Diana Kaye
Many companies make “organic” sunscreens that contain synthetic chemicals. But that’s not the worst of it. According to our research, sunscreens give users a false sense of security in that while they effectively prevent sunburn, they do little or nothing to prevent skin cancer or the accelerated aging of the skin caused by sunlight.
There is a substantial body of evidence that shows there is an increase in cancer when sunscreen products are used. We’ve done a lot of research into sunscreens. The bottom line is this: we have found no sunscreen ingredients which we consider to be safe. So now you’re thinking that the chemicals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are natural and might be “safe” sunblocks, right? Isn’t that what “natural” personal care products manufacturers have suggested?
There is a substantial body of evidence that shows there is an increase in cancer when sunscreen products are used. We’ve done a lot of research into sunscreens. The bottom line is this: we have found no sunscreen ingredients which we consider to be safe. So now you’re thinking that the chemicals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are natural and might be “safe” sunblocks, right? Isn’t that what “natural” personal care products manufacturers have suggested?
The shocking truth is the fact that both petrochemical sunscreens (avobenzone, methoxycinnamate, padimate-o and the like) and physical sunblocks (chemically-reacted synthetics titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) are not natural and have been found to generate free radicals when exposed to sunlight, which then can attack the nuclei of your skin cells and cause mutations. That’s right, they can cause skin cancer. Furthermore, sunscreen chemicals have been found to pass through the skin and mimic the effects of estrogen, which may disrupt the delicate balance of the body’s natural hormones.
The following excerpt is taken from a book called “Sunscreen Photobiology—Molecular, Cellular and Physiological Aspects”: “Illumination of titanium dioxide suspensions with sunlight can degrade organic materials and purify drinking water, while illumination with short wave UV kills human cells. This work shows that the distinction between “chemical” sunscreens and “physical” sunscreens, attractive though it may be to those who market them, is not based on any significant difference. Both varieties have the potential to produce reactive species that can attack biological materials (human skin cells) when they are exposed to normal sunlight...
The following excerpt is taken from a book called “Sunscreen Photobiology—Molecular, Cellular and Physiological Aspects”: “Illumination of titanium dioxide suspensions with sunlight can degrade organic materials and purify drinking water, while illumination with short wave UV kills human cells. This work shows that the distinction between “chemical” sunscreens and “physical” sunscreens, attractive though it may be to those who market them, is not based on any significant difference. Both varieties have the potential to produce reactive species that can attack biological materials (human skin cells) when they are exposed to normal sunlight...
What is established is that particles of titanium dioxide as large as 220 nm can enter human cells in culture, and so it seems entirely plausible that if titanium dioxide does pass through skin it could enter cells under the skin (carrying with it the absorbed UVA and UVB radiation and hydroxyl radicals).”
Titanium dioxide is now being used as a new treatment for window glass because it attacks and degrades anything that touches it, thereby helping to keep windows clean. You probably don’t want to have anything attacking your skin! Small amounts of sun are healthy; overexposure is not. Instead of using sunscreens to prevent sunburn, we recommend loose fitting clothing, shady trees, and big floppy hats. Organic cotton is a good way to go!
Titanium dioxide is now being used as a new treatment for window glass because it attacks and degrades anything that touches it, thereby helping to keep windows clean. You probably don’t want to have anything attacking your skin! Small amounts of sun are healthy; overexposure is not. Instead of using sunscreens to prevent sunburn, we recommend loose fitting clothing, shady trees, and big floppy hats. Organic cotton is a good way to go!
James Hahn and Diana Kaye, are co-founders of Terressentials. Terressentials handcrafts a wide range of fully organic products including products for skin, hair, and babies. Every ingredient that the company uses is USDA certified organic.
Sunscreen Dangers
Issue 12 | March/April 2010
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