Just like that warm weather season is here, hotter temperatures mean more reasons to protect our skin. Recent studies have shown that choosing a healthy conventional sunscreen might not be as easy as popping open a bottle of corner store sunscreen and slathering it on our bodies. Traditional sunscreen creams, oils, and sprays can negatively affect our health, possibly causing much more harm than good. So what can we do about this? We all need some level of sun protection for our skin. There are many natural sunscreen options and things we can eat to protect against excess sun exposure.
Conventional Sunscreens
Sunscreens are often chemical laden and full of ingredients harmful to our bodies. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) stated in a recent article:
" In 2019, when the federal Food and Drug Administration - the agency that governs sunscreen safety - proposed it's most recent updates to sunscreen regulations, it found that only two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, could be classified as safe and effective, based on the currently available information."
These harmful chemicals can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.
EWG also stated that:
" the most problematic of the sunscreen chemicals used in the U.S. is oxybenzone, found in nearly every chemical sunscreen. EWG recommends - "that consumers avoid this chemical because it can penetrate the skin, cause allergic reaction, and may disrupt hormones." Based on a sampling of more than 2500 children and adults, oxybenzone is found in more than 96% of the U.S. population.
Sunscreen and Vitamin D
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is produced naturally in the skin when it is directly exposed to sunlight. 7-dehydrocholesterol in the epidermis is converted to vitamin D. It is essential to the body, for such things as: regulating calcium in the body, preventing heart disease, weight loss, reduce anxiety and depression, and support normal immune system function. A major problem with conventional sunscreen, is that it blocks the absorption of vitamin D from the sun to the skin.
Nutrition and Sunburn Prevention
A very important part of protecting skin against sunburn is nutrition. What we eat can also protect our skin against sun damage. Consuming foods high in antioxidants like Vitamins A and C can help our skin resist oxidative stress from the sun. According to Katie at The Wellness Mama:
"A large part of natural sun protection is eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Avoid inflammatory foods like processed foods, vegetable oils, grains, and sugars. Increase healthy saturated fats, foods rich in omega-3fatty acids, lots of leafy greens, consume fermented cod liver oil, and take 2 TBS of tomato paste daily."
Five Alternatives to Conventional Sunscreen
Carrot Seed Oil: SPF of 35-40, It not only protects from the harmful UV rays of the sun, it also contains high antioxidants, beta-carotene and vitamin A, which can shield from oxidative stress and skin damage.
Coconut Oil: SPF of 5. Although coconut oil has a relatively low SPF, it can still serve as a form of sunscreen when paired with other natural ingredients, this combination might provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage. Coconut oil contains vitamin E which keeps the skin soft and moisturized.
Red Raspberry Seed Oil: SPF 25+. Red raspberry seed oil is said to be one of the only natural oils that protect against both UVA and UVB sunrays. Also high in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce the pain and inflammation associated with sunburn.
Sun protective clothing SPF 50+. Wearing clothing made with UV protection can be a great way to avoid harmful UV radiation, prevent sun damage, and lessen the risk of skin cancer. The garments provide a cooling effect when worn in high heat temperatures.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is effective at blocking skin from harmful sun rays. It can block up to 30% of sun rays, giving your skin a good amount of protection while avoiding harmful chemicals. It is very accessible and must be re-applied often.
Here's a 3 ingredient sunscreen recipe from Tiffany over at Coconut Mama.
It is safe to say that choosing a sunscreen will not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Consult with your doctor or health practitioner to consider your individual needs before deciding on the best option for you. SPF coverage depends on various factors: Age, geographic location, skin tone, personal cancer risk, diet, duration of sun exposure, and many other factors. I hope this post helps you to choose the perfect sunscreen that is just right for YOU.
About the Author:
Monica is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Co- Founder of Noire Nutrition, wife , and mom to a fun-loving twelve year old son. She enjoys spending her free time braving various bike trails, and enjoying a good laugh with friends and family. You can find her at noirenutrition.com .
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