Suncream, sun screen, sun block, or whatever else you want to call it is an important part of summer. We all know – at least most of us do – how important it is to cover up especially the sensitive skins of our children. So, we head into the nearest shop and buy the first sunblock we can either afford, or that has the highest SPF factor for the sake of those little skins.
Unfortunately, not all is well in the world of summer protection.
A study in the US last year revealed that almost half of the 500 most popular sunscreen products may actually increase the speed at which skin cancer develops, because of the ingredients found in the sun creams.
Worryingly, according to the researchers, the FDA have known about this for more than ten years and not informed consumers – which, of course, they deny. The Environmental Working Group, who conducted the study and wrote the report, said that only 39 of the 500 products that they examined were considered safe and effective to use.
So what are the ingredients to look out for next time you reach for the white stuff?
- Oxybenzone, which penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream is a hormone disruptor
- Retinol (Retinyl) Palmitate is believed to result in cancerous tumors when used on skin exposed to sunlight
An interesting issue is that of suncreams that contain Titanium Oxide or Dioxide. While the powdered form of Titanium Oxide can cause lung cancer in those mining for it, it is still used in almost every suncream on the market as the best UVA protector.
From the EWG website:
Our top-rated sunscreens all contain the minerals zinc or titanium. They are the right choice for people who are looking for the best UVA protection without any sunscreen chemical considered to be a potential hormone disruptor.
Another point about SPF that’s worth knowing is that the FDA has “proposed regulations that would prohibit manufacturers from labeling sunscreens with an SPF higher than “SPF 50.” The agency wrote that higher values would be “inherently misleading,” given that “there is no assurance that the specific values themselves are in fact truthful.”
While suncream prevents more damage than it causes, it’s important that consumers are given realistic and honest information on the limitations of the products we’re using on our skin so that we can make the necessary adjustments – like wearing hats, and staying in the shade.
Soooo… on to the giveaway….
I’ve written about GreenPeople’s sun block for children before. It’s something we use all the time, and I love it. For a child with very sensitive skin (Johnson & Johnson products give her a rash!) this is the best product on the market. It doesn’t contain Oxybenzoate (so has no hormone disruptors) or Vitamin A by-products . It doesn’t contain SLS, parabens, parfum or any of the ‘usual’ allergens and chemicals.
GreenPeople suncreams are SPF factor 25, which is ample for the protection from UVB – which cause sunburn – and the more important UVA rays.
GreenPeople have also won a 2010 beauty award from Natural Health Magazine for these products.
To win some of this lovely suncream, as well as the Aloe Vera Lotion and After Sun (valued at £25.56), go to the GreenPeople website then return here and leave a comment telling me which of the suncreams you would prefer (there are two options to choose from, both awesome!)
The competition closes on the 4th of April at 12:00 (NOON) and the winner will be drawn using Random.org. Please check back here for results.
And the winner is: Lisa
You do not have to tweet or share this competition to enter, but doing so helps ensure that I can keep bringing you giveaways! You can subscribe to Diary of a First Child by RSS or email. You can also follow us on Facebook or on Twitter. We hope to see you back again soon!