The Importance of “Safe” Sunscreen – Here’s the Scary Truth!

I never knew there was anything to worry about when it came to sunscreen.  When I became pregnant with Hudson I became more conscious about everything that went on my body, and I was surprised to learn what I did.  I was even more shocked when I read up on the ingredients inside major brands that were marketing their sunscreens to kids, and even babies!  How on earth can these companies be putting chemicals that are potentially extremely harmful into sunscreen and then calling them “gentle baby formulas”?  You would think there is a law against this to protect us and our children… but there isn’t.

Here’s a little bit of sunscreen history. Sunscreens started out as pasty zinc oxide formulas that no one would use.  Scientists then created sunscreens with clear chemicals that absorbed UV light. In 1944, Coppertone became the first mass-marketed sunscreen. Fast forward to today, when billions of dollars of sunscreens are sold each year.  It’s no surprise this big business doesn’t want us to know what’s actually behind the chemicals used… but that’s a whole other story.

There are two types of mineral sunscreens: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, they physically block UV light by sitting on the surface of the skin.  Chemical sunscreens soak into the skin and quickly find their way into the bloodstream. They scatter all over the body without being detoxified by the liver and can be detected in blood, urine, and breast milk for up to two days after a single application. That would be just fine if they were safe – but they’re not.

Most chemical sunscreens are endocrine disruptors that interfere with the normal function of our hormones. They can cause abnormal development of fetuses and growing children. They cause early puberty and premature breast development in girls, and undescended testicles in boys. They can cause low sperm counts and infertility. Endocrine disruptors that act like estrogen can contribute to the development of breast and ovarian cancer in women, and other endocrine disruptors may increase the chance of prostate cancer in men.  I know this sounds super scary but unfortunately, it’s the scary truth.

Fortunately, we have great alternatives.

Switching to a Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide “mineral” sunscreen is the way to go!  Zinc oxide is said to be less whitening on the skin and blocks nearly all dangerous UV light. Inexpensive versions of these sunscreens are usually pasty and chalk-like (leaving white streaks). Newer high-quality zinc oxide sunscreens contain particles that are transparent. These sunscreens are called micronized and do a great job at protecting against UV radiation.  Nanoparticles are often found in mineral sunscreens but little is known about their safety. Because of their size they may be easily absorbed and enter the bloodstream.  Therefore the best sunscreen to choose is a non-nano zinc oxide like the one we use by Beautycounter.

Beautycounter’s Protect All Over Sunscreen is amazing!  It easily absorbes without white streaks and is safe for the entire family (even babies)! It’s water resistant and doesn’t have that telltale sunscreen smell that I definitely like to avoid.

Beautycounter has a few different sunscreen options, all of which are made from non-nano zinc oxide. Act now because they are selling out fast!  This is definitely the time to buy and stock-up as we head into late Spring and Summer!  I feel so much better about putting a safe sunscreen on myself and my family.  We use the Protect Stick for easy application on Hudson’s face and we all use the Protect All Over Sunscreen Tube shown in the photo below!  (Click on Link below and “type” SUN into search box of website).

1. Protect All Over Sunscreen – (SPF 30) Reg: $40 Cdn / $32 US

2. Protect Body Stick Sunscreen – Reg: $43 Cdn / $34 US

3. Protect Stick Face – Reg: $23 Cdn  / $18 US

Beautycounter is the leader in “Safer Beauty” and they are advocating for real change when it comes to ingredients in skincare and makeup!  We Deserve Better. CLICK HERE to read Why I joined Beautycounter as a consultant. 

Remember a little bit of unprotected sun exposure each day is actually good for us (Vitamin D), so what I like to do is apply this sunscreen once outside as it starts to work immediately (unlike chemical sunscreens which you need to apply 15-20 minutes beforehand). Remember to also accessorize with a broad-brimmedhat, sunglasses, and long sleeved clothing for your littles.

CLICK HERE to read about MORE “Safe Beauty Products for Mama and Baby that will Change your Life”

SHOP BEAUTY COUNTER

xo, Candice