What Ingredients Should You Look for in Sunscreen?

Because we care about the condition of our skin, we wear sunscreen. Nevertheless, some ingredients in sunscreen products may be harmful to the environment, your skin, and your general health. When you swim in the ocean, some of the sunscreen you apply to your skin washes off and travels through the water, where it can be consumed by plants and marine life. Studies have revealed that ten of the chemicals often present in sunscreens harm marine life by impeding their growth, having an impact on their unborn children, or lowering their resistance to disease.

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has identified the following among its list of substances:

  • Octinoxate 
  • benzophenone-1
  • benzophenone-8
  • OD-PABA 
  • 4-methylbenzylidene camphor 
  • 3-benzylidene camphor 
  • nano-titanium dioxide 
  • nano-zinc oxide
  • octocrylene 

There are several names to keep in mind! Fortunately, the majority of sunscreens labeled "Reef-Safe" or "Ocean-Safe" are free of these two ingredients. Therefore, to be certain, we should constantly verify the label twice. The primary ingredient in sunscreens that are safe for the ocean and coral reefs should be zinc oxide. This is because mineral-based sunscreens are safe and non-toxic because they don't include the aforementioned chemical chemicals. Numerous environmental specialists suggest staying as far away from nanoparticles as possible because it is still unclear if these minute mineral formations may have an impact on marine life.

Only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have received FDA safety approval as sunscreen components. By deflecting the sun's rays away from the skin, they both serve as UV filters. If we have a choice, experts suggest choosing zinc-based sunscreen over titanium-based sunscreen since zinc serves a variety of nutritional functions in humans whereas titanium is not acknowledged to have any nutritional benefit in the human body.
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Think about using different sunscreens for your face and body. Face sunscreens are frequently kinder and lighter than body sunscreens since they include less ingredients that might tint your skin or alter the color of any makeup you choose to wear. If you've had acne in the past, specialized face sunscreens are less likely to clog your pores. There are liquid foundations, primers, and tinted moisturizers with SPF, so you could even combine your skincare and cosmetic needs into one product.

Wearing sun-protective clothing, becoming more UV-aware, and changing your lifestyle are always preferable than using sunscreen alone since they are more efficient, safe, and ecologically friendly. By avoiding substances that are known to be unhealthy and activities that are harmful, you may enjoy the sun and enhance your health at the same time.

Resources: Healthline

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