Toxic Sunscreen and Natural Alternatives

We have all heard the warnings to wear sunscreen diligently and be sure to re-apply repeatedly to ourselves and our children while outdoors in order to protect our health. The only problem is that sunscreen may just be exasperating the problem and increasing your chances of actually developing skin cancer and other pathological disorders.

The truth is most sunscreen's on the market contain toxic and carcinogenic ingredients. Cosmetic companies and dermatologist's have known the startling truth for well over a decade. It is no secret. Many of these ingredients found in commercial sold sunscreens actually contain free radical generating properties. One such ingredient is octyl methoxycinnamar ( OMC) this ingredient is found in nearly 90% of sunscreen's currently on the market. This ingredient actually acts as a UV attracter making it twice as toxic during sun exposure thus actually increasing your cancer risk. Another ingredient called Psoralen also increases your skin cancer risk by as much as 83%! This is outrageous considering 35% of sunscreen applied to the skin is directly absorbed into the blood stream.

The human body is naturally designed to detoxify biological free radicals. This becomes a huge problem when man made chemicals are directly introduced and distributed into the blood stream as the human body has trouble breaking down these compounds. These chemicals actually end up being stored in fat stores in the body as the body has no way to detoxify them!

The way it works is these chemicals are specifically used to produce free radical reactions while the process of chemical synthesis occurs. These chemicals produce even more free radicals on your skin than the sun itself.

Not to mention the estrogenic effects of some main ingredients found in most sunscreen's. Numerous studies show that sunscreen is in fact causing problems directly related to disorders in sexual development, reproduction and function. As well as increasing the risk of birth defects. They have also been shown to actually damage DNA in laboratory studies! The most outrageous thing is the FDA does not do any testing at all as far as estrogenic effects are concerned on skin care products and only brand new ingredients are required to pass tests determined not to cause skin cancer. There are definitely loopholes in the system that is putting you and your family at grave risk.

It is no coincidence that countries around the world that heavily use and promote amounts of sunscreen also have the highest skin cancer rates. Such as The United States and Australia. Just a little research into the matter is extremely disturbing. Are we just creating more problems for ourselves? The truth is it may not just be the rapidly depleting ozone layer that is causing an alarming increase in skin cancer rates.

While we are trying to protect our health and the ones we love we are putting ourselves at even greater risk for cancer. Even products touted as natural and sold in health food stores may also contain toxic ingredients.

The good news is there are natural alternatives to mainstream sunscreen products. Many oils and natural ingredients will provide you with sun protection. Among these include mango butter & aloe vera gel. As well as emu, coconut and sesame oils.

Here is a simple recipe you can make in your own kitchen!

A Simple Recipe for Natural Sunscreen

1/2 cup coconut oil

2 Tbsp. mango or shea butter

Combine the first 2 ingredients in a clean glass jar. Place in a pan filled halfway with boiling hot water and let melt. Do not do this over dirct heat. Store in a glass jar. Apply before going out into the sun and as needed.

There is no substitute for knowledge as far as the sun goes. Be sure to choose smart choices for your family in regards to sun exposure. Avoid being outdoors when the sun is strongest, between 11am and 4pm. Even in the winter months as well! Also be sure to dress appropriately. Clothing offers an SPF of 5-9. Wear hats and eye protection whenever you are exposed. Keep your sun exposure to a minimum if you are able.