Main stream sun lotions are toxic of that there is no debate. The state of Hawaii is set to be the first US State to ban sun cream containing oxybenzone and octinoxate two main chemical ingredients from its waters by 2021 further heightening awareness of this issue. Marine areas in Mexico, Florida and Virgin Islands also encourage tourists to swim using natural sun creams. Scientist Craig Downs 2015 study estimates that up to 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen gets into the ocean!
ncourage tourists to swim using natural sun creams.
Environmental impact
Research studies have proven that chemicals in main steam sun lotions are thought to mimic the effect of oestrogen which is proven to have a dramatic ‘gender bending’ effect on aquatic life. Research has also shown that UV filters in some mainstream sunscreens promote viral infections in coral reefs, and play a huge role in coral bleaching, with the result that the corals are now under threat. It is thought that up to 10% of the world’s coral reefs could be threatened by sunscreen-induced coral bleaching. Several ingredients have been shown to cause this even at very low concentrations; oxybenzone (in approx 3,500 sunscreen products also linked to decreasing testosterone), butylparaben (preservative), octinoxate (sunscreen) and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (sunscreen). Just a 20 minute dip in the sea is enough to wash off 25% of your sun lotion.
Organic verses high street:
Its time to swap the suncreams and start saving our waters!Quality organic sun lotions do not contain these ingredients (or any other harmful chemicals) and are biodegradable and therefore safe for the seas, as well as your skin!
Natural sun creams contain natural mineral filters Titanium dioxide, a naturally occurring white mineral that acts as a reflective barrier to UVA (UV ageing) radiation and Zinc. These minerals are widely recognised as being non-toxic and are one of the few natural sunscreen agents approved under European legislation. Another ingredient is an extract derived from Cinnamic Acid, from the Cinnamon Leaf, also known as ‘Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate’. This is effective against UVB (UV Burn) radiation and is also on the approved European list. These ingredients often combine to offer effective, natural protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
By law all sunscreens that make an SPF claim have to be tested to confirm that they offer the protection that they claim. The main difference between organic and high street sun creams is that organic sun care is usually much gentler on your skin, and does not contain the harsh ingredients used in traditional formulations.
Try Organii Sun range which contains 100% natural minerals – nonnanosized Zinc and Titanium Dioxide and is suitable for sensitive skin including for babies. Jason Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ( Reef safe), or Lavera Organic Sun Sensitive Sun Cream SPF 30 – recommended for use on skin affected by rashes, eczema, inflammations and acne. It contains nourishing ingredients of organic sunflower, shea butter and organic calendula which promote wound healing. Another bonus point is that this is immediately effective upon application so you don’t have to wait 20 – 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.
Sun safe? How long in the Sun
SPF ratings are a measure of the length of time you can stay in sunlight without skin burning when using a sun lotion compared with when you would start to burn without protection. For example, if your skin type starts to develop skin redness after 8 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, then using an SPF15 sun lotion would allow you to spend 120 minutes (or 2 hours) in the same sunlight before starting to burn (8 minutes x15). Applying an SPF30 product would enable them to spend 240 minutes (4 hours) in the same strength of sunlight before starting to get skin redness.
The actual times vary depending on individual skin types and on the strength of the sunlight, but the multiplication factor remains the same.
The Sun Protection Factor scale is not linear:
- SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays
- SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays
So SPF 30 sunscreen only gives you 4% more protection than SPF 15 sunscreen.
Practise safe sun
Wear protective clothing, sunglasses that filter out 100 percent of UV light, and a wide-brimmed hat. Reapply sun cream every 2 hours.