Should you fear your spf?
A recent fda report has blasted the news that sunscreen isn't safe. But was that the real results from the fda study, should we fear our sunscreen?
The simple answer is no.
Details about the FDA Study
The study chose 4 over the counter sunscreens that contain four chemical sunscreens. The 4 ingredients are avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule. And each of the sunscreens were a different formulation - 2 sprays, 1 cream, 1 lotion.
Twenty-four (24) participants applied the fda recommended amount of spf on 75% of their body for 4 days.
There are couple of problems with the study. Too few participants in the group. Too wide a variation and range of products. No control group. And the amount is not what we use daily. It may be close to beach vacation use, but the truth is we don't use enough.
Plus the FDA study concluded that they needed further study. And the results does not mean you should skip your sunscreen. Even the FDA wants us to continue to use our spf.
What to do if this study still worries you?
About the ingredients
Chemical sunscreen ingredients come from nature. Oxybenzone's found in various flowering plants. Octocrylene is an organic ester compound. Ecamsule is another organic compound derived from camphor. Avobenzone's derived from a licorice root extract.
And yes, they're fine-tuned into sunscreen ingredients.
Three Options
If you've used them to protect your face and neck, you can continue to do so. You're not covering 75% of your body in these ingredients you've less to worry about. It's a minimal amount. So daily use means you're protecting your skin from sun damage.
Second option is to check labels to avoid avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule. The mix of spf ingredients are to create a broad spectrum protection with an ideal texture. So you'll need to find a new one that you like.
Third option is to stick with mechanical sunscreens Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. They tend to be thicker so you'll need to test them. I carry a couple of excellent mechanical sunscreens - stop in to test them out. You'll bound to find one you love.
Any problems with Mechanical Spf Ingredients?
Thicker ingredient = thicker texture
The mechanical ingredients tend to have a thicker texture. They're ground to smaller sizes and need to be in a base that applies in an even layer on the skin.
Color of minerals
Zinc Oxide may apply white and Titanium Dioxide in grey. Both will melt into the skin to a translucent color, eventually. Higher quality spf will have a better texture and melt quicker into the skin.
Not Water Resistant
Mechanical spf ingredients are not water resistant. They act like a shield on the surface. But, unlike chemical sunscreens ingredients, it'll sweat, wipe and rub off. So you'll need to reapply if you're out in the sun for any period of time.
Should you Fear your SPF?
The answer is NO!
It's important to keep your skin protected from the sun to reduce dna damage
and prevent skin cancer.
If you need more info or have any questions, please let me know. I tried to keep this simple and straight-forward rather than overly-detailed. But if I missed any vital details, feel free to ask. Leave a comment below.
Stay safe in the sun.
- Michelle