Sunscreen and sunblock protect the skin from damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The chemicals in inorganic sunscreens, however, are often just as harmful as the radiation they're protecting us from. Organic sunscreens do not have a chemical base like inorganic sunscreens; harmful chemicals are replaced with alternate substances that defend our skin just the same.
Types of Radiation from the Sun
The sun emits three types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA radiation is the same strength year round and is the most damaging. It penetrates the epidermis and the dermis, the top two layers of the skin, and ages the skin. It may also increase UVB's cancer causing effects and directly cause melanoma. UVB radiation causes tanning and burning. It penetrates only the epidermis. It is considered the main cause of skin cancer. UVC radiation does not reach people because the ozone layer blocks it.
Zinc Oxide
Zinc oxide is a mineral in some organic sunblocks that deflects UVA and UVB radiation. It is also the only FDA approved sunblock for use on children less than 6 months old. Zinc oxide is a thick, white substance. "To create a clear skin product rather than one that leaves a white residue, zinc oxide is now made in the form of nano-size particles," says Healthy Child.
Titanium Dioxide
Other organic sunscreens contain titanium dioxide. Like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide is a thick, white substance that defends the skin against both UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are both safer than the active ingredients in inorganic sunscreens and sunblocks and are also less irritating to the skin.
Why Choose Organic Sunscreen and Sunblock?
Inorganic sunscreen and sunblock have many chemicals that are absorbed into the bloodstream when applied to the skin. The human body is not adapted to these nonbiological chemicals, so once in the blood stream, they are difficult to remove. Because of this, they can accumulate in fat stores, damage organs and even cause malignant tumors such as melanoma. Some examples of potential dangers are parabens, triethanolamine, benzophenone and oxybenzone. These four active ingredients are present in most popular brands of sunscreens and sunblocks. Look up your sunscreen or sunblock at the Environmental Working Group link in Resources.
How to Buy Organic Sunscreen
Although they are usually more expensive than inorganic sunscreens, organic sunscreens are worth buying because they don't contain harmful chemicals and carcinogenic substances. Find a list of 21 natural sunscreens you can choose from on the Daily Green link under Resources.
