Natural Alternative to Toxic Sunscreen
We are always told to don't forget to apply sunscreen before going outside, especially during the summer months. All the time while growing up constantly preached to me to put on my sunscreen to protect my skin from developing skin cancer from the sun's UV. I have watched my dad go through developing multiple skin cancer and go through the multiple treatments. So I have always been mindful and so diligent to applying sunscreen. But is our sunscreen causing more harm to our health and the environment than actually doing good? We are continuously seeing a rise in skin cancer, around 3.3 million of Americans at this time, despite all efforts of the use of sunscreen. What we actually put on our skin is equivalent to ingesting.
According to new research from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the chemicals in our sunscreen don’t merely sit on top of our skin until we rinse it off. Instead, many of the active ingredients enter our bloodstream at levels far in excess of what was previously believed. Researchers found that after applying chemical sunscreen spray, lotion and cream containing avobenzone, ecamsule, octocrylene, and oxybenzone, there is a “systemic absorption of sunscreen active ingredients” well beyond the FDA’s recommended limits. And while it remains unclear what the effect of this seepage into our bloodstream is, the data supports a need for further FDA investigation to determine exactly what the health impact of these findings are. [1]
Harmful Toxins found in Commercial Sunscreen
Benzophenone-4 (BP-4) is widely used ingredient in sunscreens and many cosmetics and other personal care products. Benzophenone is persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT). These chemicals are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and organ system toxicity. Reporting levels of benzophenone-4 (BP-4) in environmental water has been identified as one of the most important in concentration among the UV filters studied, particularly in wastewater [2]
The active chemicals in sunscreen formulations are released into the environment from human skin, and found in recreational-use waters like seawater, but can also be washed into fresh water from bathing and showering. The highest levels of sunscreen chemicals are in waste-water from showering. From numerous studies, it is known that the active chemicals in sunscreens can have potential hormonal/oestrogenic activity and non-hormonal effects, including acting as teratogens, altering gene regulation, inducing changes in antioxidant and free radical production, and inducing coral bleaching. However, the effects of sunscreens on aquatic life far exceed levels found in the environment. As such, when damage does occur to reefs and animal life, there are often other causes that are more likely impacting the aquatic life including changes in water temperature, water turbidity, elevated nutrient levels, and the presence of pesticides and medicines used for human and animal health. [3]
This is just a nutshell of information out there on google scholar and I highly recommend doing your own research as well.
doTERRA Sun Product Line
Available as of July 1, 2022 is doTERRA's new line, doTERRA Sun. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, delivers lightweight SPF 30-40 UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection. With the power of plant-based ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E—coupled with a blend of CPTG® essential oils, including Carrot Seed, Frankincense, and Helichrysum—this sunscreen spray provides nourishment to the skin from head to toe. This formula is oxybenzone-, paraben-, and phthalate-free, as well as vegan-friendly, reef-safe, and cruelty-free. Made for everyday use by every age, doTERRA sun has you covered...naturally.
dōTERRA® sun Body Mineral Sunscreen Spray - It’s packaged in an aluminum, non-aerosol spray bottle that delivers a continuous, 360-degree application for easy, all-over coverage.
Mineral Sunscreen Lotion dōTERRA® sun Face + Body - The container offers a convenient flip-cap, so you won’t lose the lid during application.
dōTERRA® sun Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick - It’s packaged in a twist-up tube that fits comfortably in the hand.
dōTERRA® sun After Sun Restorative Body Spray - Coming Soon! The power of this spray stems from hyaluronic acid, plant-based ingredients like Japanese green tea and aloe vera, and a blend of CPTG® essential oils, including Copaiba, Lavender, Peppermint, Helichrysum, and Frankincense. The spray provides soothing nourishment and restorative moisturization to weathered skin. This formula is paraben- and phthalate-free, as well as vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. It’s packaged in an aluminum, non-aerosol spray bottle that delivers a continous, 360-degree application for easy, all-over coverage.
As a doTERRA Wellness Advocate I'm here to help assist you in any way I can. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions. Please be safe and Toxic Free!!!
