sunscreen-a needed conversation
The least expensive way to avoid premature loss of elasticity in the skin is to wear sunscreen. I wear sunscreen for a couple of reasons, mainly I want to avoid getting skin cancer at all costs, but I also wear it because I want to keep whatever elasticity my skin has left.
Skincancer.org gives further details of how the sun can age the skin.
I started to use physical sunscreens (containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide), which has a broader coverage for UVA rays, because chemical-based sunscreens sting my face. When I began to research what I was putting on my face with the chemical sunscreens, I decided to stick to mineral-based products. The Wall Street Journal hits the tip of the iceberg as to what I was researching in medical studies, but I know if the chemical oxybenzone is a concern for the ocean's coral reefs, then I probably should avoid putting it on my body. The environmental non-profit ewg.org gives more to information on this.
*Recently, Gwyneth Paltrow has been criticized for a video she posted, applying sunscreen and using the terms 'harsh chemicals' and 'clean' beauty. I'm on her side. She has brought the spotlight to this topic, a healthcare conversation long overdue. She can use the terms she feels work for her, but I agree. If something I am putting on my skin has been studied to disrupt hormonal balances in the body, yes, the term 'harsh' is fitting. As for the term 'clean', this term has been used for a decade now to describe lifestyle and diet. It's also fitting to describe skin care and the ingredients used in products. The terms are becoming popular with new beauty product lines.
I've worked with many breast cancer patients over the years and this article on breastcancer.org is something to think about regarding the negative effect chemical sunscreens may have on the hormone system. Our body works as a whole. What we put on it and in it can affect the entire system. Yes, these chemicals can be a sun barrier for the skin, but I ask the question, 'how is it contributing to my overall long-term health'?
There are plenty of healthy, mineral-based sunscreens and my go-to is Neutrogena Sheer Zinc.
I can go on and on about why 'soaking up a tan' isn't in our skin's best interest long-term. The information is out there, plenty of it. Again, be your own advocate when it comes to your health, research what you put on and in your body and read ingredient labels. Skincancer.org recommends using a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, with at least SPF 30.
*Added after original post was written.
