I am not a scientist or doctor, and I cannot say how toxic or benign these chemicals are on our bodies, though I use them myself. But health-minded individuals often prefer sunscreens made with powdered minerals from the earth to present physical barriers to the sun’s rays. Two examples are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (a most effective reflector but also controversial). Both block out all UV rays, sometimes adding a thick white coating on your skin, especially titanium dioxide.
In efforts to minimize the ghost-on-the-beach look of these physical barriers, manufacturers use a couple of different processes to turn them clearer. One is by creating particles that are so small they may be absorbed into the skin — although probably only broken skin, not healthy intact skin. This process has gotten a bit of bad press, too. The other process, considered safer, is micronization, with larger particles.
These more natural sunscreens are usually more expensive, especially those with more pleasant texture and feel on the skin. Cheap gives you sticky and white.
Another advantage of the natural products is that the “inactive” ingredients sound more appealing. Rather than alcohol, parabens and propylene glycol, you might find — as in ECO Formula by Raw Elements — yummier-sounding ingredients like organic sunflower oil, green and black tea, hemp seed oil, cocoa and mango butter, beeswax and rosemary oil extract. For one consumer’s report on several natural sunscreens you might find this page useful: https://safemama.com/cheatsheets/sunscreen/
To be labeled as “broad spectrum,” a sunscreen must protect you from both UVA and UVB. Both can lead to signs of aging skin or to skin cancer, but sunburn is mostly UVB’s doing. The FDA now requires that sunscreens label whether they are water-resistant and the length of efficacy before reapplication is recommended. Two time periods are allowed: either 40 minutes or 80 minutes.
None of these words is currently allowed on labels: “sunblock,” “waterproof” or “sweatproof.” Projected for the future is the elimination of claims of SPFs over 50. Rather than SPF 75 or SPF 100 they will all be labeled SPF 50-plus, since apparently anything higher than 50 is overkill. So don’t look for any sunscreens claiming SPF 5000 any time soon. Your best bet is to use at least 30, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), or you may wish to use 50, depending on the level of protection you need.
Happy times in the sun are good for all of us whatever our age, and protecting our skin from too much of a good thing requires a multi-pronged approach. Limiting time outside between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. is one — and I say “limiting” because I don’t think we all have to be indoors for those four hours every day, that’s just not livable — but to get into the shade now and then, to protect ourselves with clothing that covers our limbs, to wear broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses, to reapply the sunscreen every two hours, or even more if swimming, playing in water, or doing something sweaty.
Read your labels. Even a sunscreen with a natural eco-friendly look may have chemicals lurking in it that you don’t want. If in doubt, whip out that smart phone and look it up right there in the store. Be informed before you slather.
Remember, the recommendations in this column don’t substitute for the advice of your own medical practitioner.
