Toxic Free NC Tip of the Week: Endocrine Disruptors in your Sunscreen?

Fun in the sun without sunburns

I am all about the beach this summer, and I’m learning to be all about sunscreen that doesn’t contain toxic endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The Longview pool may be closing after this week (booo!!!) and the kids may be headed back to school soon, but summer’s not over yet, darnit, and there’s still plenty of time to hit the beach! Read on for more information on finding effective, toxic-free sunscreens from Toxic Free NC volunteer Timika Pollack, MPH, and rock on with your tanned-not-burned self.

With North Carolina’s long and beautiful summer season still in full swing, people all around our state are getting out and enjoying the great outdoors for some fun in the sun. However, protecting you and your loved ones from the damaging effects of the sun with sunscreen may not be providing all the protection you think.

According to an astonishing report by the Environmental Working Group, not only are many sunscreens on the market ineffective, but some are even considered harmful and unsafe.

Yes, it’s true: A significant number of sunscreen products are being falsely marketed and advertised, and many others contain chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors - in other words, chemicals that mess with your hormones. Rub that in and let it soak into your pores! 

Some of the most commonly misleading sunscreen labels include wording such as:
1) All-day protection
2) Chemical-free
3) Waterproof
4) UVA protection

Although there are sunscreen products that do own up to these claims, the reality is that a large number do not, including some of the most popular selling brands on the market.

For years it has been known that sun protection is absolutely important in decreasing one’s risk for certain skin cancers and that sunscreen should be used as a first line of defense, however, the FDA has yet to complete a comprehensive update on sunscreen product regulation since the proposed revisions first began over three decades ago.

So, what is the public to do?

Well the goods news is that there are good sunscreen products out there. There are things consumers can look for while shopping for sunscreens.  Here are some quick tips:

*Seek UVA and UVB protection: Put simply, UVB protects from sunburn and the SPF number (or, sun protection factor) tells you how much longer you can stay out in the sun without burning. UVA, on the other hand, refers to the sun rays that are most harmful to skin aging effects. The bottom line is that skin which is unprotected from either UVA or UVB is at risk for skin cancer so your best bet is to look for a sunscreen that protects from both.  (Interesting note: The FDA requires all sunscreens protect from UVB, but not UVA so this puts the responsibility on the consumer to make sure they have complete coverage.)
*Avoid oxybenzone:  This chemical ingredient can absorb into the skin and has been shown to contribute to hormone disruption.
*Watch “best sunscreen” ratings: Lists will likely be updated yearly so search the web regularly.  Environmental Working Group also maintains an easy search database for finding sunscreens based on your own specific search criteria.
*Watch for the good ingredients: Yes, there are ingredients that are good! Avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or mexoryl are all known to protect well against UVA.

So, paying attention to the labeling and doing one’s own self-education is a must when it comes to using sunscreens!!

Happy end-of-the summer to everyone, and be safe out there!

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Politics , Other posts by Billie Karel.

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Environment Toxic-Free summer health sunscreen sunblock Beach

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