Sun Protect Wisely

Fact:

The sun gives us life.
Too much sun is dangerous.
Protect Yourself

Social media is touting the ‘’dangers of sunscreen’, warning us to be aware of the toxic ‘chemicals’ present in commercial sunscreen.  They suggest using coconut oil.

The ‘other side’, TV mainstream news, is not happy with what they call another conspiracy theory and is discrediting this social media sunscreen tirade.

What is the issue with sunscreen?  Are today’s sunscreens dangerous?

We either ignore the hype and continue to use our favorite sunscreen. Or, we decide to check out our favorite sunscreen ingredients.  We google the ingredients, hoping they are safe, approved and not carcinogenic. We wonder whether coconut really works? 

Back then:
Man has always sought protection from the sun, through shelter, clothing, hats, shade, eyeliner, parasols, goggles, masks, pastes and potions, zinc, olive, coconut, shea, tamanu, emu, walrus and whale.

Today"
Our choices include the man made commercial ones.  It is the sunscreens that are made with the questionable avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone, and others that social media is concerned about, referring to them as toxic chemicals. Some have been known to be dangerous to our eco system, are destroying the coral reefs and fish and have been known to cause some cancers.  We should avoid those ingredients.

Many are looking into more natural. To do so, one must be familiar with the SPF (sun protection factor) of natural oils. They average from 4 to 40. Coconut and Shea are 4. Tamanu 20. Carrot seed oil near 40.  Google lists the oils, the SPF’s and explain what the numbers mean and how long they protect and to what extent. Please do research the meaning of SPF to understand what to consider.

Experts agree that over 50 SPF claims on commercial products is negligible and can give a false sense of security.  

Physical sunscreens are called blocks and are made with zinc and titanium dioxide. Non--nano Zinc is deemed a good choice.

If you prefer the dermatological tested, read the ingredients to avoid the questionables.

Do protect yourself against the sun. While social media and mainstream can trigger good questions, it is up to the individual to  become informed.

Protect. Choose wisely.