The dangers of sun tan cream
Yes of course we must lather up and protect ourselves against the damaging effects of the glorious sun we have been having recently, but are we causing more harm by what we are putting on our skin, and what can we do about it?
Sunscreen blocks vitamin D production, which is an essential nutrient for health and cancer prevention. Many major brands of sunscreen also contain toxic chemicals, which are absorbed through the skin, enter the bloodstream, and then circulate throughout the body.
These are the Cancer-causing chemicals found in sunscreens:
1. Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC)
2. Titanium dioxide
3. Oxybenzone/benophone
4. Derivatives of vitamin A such as retinol and retinyl palmitate
5. Diesopropyl adipate
Also what about the effect sun lotions have on our oceans? I have a real issue with this as I have seen it first hand on one of my diving expeditions. There's increasing concern that chemical suncream ingredients are harming coral reefs and the marine life that inhabit these underwater ecosystems. We can't undo the damage that's been caused, but by switching to a non-toxic sun lotion you can help prevent further incidences of coral bleaching and marine damage. Number 1 and 3 above are the biggest culprits.
Here's the ingredients for a natural sun tan lotion:
1/4 cup vitamin E oil
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup almond oil
1/4 Cup shea butter or beeswax
5-10 drops essential oil (not citrus)
Or failing that, I love Green people sun tan lotion