CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN IN THE BLOODSTREAM

Chemical Sunscreen Ingredients Are Entering The Bloodstream Shortly After Being Applied To The Skin

According to a new research study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Monday, it suggests that the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens are being absorbed into the bloodstream. Since sunscreen is applied directly to the skin (topically) over a large portion of the body, and usually, on a daily basis, it's important to know exactly what is in it.  Since the skin is our largest organ we should be concerned about the effects of what certain ingredients can do to our bodies, if absorbed. The new study found that there are much higher levels of the common chemical ingredients in many sunscreens that are being absorbed more than previously thought. NBC News reported that in some cases, it may be "as much as 40 times" the normal levels. ​This new study isn’t the first to suggest that sunscreen ingredients might find their way into the body from the skin, in fact, many scientists have questioned the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for years. Some studies have even shown these chemicals to be found in breast milk and are bio-accumulating in the body. The latest study also found that the blood concentration of some of the chemical ingredients continued to rise as after daily use and then remained in the body for at least 24 hours after sunscreen use ended. 

What Are The Harmful Ingredients In Sunscreens?​
The common active chemical ingredients that are being scrutinized for their safety are; avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule and octocrylene and octinoxate. The FDA recently stated the chemical ingredients needed to be researched more by manufacturers before they could be considered "generally regarded as safe and effective." The recent study also found that the blood concentration of three of the ingredients continued to rise as the ingredient was used daily and then remained in the body for at least 24 hours after sunscreen use ended.

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Is Your Sunscreen Safe?
Do you know what the active ingredients are in your current brand of sunscreen? What about the inactive ingredients? If you're unsure or you've been using a sunscreen that contains active chemical ingredients, you may want to consider using a natural mineral based sunscreen for your UV protection. ​ The FDA considers only two out of the sixteen ingredients used in sunscreen as being safe: they zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are natural mineral based ingredients that have been safe and effective for many years. ​

Mineral VS Chemical
What is the difference between chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreen? Even though both can protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays of the sun, they do so in completely different ways. 

​Mineral Sunscreens offer protection by forming a physical barrier on the surface of the skin to deflect UV rays, and there is no absorption. (Especially, when the mineral particles are non-nano sized there is no unnecessary absorption.) Mineral sunscreens start protecting your skin as soon as they are applied. 
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​Chemical Sunscreens contain a combination of two to six different chemicals that offer protection by having to be absorbed into the skin, so that they can then absorb the UV rays. This is why some manufacturers also state that you must put on sunscreen 15-20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Many studies have shown the dangers of these chemicals being absorbed by the body and into the bloodstream because they can cause hormone disruption, immune dysfunction, and allergies.

The Safest UV Protection
Most experts agree that the best ways to protect yourself against the harmful effects of the sun are to follow the guidelines of wearing sunscreen, UV protective clothing, hats and sunglasses while being exposed to UV rays. Also, since UV rays are always present, sunscreen should be applied to exposed skin even on cloudy days and in the winter. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined. Around the world, melanoma ranks as the 19th most common cancer in both men and women, the World Cancer Research Fund says. Based on the information from many of the studies over the years and the new research that has been done, the best sunscreen protection for you and your family is a natural mineral based option. ​

Natural Organic SPF 30 Protection
​​The Environment Working Group recommends choosing a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide when possible. SUNZ SPF 30 UVA & UVB is a natural, organic zinc oxide sunscreen. Our formula has a handful of proven, high-quality ingredients to give you the powerful protection that you need, without all of the harmful and unnecessary ingredients. We use an organic non-nano zinc oxide that is naturally tinted, so it also won't leave the white shadow on your skin. It comes in a Light and Medium Sheen to enhance every skin tone. There are no chemicals, synthetic ingredients or fragrances in our formula, so it is safe and effective in providing a natural physical barrier that you can rely on and feel good about using every day.

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