By Sharon Gnatt Epel
Unless you live under a rock or in a dense rainforest, there’s a good chance that you are aware of the importance of shielding your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. UV rays are the leading cause of skin cancer in the U.S., and the number one cause of premature aging.
But did you know that some unfiltered sun exposure is actually necessary for good health? In addition to making us feel good and putting extra spring in our step, exposure to UVB rays causes our skin to produce Vitamin D3, which helps regulate the calcium and phosphate levels in our bodies (translating into healthy bones and teeth). D3 is also involved in an assortment of other important biological functions, including bolstering the body’s defense system against the onslaught of microbes, and helping the body assimilate and absorb other vitamins. Only 10 minutes a day of exposure during the early morning hours can be very helpful to our health and overall well-being.
However, longer sun exposure times require the use of an SPF in order to avoid sunburn and blistering. Unfortunately most of the sunscreens available today contain harmful synthetic ingredients that have been linked to hormonal imbalances and increased cancer rates. Here are some of the worst offenders that you should consider before you buy your next bottle of sunscreen:
* Octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate) – is one of the most common ingredients found in today’s sunscreens and cosmetics. It functions by absorbing UV-B rays. Classified as an estrogenic chemical, it has been linked to hormonal imbalance and increased rates of cancer. Women who are pregnant should not use products that contain Octinoxate because of the estrogen-like effects it has on the body.
This chemical has also been shown to linger in a person’s body for several years after exposure to it. It can cause liver damage. It is best to keep sunscreens that contain this ingredient away from children.
Stay tuned for part 2 of this article shortly…..
– Copyright August 2013 by Sharon Gnatt Epel for La Isha Natural Skin Care
– Sharon Gnatt Epel is the CEO/Founder, La Isha Natural & Organic Skincare.