4 Sunscreen Ingredients that Make Me Say "Huh?"

I have a fair complexion. Okay, fine, I'm as white as they come. Growing up, I'd lather on the SPF any time I went outside. I'd still burn, but that's beside the point. Now that I've become more health conscious, I make it my business to read labels. It started with what I was eating and drinking, but now has expanded to anything I put on my body.

Sunscreen...do you know what's in there?!?! Let's start with why you should care...

Stay with me on this. Your skin is your largest organ (no joke, look it up - wikipedia me, I dare you). It's also extremely absorbent.  Anything you put on your body (lotion, soap, make-up) can be absorbed into your body through your skin cells.  And your skin doesn't discriminate between good and bad - the healthy minerals sink in, the toxins and chemicals sink in. When those chemicals are carcinogens and hormone disrupters...well, you can see the problem.

So what ingredients should make you switch your sunscreen? In no particular order (read: avoid them all!)

#1 Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that can cause hormone disruption and cell damage.  Researchers have specifically advised against using this chemical on children (some of the number one users of sunscreen!). This chemical is found in 97% of Americans and current research says that it may cause cancer.

#2 Octocrylene
 The most widely used sunscreen ingredient. The cons: estrogenic effects, disruption of thyroid hormone and brain signaling.  Sounds kind of important.  In the lab, it has been found to kill mouse cells when exposed to sunlight - ekk!
 
#3 Padimate O (Octyl Dimethyl PABA / PABA Ester)
 Based on the old favorite PABA, this chemical releases free radicals, damages DNA, and shows estrogenic activity. Doesn't that list make you want to lather up?

#4 Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate)   
It's a vitamin - doesn't that mean it's good for you? Not always the case. An FDA study found that when the form of vitamin A used in sunscreens (retinyl palmitate) is exposed to sunlight, it may actually speed up the development of skin tumors. So just keep it out...of...the...sun....Oh, I see the problem.

(Thank you to Dr. Mercola and EWG for the chemical details - check out the sunscreen hall of shame next!)

So there it is - 4 ingredients that make you go hmmmm...And we didn't even touch on the worst thing about sunscreen. If we slather it on "as directed" every time we're in the sun, we lose the chance to absorb vitamin D. Wonderful, beautiful vitamin D! It does so much in the body (bone health, heart health, immune system function, on and on and on) and if we're deficient, it hurts (ricketts, depression, weak immune system, loads more)! It won't kill you to let a little sun in; in fact, it might kill you not to...

So be smart in the sun! Limit exposure, wear a hat, and, if you choose to go sunscreen, make sure you check (and double check!) the label.

Erin Turo is a wife, mom, health enthusiast and the office manager at Turo Family Chiropractic. Visit Erin, her husband Dr. Dan and their son Ethan at their North Hills Pittsburgh office or their website.