Sunscreen is one of the best tools we have to prevent sunburn. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. The skin is the largest organ in our body and the products we put on our skin don’t just stay on the surface of the skin. Any topical products we use soak into our bodies through the skin and can travel to other organs. So just as we want to be picky about what we put into our mouths, we also want to be picky about what we put on our skin.
Many chemicals used in sunscreens are endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors alter the function of the endocrine system. Think hormones. Endocrine disruptors affect our hormones and not just our male and female hormones. They also affect the thyroid and pancreatic hormones. Some common chemicals found in sunscreens are octinoxate, oxybenzone, avobenzome, octocrylene, octisalate, and homosalate. Oxybenzone can reduce sperm count in men and contribute to breast cancer and endometriosis in women. Did you ever think that sunscreen would be contributing to infertility in America?!
So, before you purchase sunscreen, I would encourage you to check out the EWG website on safety ratings for different brands. A safer option than chemical-based sunscreen is mineral-based sunscreen that is non-nano zinc oxide based. Look for sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide only (not nano zinc oxide). Avoid sunscreens containing Vitamin A or retinol. Studies show that tumors and lesions develop sooner on skin that has been coated with Vitamin A or retinol. It's crazy that sunscreens can actually cause the very thing they claim to protect against!
Sunscreen Guide - Rated by Scientists | EWG
The trouble with ingredients in sunscreens | EWG's Guide to Sunscreens