Sunscreen - the hidden danger – Био Магазин ЗЕЛЕН

Yes, sun protection is extremely important for maintaining good skin health and it is recommended to use it every day when going outdoors, regardless of the season.
But did you know that this daily used cosmetic product also poses a risk to your health?

The reason for this risk are the chemical filters used in the most common sunscreen products on the market. These chemical compounds, although effective against UV radiation, can be dangerous and have negative long-term consequences for human health. Here's why:

Chemical filters can cause allergic reactions in people with more sensitive skin, leading to irritation, redness, inflammation, and rashes.
Some filters, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate, can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. Studies have found these chemicals in blood, urine, and even breast milk, hence there is concern about their accumulation in the body over time.
Oxybenzone is known as an endocrine disruptor because it has the ability to mimic estrogen, which can lead to hormonal imbalance. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and young children.
The most serious concerns are related to the ability of some chemical filters to generate free radicals when exposed to UV light and to affect hormone levels, which increases the risk of developing cancer and reproductive problems.

Unfortunately, the negative impact of chemical filters does not stop there. When sunscreen products containing such filters enter seas and oceans, they are proven to contribute to the bleaching and damage of coral reefs. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are particularly harmful to marine life. Subsequently, these chemicals remain in the environment, accumulating in marine organisms and potentially entering the food chain.

There are still no long-term studies on the impact of all chemical filters used in cosmetics, but at least some of them are proven to be harmful. Therefore, it is important to check the ingredients of the sunscreens you choose for yourself and your family, making sure they do not contain Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate), Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate.

What is the alternative to sunscreen with chemical filters?

Aware of the risks mentioned above, consumers are turning to sunscreen with mineral filters of titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide, or a combination of both.

These products cover the surface of the skin, acting as a physical blocker by deflecting and scattering UV rays. Since they block UV rays at a superficial level, mineral sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

It is important to know that this sunscreen remains on the surface of the skin, does not absorb into it, and can be easily washed off or wiped away, which necessitates frequent reapplication.

You can browse sunscreen products with mineral filters below: