(Link to Prevention Magazine article “10 Best Powder Sunscreens” click here.)
Know your SPF Ingredients! Do you know what is in your sunscreen? Many people are just starting to learn about the questionable ingredients formulated in their sunscreen, moisturizers, makeup and BB creams. THERE IS DEFINITELY A DIFFERENCE!
We often think of sun protection only on hot summer days, but we need protection all year long. Did you kow that 90% of skin aging is directly related to sun exposure? SPF is not ony critical for aging but also protection from skin cancers! Understanding the importance, formulation difference and sun protection factor (SPF) number is essential for skin health.
Physical Sun Protectants There are natural minerals that works by creaing a protective shield on the surface of the skin, reducing the damaging effects from UVA and UVB rays. There are only two forms of physical sun protectants available - zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide offers anti-microbial and healing properties in addition to reflecting rays. Titanium dioxidie enhances stability against UV rays and reduces melanin synthesis. Rhonda Allison’s sunscreens use technology for transparent, large particle-size zinc as well as formulations that reduce white residue typically left on the skin.
Chemical Sun Protectants These are used in many sunscreens, moisturizers, makeup and BB cream formulations found on retail shelves today. Chemical formulations that are designed to absorb and change the UB rays into heat are commonly referred to as chemical absorbers. Some of these ingredients have been linked to an increase in hyperpigmentation and are known to create additional toxins within the body as those chemicals breakdown due to the heat from the sun.
Chemical Sun Protectant Ingredients
Oxybenzone
Avobenzone
Octisalate
Octocrylene
Octinoxate
Homosalate
Menthyl Anthranilate
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Banned Ingredients Two chemical sun protectant ingredients have recently been banned in several countries as well as in Hawaii and the Florida Keys. Oxybenzone and Oxtinoxate have demonstrated a link to hormone/endocrine disruptors.
Oxybenzone was found in over 65% of non-mineral sun protectants tested by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) 96% of Americans were found to have oxybenzone in their bloodstream. This ingredient was also found in nursing mothers breast milk.
Octinoxate is another ingredient and one of the most common ingredients found in sunscreens. Studies have shown this ingredient may contribute to free radicals in the body.
Why the Ban Both of these ingredients have demonstrated their link to hormones/endocrine disruptors. This means that they are responsible for mimicking, blocking or altering hormones in humans, as well as wildlife. Studies conducted around the world have shown these ingredients killing coral reefs by either bleaching the reef or causing changes to the DNA of corals leading to coral death. These are some of the many reasons we feel it is important ot understand what you are applying to your skin and how it may impact you, those around you and the environment.
Rhonda Allison’s Reflect Products Have a Clean Ingredient Deck & Are Proudly Free From
Dyes & Colorants
Synthetic Fragrances
Sodium Lauryl Sulfates
Parabens
Phthalates
Animal Testing
Reflect Products are considered CORAL REEF SAFE. Check out Rhonda Allison’s Reflect line of Sun Protectants but remember: No SPF blocks 100% of UVB rays. Minimize cancer rise and reapply your protection every 2 hours for maximum sun protection! Click here for REFLECT Products
(Information taken from Rhonda Allison’s REFLECT product brochure. Visit RAReflect.com for more information.)