Saturday, January 8, 2011

Why use natural sunscreens?


Although from media advertising, it seems imperative that Australians become more sun-conscious, often the effects of chemicals in conventional sunscreens can pose additional threats to our health and well-being. Medical research is now uncovering some the negative effects of chemical UV-absorbers in conventional sunscreens:

Octyl-methoxycinnamate (used in 80-90% of sunscreens):
  • produces free radicals (singlet molecular oxygen) known to be toxic to cells.

  • when tested on mice, approx. half died, using a lower concentration than most sunscreens.

  • showed oestrogenic effects in lab tests making cancer cells grow more rapidly and triggered developmental abnormalities.

Benzophenone-3 / Oxybenzone:

  • can be measured in urine after topical application of sunscreen.

  • inactivated important antioxidant systems in the skin (the skin's natural protection system).

  • 76-80mg per hour absorbed of chemical through the surface of the skin.

At Down to Earth Organics we have several natural sunscreens: one of our favourites is Soleo Organics Sunscreen - voted number 1 eco sunscreen by Elle magazine and No. 1 by the Environmental Working Group:

  • completely free from chemical UV-absorbers, chemical preservatives, titanium dioxide and parabens.

  • a cosmetically appealing product that is bursting with organic botanical extracts, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to protect and nourish the skin.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Why use natural sunscreens?


Although from media advertising, it seems imperative that Australians become more sun-conscious, often the effects of chemicals in conventional sunscreens can pose additional threats to our health and well-being. Medical research is now uncovering some the negative effects of chemical UV-absorbers in conventional sunscreens:

Octyl-methoxycinnamate (used in 80-90% of sunscreens):
  • produces free radicals (singlet molecular oxygen) known to be toxic to cells.

  • when tested on mice, approx. half died, using a lower concentration than most sunscreens.

  • showed oestrogenic effects in lab tests making cancer cells grow more rapidly and triggered developmental abnormalities.

Benzophenone-3 / Oxybenzone:

  • can be measured in urine after topical application of sunscreen.

  • inactivated important antioxidant systems in the skin (the skin's natural protection system).

  • 76-80mg per hour absorbed of chemical through the surface of the skin.

At Down to Earth Organics we have several natural sunscreens: one of our favourites is Soleo Organics Sunscreen - voted number 1 eco sunscreen by Elle magazine and No. 1 by the Environmental Working Group:

  • completely free from chemical UV-absorbers, chemical preservatives, titanium dioxide and parabens.

  • a cosmetically appealing product that is bursting with organic botanical extracts, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to protect and nourish the skin.