Sunscreen Schishms

In one study, the application of oxybezone, 4-MBC and oxtinoxate for one week led to a drop in testosterone and oestradiol levels in men. More worrying is that these chemicals have been found in breast milk at concentrations known to have estrogenic effects.

A study by the Centre for Disease Control in the US found that 97% of the 2500 children and adults tested had oxybenzone in their urine.

Added to this is the problem that a large proportion of active ingredients in sunscreens can act as penetration enhancers to accelerate chemical absorption. Not good…

A recent move has been to nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to avoid the white paste residue. However, these ultra-fine particles may increase the risk of forming hydroxyl radicals ultimately damaging DNA.

We need to seek out safer alternatives, and look for sunscreens that resemble a food item rather than a complex toxic chemical equation.