Is Your Sunscreen Actually Safe? A Summary.
The Sunscreen Question. For You, Your Baby, and the Environment.
Plus some products you should just toss.
If you’ve been in the Beauty or Skincare corners of Instagram lately, you would likely have seen the raging debate about sunscreen safety, just in time for summer. So what is going on?
There’s a lot to cover. So, we’re doing this summary plus three posts!
- Throw These Ones Out: Carcinogenic Content in These Products.
- Chemical Sunscreen v. Mineral (Physical) Sunscreen.
- How to Think About the Impact of Sunscreen on Coral Reefs. Hint: It's Complex.
SUMMARY
1
Carcinogens in these ones. Toss them out!
Due to carcinogen-contamination fears, just toss the sunscreens listed in the below document. However, for the sake of your skin, please please please continue wearing sunscreens that are not on this list.
https://www.valisure.com/wp-content/uploads/Valisure-Citizen-Petition-on-Benzene-in-Sunscreen-and-After-sun-Care-Products-v9.7.pdf
Have you already been using these products?
Don’t sweat it. Yes, you should stop. But at the same time, your actual carcinogen exposure is probably no more than you’d get from routinely filling your car at the gas station.
See the full story in Blog Post: Benzene (Carcinogen) in Certain Sunscreens.
2
Which is better? Chemical v. mineral sunscreen.
All dermatologists and scientists agree that the best sunscreen is one you will wear. Every single day. Plus re-application.
Fact of the matter is - though there are now some gaps regarding certain chemical sunscreen ingredients and their effects, we know that sun exposure causes cancer.
If you are pregnant or nursing, it may be a good idea to avoid chemical sunscreens and stick with mineral sunscreen and sun-protective clothing until more studies have been conducted.
The Versine take?
Our founders try to use mineral sunscreen when they can, especially for the kids. They also use chemical sunscreen a lot, too.
Read more in our full mineral/chemical sunscreen assessment in Blog Post: Chemical v. Mineral Sunscreen (A Skirmish).
3
Is your sunscreen killing the coral reef? Honestly – it’s complex.
Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the algae with which they live in symbiotic relationship. Per the National Ocean Service, some ingredients in sunscreen can do this.
The question is whether this is important, or just a distraction compared to pollution and global warming’s impact on coral reefs. That said, it’s a distraction you can personally control.
What does “nano” in sunscreen mean for your skin, and for the coral reef? Dive deeper in Blog Post: What Sunscreen to Wear for the Coral Reef.
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There's a lot of information in here. But don't let it overwhelm. Life is meant to be enjoyed, so get out there!
And when your skin needs pampering after all that outdoor activity, Versine is ready for you with our pregnancy-safe, gentle-actives facial serums. Two options: one for all skin types, and one for acne-prone skin. Both fun.
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