Do you desire the benefits of using sunscreen but are opposed to using those with chemical additives? Organic sunscreen is the answer!
A few of the most asked questions about this would be: What precisely is organic sunscreen? Why is it called such? What are its components? This article will answer everything, so read on.
Organic Sunscreen: An Overview
A lot of people are now very cautious of what they purchase. Most, if not all, would buy products such as skincare and makeup that it is organic, natural, eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and chemical-free.
If you are like most people, then when it comes to sunscreen, you would also want to purchase a product that is organic. Not only does it have the beneficial effects of a typical sunscreen, but it can, one way or another, help the environment as well.
Organic Sunscreen: Full-Spectrum Coverage against UVA and UVB
The full-spectrum coverage of an organic sunscreen provides the most benefits.
A full-spectrum sunscreen shields the skin against two types of ultra-violet (UV) radiation: UVA rays (which lead to premature wrinkles as well as age spots) and UVB rays (which cause Sunburns).
For a number of reasons, it is highly suggested to use products that can protect against UVA as well as UVB rays.
UVB rays have an effect on the skin's surface layer, the epidermis. On the other hand, UVA rays could reach the epidermis, causing harm to the dermis's "living tissue." Furthermore, excessive exposure to either form of UV radiation might contribute to the development of skin cancer.
What Exactly Is an Organic Sunscreen?
Organic sunscreens can work in one of two different ways - physically or chemically. Chemical sunscreens shield the skin from the sun's rays by absorbing as well as neutralizing them. Mineral or "physical" sunscreens contain minerals such as zinc oxide that reflect UV rays and form a protective layer on the skin.
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens, as the name implies, may contain harmful chemicals which you do not want on your skin, much more in your bloodstream. The chemical oxybenzone is at the top of the list of chemicals you would not want because it has been known to produce allergic reactions when it comes into touch with the skin or when exposed to light. Furthermore, it is suspected to be an endocrine disruptor. Also, oxybenzone has been connected to coral reef bleaching in the environment. The FDA has requested that oxybenzone and many other chemicals be removed from its list of generally regarded as safe from harm and effective sunscreen ingredients. Still, no final decision has been made on this matter yet.
Chemical sunscreens may also result in skin irritation, resulting in inflammation and exacerbation of skin conditions such as rosacea and acne.
Lastly, some sunscreens contain additional chemicals that can wreak havoc on the body. Phthalates and parabens (both known to be endocrine disruptors) and propylene glycol (which has been shown to promote the absorption of many other substances) are examples.
Mineral Sunscreen
There are sunscreens that contain minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect UV radiation off the skin rather than absorbing and changing them. Mineral sunscreens function in this manner to keep the skin cooler while yet providing full-spectrum protection.
Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide may offer extra benefits, as zinc is a component in the body's collagen production and is considered to benefit those people with acne-prone skin.
Finally, mineral sunscreens could be gentler for coral reefs than chemical sunscreens.
Apart from the mineral sunscreen's physical barrier, various natural chemicals can aid in the protection of the skin against harmful UV rays.
Organic Sunscreen: Antioxidants and Vitamin C
Sun exposure contributes to oxidative stress on the skin by promoting the formation of free radicals by the organism.
Although free radicals are necessary byproducts of oxidative metabolism, when the body makes them quicker than they have neutralized, they accumulate in the cells, leading to inflammation and DNA damage. It leads to photoaging (collagen and elastin degeneration) and hyperpigmentation, as well as skin cancer.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants, which are present in vitamins C and E, leafy green vegetables, or raspberry seed oil, can donate an electron toward the free radical, assisting the body in countering and restoring the damage.
When combined with sunscreen, antioxidants protect your skin from UV damage. While sunscreen is the very first line of defense against skin damage, antioxidants work as a backup, assisting the body in neutralizing free radicals and repairing any harm that will happen.
According to research, Vitamin C may aid in the fight against photodamage and oxidative stress. Research has shown that it stabilizes messenger RNA involved in the production of collagen, assisting the body in producing additional collagen protein to help repair injured skin.
Vitamin C also promotes the formation in the connective tissue cells known as fibroblasts, wherein the body will produce in smaller amounts as we grow old. Additional research indicates that vitamin C promotes DNA repair. Topical Vitamin C treatment for at least 12 weeks has also been shown to reduce wrinkles and tissue damage and give skin a smoother, more youthful glow.
Vitamin C is considered more efficient at preventing photodamage when combined with Vitamin E. When taken topically or orally, these combinations are much more protective than each vitamin alone.
Lifestyle Suggestions
Along with using organic sunscreen, you might like to consider basic preventative measures. It is best to wear a hat (wide-brimmed is recommended) as well as a long-sleeved shirt and avoid prolonged exposure to direct light from the sun. Always remember, though, that expert suggests a ten-thirty minute of sun exposure daily in order to get adequate Vitamin D production.
In conclusion
In the world we live in today, our skin is directly exposed to damage and stress (both outdoors and indoors) - whether from the artificial blue light, pollution, or sun.
Typical chemical sunscreens have been shown to cause hormonal imbalance, aggravate skin conditions, and have a negative effect on the environment.
Luckily, there are plant-based and organic formulas that protect and strengthen the skin's resistance to damage. When you use organic sunscreen, it can slow the aging process and may lower the risk of certain types of skin cancer without the harmful effects of chemicals.