We’ve known for a long time that chemicals commonly used in sunscreen (oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule, to name a few) are dangerous for your body because they disrupt hormones. They are also dangerous for aquatic life, as these chemicals can cause tissue and reproductive issues in anything from coral to dolphins. 

A new study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that chemicals used in most sunscreens are absorbed into your bloodstream after just 2 hours. That means your body has already absorbed harmful, toxic chemicals before your fun in the sun is even over. Huge summer bummer. 

It has also been found that these toxic chemicals are present in the breast milk of mothers who use chemical-based sunscreens. It is common sense to avoid passing alcohol to a baby through breast milk, but we also need to consider what kinds of chemicals in personal care products are passed through breast milk. No one should be exposed to oxybenzone, especially babies with developing brains and bodies. 

Furthermore, these chemicals really make themselves at home. Oxybenzone can be found in the bloodstream up to 7 days after a single application. Another summer bummer.

This new information is not surprising to us, as skin cancer rates have been steadily rising over the last few decades. People are using more sunscreen than ever, and skin cancer is more common than ever. This highlights the alarming reality that while sunscreen is meant to protect us from skin cancer, it simply cannot do that job when it contains known carcinogens like benzones.

Here’s what’s not a summer bummer. You can avoid these chemicals altogether by choosing a sunscreen that relies on minerals rather than chemicals to protect your skin. Minerals like zinc and titanium dioxide sit atop the skin and reflect rays, much like mini umbrellas. These minerals are completely safe, as long as they’re not inhaled (meaning: avoid spray sunscreens). 

Keep your skin and oceans safe by choosing mineral-based sunscreen, and use it daily! ?