6 Ingredients in Sunscreen to avoid

It’s wise to use sunscreen but here are 6 ingredients in sunscreen to avoid.  These ingredients are harmful and should be avoided.

Choosing the right sunscreen

We all know that we should be using sunscreen.  Not only does sunscreen help to remove the cancer risk but it also helps us to keep our youthful appearance.  As we age, the effects of the sun become more apparent.  Once you hit your mid 30’s, you might start noticing your skin changing.  By age 40, fine lines and wrinkles may start appearing.

If you’ve been using sunscreen faithfully, you’ll have been better for it but if you haven’t, you may want to try.  Either way, Are you choosing the right sunscreen?  There are 6 ingredients in sunscreen to avoid and that’s what we’ll go into today.  It’s also important to know how to read the labels and choose the right SPF (higher isn’t necessarily better).  And, if you need help with some other skin care ingredient labels, you can always refer to my skin care ingredient checker.

So, let’s go into the 6 ingredients in sunscreen to avoid…

The 6 ingredients in sunscreen to avoid

It’s a pain to read labels and it can get confusing so that’s why I wanted to give you a list of the ones to watch out for.

1. Oxybenzone
2. Octinoxate
3. Homosalate
4. Octisalate
5. Octocrylene
6. Avobenzone

These have not been approved by the FDA, according to the Environmental Working Group.  One of the major reasons is a concern of endocrine disruptors, also known as hormone disruptors.  Why are hormone disruptors bad?  Well, they mimic your natural hormones and can cause lots of problems.  These are the effects of hormone disruptors.  They can cause migraines, fibroids, and unusually heavy periods.  That’s no fun and can really affect the quality of your life.

Another problem with endocrine / hormone disruptors is your skin and problems it can cause.  The toxicity left in your body after applying products that contain these disruptors can contribute to acne.  If you’ve been struggling with acne, even acne in your 40’s, you may be surprised to find out this is why or at least one of the reasons!   If you have chin acne, this likely is hormone related.  Even your makeup could be a problem because some makeup includes sunscreen.  That’s why knowing the 6 ingredients in sunscreen to avoid is so important.

Look for products that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide instead.  For more information, read How to choose the best sunscreen.

You might want to also read about:  Does sunscreen cause wrinkles?