Is slathering on sunscreen actually bad for you?

Is slathering on sunscreen actually bad for you?

  • The short answer: Maybe
  • Chemical sunscreens may look invisible, but studies show their ingredients seep into our bloodstream
  • Chemical sunscreens may also trigger skin irritation and hyperpigmentation
  • Physical sun protectors like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only FDA-safe ingredients 
  • We created a sheer, light-as-air physical sunscreen
  • Shop the Long Wear Daily Sunscreen SPF40 PA+++

The news is just in: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working on a sunscreen safety report for 2019, and while the full deets are not out yet, previous reports have already shown that the bulk of sunscreens on the market do not offer adequate sun protection or contain potentially harmful chemicals. 


This year, the FDA is zoning in on how sunscreen ingredients are absorbed into our body’s blood stream - particularly chemical sunscreen ingredients.


But that doesn’t mean you should ditch sun protection from your skin care routine, and expose yourself to skin cancer risks — not to mention premature ageing and hyperpigmentation. Instead, here’s your skinsider guide to picking the right sunscreen that is safe for your body, and great for your skin.


Chemical connection


Hands up if you’re using a sunscreen that seems to disappear into your skin, and looks “invisible” upon application? While it might be a breeze to apply, chances are that this completely clear sunscreen is made from chemical ingredients.


Experts have now discovered that such photoprotective chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene (yes, we have trouble pronouncing these chemical names too) seep into our bloodstream within hours of application, and are studying their effects on health.


As it is, chemical sunscreens tend to have a higher chance of causing irritation in sensitive skin. Why? It might be because chemical ingredients have to absorb the sun’s rays before dissipating them through a chemical reaction within your skin. This same reaction in your skin converts the UV rays into heat, which could trigger irritation and the production of melasma - and cause dreaded hyperpigmentation!


Let’s get physical 


In fact, the FDA has named only two sunscreen ingredients as being safe to use: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both are “physical” ingredients that block both UVA and UVB rays.


And thank the beauty deities that sunblock has evolved from the chalky, thick paste of yore. Our skin scientists at The Skin FirmTM have tailored the Long Wear Daily Sunscreen SPF40 PA+++ formulation from micronised zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which form an incredibly lightweight, even shield over your skin — without being absorbed into the body.


In fact, the light-as-air sunscreen has the added benefit of naturally brightening and evening out skin tone instantly. It is also a great sunscreen for combination skin, as the minerals – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – are perfect for mattifying oily patches; while the addition of Galactoarabinan (which is usually just called GA!) is a polysaccharide extracted from the larch tree, hydrates the skin and prevents lines and wrinkles. Win! 


Ready to try the Long Wear Daily Sunscreen SPF40 PA+++ for yourself?

Buy 2 Sunscreens Get 1 Free NOW:
Enter “3” in the Quantity box and promo code “SUNYAY” at Checkout

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