Why DFW Mom’s Are Ditching Their Sunscreen

When summer hits, we’re told to slather on sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays and reduce our risk of skin cancer. But what if that very sunscreen you’re relying on is increasing your toxic load—and possibly contributing to cancer?

This might sound radical, but more holistic research and integrative practitioners are questioning the safety of conventional sunscreens. It’s time to dive deeper into the dark side of sun protection, explore safer options, and learn how to truly support your body under the sun.

 A Quick History of Sunscreen

Sunscreen as we know it today is relatively modern. Ancient cultures protected themselves using natural means—Egyptians used rice bran oil and jasmine, Greeks used olive oil, and Indigenous peoples used plant extracts and mud.

The first commercial sunscreen was developed in the 1930s and became mainstream by the 1970s. With skin cancer rates rising, sunscreen was marketed as a necessary daily product. But since its widespread use, skin cancer rates have not declined—in fact, they've increased. Coincidence? Not likely.

Many experts argue that while sunscreens may prevent sunburn, they don't necessarily prevent the more dangerous forms of skin cancer. Even worse, some ingredients used in these products may disrupt hormones, create free radicals when exposed to sunlight, and damage DNA.

 Toxic Ingredients Commonly Found in Sunscreen

Here are a few red flags to look out for on ingredient labels:

1. Oxybenzone A hormone-disrupting chemical that can mimic estrogen and has been found in urine, blood, and even breast milk. It also contributes to coral reef bleaching.

2. Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate) Easily absorbed into the skin and bloodstream. Linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity.

3. Homosalate Disrupts hormone function and may accumulate in the body over time.

4. Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) In sunlight, this synthetic vitamin A can speed up the development of skin tumors and lesions.

5. Fragrance/Parfum A vague term that may hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens and allergens.

6. Parabens Preservatives that mimic estrogen and are found in breast tumor tissue.
   

These ingredients are absorbed through your skin and have been found in blood tests, breast milk, and urine long after use. Want to learn more? Check out EWG’s extensive blog! 

 5 Clean, Non-Toxic Sunscreen Brands

If you're looking to protect your skin and your health, here are some of our favorite  holistic, non-toxic alternatives that use zinc oxide (a safe physical blocker) and clean, nourishing ingredients:

1. Beautycounter  Organic ingredients, reef-safe, and certified cruelty-free. Beautycounter is known for its rigorous ingredient screening and transparency, making it a favorite among health-conscious families.

2. Crunchi  A toxin-free beauty company with sunscreens made from non-nano zinc oxide and nourishing botanicals. Crunchi's formulas are EWG-verified and free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

3. Thinksport  Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without endocrine disruptors. Also available for babies and kids. Thinksport is water-resistant, reef-friendly, and one of the first sunscreens to pass Whole Foods' premium care requirements.

4. Earth Mama Organics  Created by a nurse and herbalist, this brand uses clean ingredients ideal for pregnant women and children. Their mineral sunscreen contains organic red raspberry seed oil and soothing calendula, offering gentle yet effective protection.

5. Babo Botanicals  Vegan, non-GMO, and made with organic botanicals. Great for families. Babo’s sunscreens are formulated for sensitive skin and enriched with ingredients like green tea and chamomile for added nourishment.
   

Want to know how your sunscreen rates? Check out EWG’s top rated sunscreens, EWG’s best kid friendly sunscreen and their product testing!  Don’t forget to download their app for when you need a quick reference on the go!

5 Holistic Tips to Help Your Body Handle the Sun Naturally

Protecting your skin doesn’t always mean hiding from the sun—it means supporting your body so it can handle exposure better. Here's how:

1. Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels Gradual sun exposure actually helps your body produce vitamin D, a hormone crucial for immunity and cancer prevention. People with adequate vitamin D levels are less likely to burn and more likely to develop a healthy, protective tan.

2. Drink Fresh Watermelon Juice 🍉Rich in lycopene and antioxidants, watermelon helps protect your skin from sun damage and can reduce inflammation caused by UV rays.

3. Eat Your Sunscreen (aka Antioxidant-Rich Foods) Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, tomatoes, and berries are high in antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, which help protect skin from the inside out.

4. Use Natural Oils with Low SPF Red raspberry seed oil and carrot seed oil naturally offer light sun protection and nourish the skin. These can be added to your daily skincare routine.

5. Time Your Exposure Aim for sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon when UV rays are less intense. Start with short durations and build up your “solar callus” gradually.
   

The sun isn't your enemy—it's a powerful, life-giving force essential to your health. The key is mindful exposure and avoiding toxic chemicals that can disrupt your body far more than the sun ever could.

When choosing sunscreen, read the label like you would a food product. If you can't pronounce it or don't know what it is, maybe it doesn't belong on your skin.