With summer in full swing, many of us are reaching for our sunscreens to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. And that’s good! Sun protection is crucial to your health. However, it’s also crucial to be conscious of the ingredients and chemicals you’re putting onto your skin and into your body via sunscreen.
In a recent TikTok, Dr. Robert Love, a neuroscientist dedicated to helping people prevent Alzheimer’s disease with science, has brought to light some concerning information about the chemicals found in many sunscreens. According to Dr. Love, some of these chemicals can disrupt your hormones, posing potential health risks. Here’s what you need to know to make safer choices for your sunscreen this summer.
@robertwblove AVOID These Sunscreens… because they can disrupt your hormones. #S#SunscreenS#SunblockH#HormonesS#SkinW#WrinklesS#SkinHealthAging #Menopause #robertlove #robertwblove original sound – Robert Love
Hormone Disruptors in Sunscreen
“It’s really unfortunate, there are a lot of health products like sunscreen that contain chemicals in them that can get into your body. And they can disrupt your hormones,” warns Dr. Love in his video. He warns that these chemicals, often found in common sunscreens, can penetrate the skin and interfere with the body’s endocrine system, which regulates hormones.
For starters, Dr. Love specifically highlights two chemicals to avoid: oxybenzone and octinoxate. “They can be hormone disruptors,” he explains. While some products, like the Banana Boat Sport 30 SPF he mentions, proudly display labels indicating they are free from these harmful chemicals, the issue is far from resolved. “The problem is this,” Dr. Love continues, “The sunscreen also has other hormone disruptors like avobenzone and octocrylene.”
Hormone disruptors like these in sunscreens and other personal care products can interfere with natural hormones in the body, leading to a range of potential health effects. For instance, they may disrupt reproductive function, alter hormone levels, and contribute to other health risks. These effects can be particularly concerning when these chemicals are absorbed through the skin and accumulate in the body over time.
The Safer Alternatives: Zinc and Titanium
So, what should you look for in a sunscreen to ensure it is safe for your hormone health? Dr. Love advises opting for physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. "Here’s what you want in a good sunscreen: Zinc or titanium. Those are physical sunscreens that block the sun," he says. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV radiation, physical sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin and reflect harmful rays away.
Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, offer several advantages beyond avoiding hormone disruptors. They are less likely to cause skin irritation, making them a better choice for people with sensitive skin. Additionally, they provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring comprehensive defense against sun damage.
Bottom line
Ultimately, as we enjoy the sunny days of summer, it's crucial to be mindful of the products we use on our skin. Hormone-disrupting chemicals in some sunscreens can pose significant health risks, but by choosing sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, we can protect our skin without compromising our hormone health. Dr. Love's advice serves as an important reminder to check the labels and make informed choices about the products we use daily.
Stay safe, and enjoy your summer with peace of mind, knowing you are protecting both your skin and your overall health.
