In the days when summer is at our door, “sun protection products” are at the top of the needs list.
An ideal sun protection product should be able to block the harmful effects of free radicals while completely blocking UV rays that cause sunburn and suppress the immune system. At the same time, it should maintain its effects on the skin for long hours and should not create harmful substances when exposed to UV lights.
Mineral-containing creams that do not deteriorate under the sun and act on the skin surface also provide UVA protection, which is not found in many sunscreens. The best alternative for consumers who do not prefer mineral-containing products is solar products containing at least 3% avobenzone substance for UVA protection. However, while taking these products, it is necessary to be careful not to include oxybenzone substance, which disrupts the hormone balance. Scientists warn consumers about not using sunscreen products that contain oxybenzone, which penetrates deep into the skin and mixes with blood, disrupts the functions of hormones and has a toxic effect.
It is known that 56% of the solar products sold in the market contain Oxybenzone. This substance is a chemical that makes hormones irregular. Since Oxybenzone is absorbed systemically, it is found at a higher rate in urine samples than other filters. The high absorption of Oxybenzone must be taken into account as it has estrogenic activity in the body. Oxybenzone enters our system because it is absorbed by the skin and is perceived by our body as an estrogen hormone. This condition, which also poses a risk for adult individuals, poses a great danger especially for girls as it determines the level of estrogen hormone in the body and the time of puberty. In in-vivo experiments, it has been observed that the photooxidation of oxybenzone causes the human epidermis to decrease the effectiveness of important antioxidant systems. Therefore, just as this filter provides no benefit to the body, it is stated that this filter is harmful to the homeostasis of the epidermis.
While some institutions approve the use of “Zinc Oxide”, which is included in some of the solar products, as UV protectors, some institutions prohibit it. It has been determined in some studies that Zinc Oxide causes breast cancer.3. COSMETIC CONGRESS Ertuğrul Arpaç) Source: EWG’s Skin Deep Sunscreens 2012 Report