As the sun heats up this summer, millions of people will turn to sunscreen to protect their skin from the damaging rays of the sun. But for people who are worried about what their skin is absorbing in the process, they shouldn't be worried.
Dr. James Zasuly is a board certified plastic surgeon with BayCare Clinic. He says he sees a lot of skin with damage from years of too much sun exposure. He says the medical community prefers slathering on the sunscreen lotion far more than risking any chemical intake.
However, it is also good to be mindful of chemicals on your skin, and Dr. Zasuly says when you're done in the sun you should wash off any sunscreen. He says most chemicals that were thought to be harmful were removed from sunscreen formulas long ago.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but it highly treatable when caught early. It can be fatal, and one of the best defenses is a good sunscreen.
The FDA recommends using sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30, water resistant, and broad spectrum protection.
Any adverse reactions to sunscreens are likely caused by skin sensitivity or allergies. So if you're looking for a more natural alternative, places like Olivu 426 in downtown Sheboygan offer sun block and products with sunscreen in them made completely from natural ingredients.
Some of the important ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which owner Caitlin Brotz says are oil based minerals. The product is reminiscent of life guards with thick white stripes under their eyes, since it lays right on top of the skin to completely block out the sun.
While natural sunscreen is combined with daily moisturizers, it can offer great protection from the sun for everyday life but when it comes to a day at the beach, Brotz says you'll probably want to apply something with commercial strength and approved by the FDA.
Layers of lightweight clothing can also protect your skin from the sun but on a hot, sunny day you'll want that extra line of defense in a good sunscreen so you don't get burned.
