Fwd: Is Your Sunscreen Doing More Harm Than Good?

July 7, 2005

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About six weeks ago, it was one of those beautiful, sunny, soft breeze blowin’ kind of days. And in the midst of enjoying the beautiful weather, while sitting in my favorite wooden Adirondack chair on my patio, I experienced my annual dilemma—what to do about sunscreen.

As we all know, limiting your time in the sun (especially during peak hours), and wearing sunscreen and protective clothing can lower your risk of developing skin cancer and aging skin.

But let’s face it. When the weather is warm and there’s not a cloud in the sky, the sun beckons. That’s when I find myself facing—yet again—my yearly struggle over the need to wear sunscreen to protect myself (and my kids) against sun damage and skin cancer, and my lack of desire to lather up with a bunch of chemicals that I can’t even pronounce.

The Dark Side of Sunscreen

A few years ago, I read an article discussing five chemicals found in the majority of the sunscreens on the market. One of these chemicals—PABA—is among the most common ingredients in sunscreen. PABA can trigger an allergic reaction in many people, often causing an itchy rash.

The other four ingredients all have long, complicated, scientific names, including benzophenone-3, homosalate, octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC), and 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC). Quite a mouthful, isn’t it?

While these chemicals do protect your skin from sun damage, some experts have concerns about them. All four have been found to mimic estrogen in your body, with 4-MBC being the most concerning—and many experts tell me that we should avoid them.

And get this. These chemicals also pose an environmental hazard. All four—particularly 4-MBC—have been found in fish from lakes where hoards of sunscreen-slathered people also swim!

What to Do, What to Do

Armed with this information, I found myself reluctant to use sunscreen. Yet I knew that I needed to do something to protect myself and my children from the damaging effects of the sun. Fortunately, the solution came just in the nick of time.

I recently came across a safe—and most importantly, effective—sunscreen from Epicuren. Not only is this amazing product free of all of the ingredients that I’ve been so concerned about, but it works unbelievably well, thanks to a high concentration of zinc oxide.

But, believe me, this isn’t the chalky zinc oxide that often coats the noses of lifeguards on the beach. It is mixed with aloe vera, rose oil, vitamin E, and vitamin A, in a smooth formula that blends evenly and invisibly into your skin. And it’s non-greasy so you can use it on your face and body.

From a protection standpoint, Epicuren sunscreen has an SPF of 20, and protects against both UVA and UVB rays, offering broad spectrum skin protection up to one hour in the water.

Like all sunscreens, you should apply it 20–30 minutes before going in the sun, and make sure to reapply frequently—especially after you go swimming. Click here to learn more about Epicuren sunscreen, and take advantage of a special offer. Or, call the Simple Living team at 1-888-577-6166 and ask for code 64370D.

So there it is. My most recent discovery that allows me to safely protect my skin and the skin of those I love, as well as our bodies! Why don’t you give it a try and let me know what you think.

Yours in simplicity,

Janet Luhrs, Founder

Simple Living

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