![\"Benzene](\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9206\/6563\/files\/01-13.png\")
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In recent years, sunscreen has stolen the spotlight as the absolute most important item in your skincare arsenal.<\/span><\/p>\n Sun exposure is the number one cause of skin aging and damage, and we know that sunscreen is no longer just for the beach.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite its growing popularity and a number of new SPF-infused products popping up in the market, there\u2019s a lot of debate about what ingredients are the best for your skin and the planet.<\/span><\/p>\n Recently, a new study was published that shared that trace amounts of benzene, a carcinogen, have been found in a number of popular sunscreen products.<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you need to know about the study, the ingredients, and what products you should use to protect your skin without compromising your health.<\/span><\/p>\n In May of 2021, right before the start of the summer season, the pharmacy and lab <\/span>Valisure<\/span><\/span><\/a> announced that its testing found benzene, a known carcinogen, in 78 popular sunscreen and after-sun products.<\/span><\/p>\n This made waves in the headlines as yet another scandal for sunscreen.<\/span><\/p>\n However, this does not necessarily mean that sunscreen itself is harmful.<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s the scoop!<\/span><\/p>\n Benzene is classified by the <\/span>Food and Drug Administration<\/span><\/span><\/a> as a \u201cClass 1 solvent\u201d that \u201cshould not be employed in the manufacture of drug substances, excipients, and drug products because of their unacceptable toxicity.<\/span><\/p>\n However, if their use is unavoidable in order to produce a drug product with a significant therapeutic advance, then their levels should be restricted\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, it is known to cause cancer in humans according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization, and other regulatory agencies.<\/span><\/p>\n Benzene exposure can be through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, and eye contact.<\/span><\/p>\n Typically, benzene is restricted to 2 parts per million (ppm) in any given product, but Valisure has detected quantities as much as three times the limit in their samples.<\/span><\/p>\n Because sunscreen is now viewed as a product safe and often recommended for daily use, Valisure\u2019s study has resulted in Johnson and Johnson making an active recall of the contaminated batches.<\/span><\/p>\n The recall is specifically for the following products:<\/span><\/p>\n The recall affects all can sizes and SPF levels.<\/span><\/p>\n If you are worried that you bought a contaminated product, Johnson and Johnson compiled an exhaustive list of all the contaminated products\u2019 names, lot numbers, and expiration dates <\/span>here<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite its prevalence in so many sun protection products, benzene is not an ingredient used in sunscreen.<\/span><\/p>\n Though the companies found to have benzene in their products are still investigating how they become contaminated, it\u2019s clear that it was done at some step in the manufacturing process.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s possible that benzene is an unintended byproduct as a result of the production process, but further investigation is needed to determine what ingredients or processes could be the cause.<\/span><\/p>\n Though benzene is a known carcinogen and the contaminated products are rightfully being recalled, exposure to benzene is not rare.<\/span><\/p>\n Martyn Smith<\/span><\/span><\/a>, a professor of toxicology and the Kenneth Howard and Marjorie Witherspoon Kaiser Endowed Chair in Cancer Epidemiology at University of California at Berkeley explained to the <\/span>Washington Post<\/span><\/span><\/a>, “It’s the building block for many chemicals in our world, including many drugs like aspirin and other things.<\/span><\/p>\n It’s also found in all fossil fuels, and anytime you burn anything \u2014 from a wood-burning fire to a candle \u2014 you are exposed to benzene.”<\/span><\/p>\n The Food and Drug Administration regulates the manufacturing of sunscreen products.<\/span><\/p>\n Since Valisure\u2019s test found benzene by chance, his scandal may cause the FDA to tighten regulations and require more tests be done before they can be sold.<\/span><\/p>\n Since sunscreen is recommended for daily use on babies older than 6 months all the way through adulthood, the products were recalled out of an abundance of caution.<\/span><\/p>\n Still, ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure is a well-established and powerful carcinogen that still warrants daily sun protection.<\/span><\/p>\n In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 according to the <\/span>Skin Cancer Foundation<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n The \u201cbenzene scare\u201d highlights the need for further regulation and accountability in the manufacturing process, not that sunscreen should be avoided.<\/span><\/p>\n The good that daily SPF brings to your skin far outweighs this scandal!<\/span><\/p>\n If you feel like sunscreens have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons lately, you\u2019d be right.<\/span><\/p>\n After we wash our faces, take a dip in the pool, or go for a swim in the ocean, the sunscreen on our bodies starts to make its way into waterways.<\/span><\/p>\n Consumer Reports<\/span><\/span><\/a> shared that up to 6,000 tons of sunscreen are estimated to wash into coral reefs around the globe each year.<\/span><\/p>\n Recently, the compounds in chemical sunscreens were found to be damaging to the health of coral reefs.<\/span><\/p>\n Ingredients like Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, nano-Titanium dioxide, nano-Zinc oxide, Octinoxate, and Octocrylene are all seen as potentially harmful to marine life.<\/span><\/p>\n Research<\/span><\/span><\/a> is currently being conducted to measure the true impact of these chemicals and the study should be completed in 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n In fact, some coastal areas have banned certain chemical sunscreen ingredients altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n In January of 2021, Hawaii was the first state to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.<\/span><\/p>\n Key West, Palau, Aruba, Bonaire, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and certain parts of Mexico have also done the same.<\/span><\/p>\n Although it\u2019s not illegal to bring chemical sunscreens to these areas, they are no longer being sold locally.<\/span><\/p>\n Mineral based sunscreens are seen as a safer alternative to these environmentally harmful chemical sunscreens, but they can be a bit harder to shop for.<\/span><\/p>\n Many products label themselves as \u201creef-safe\u201d meaning that they do not contain two of the most harmful chemicals found in sunscreen.<\/span><\/p>\n This, however, does not necessarily mean they\u2019re environmentally friendly.<\/span><\/p>\n Unfortunately there is no surefire way to tell if a sunscreen is truly \u201creef safe\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n To find a truly reef-safe sunscreen, make sure it does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate.<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, cream formulas are easier to apply and less harmful to the environment than aerosols.<\/span><\/p>\n For a fool-proof summer sun defense, be sure to wear protective clothing and apply and reapply an eco-friendly mineral sunscreen containing some of the ingredients listed below.<\/span><\/p>\n Benzene contaminations aside, sunscreen is still safe and recommended for daily use.<\/span><\/p>\n The key to a truly effective sunscreen is applying every 2 hours, or possibly more if you are swimming.<\/span><\/p>\n There are plenty of safe and effective mineral formulas available to protect your face and body from sun damage and the common signs of aging.<\/span><\/p>\n Before we begin, here\u2019s a bit of background information on these natural sun barriers.<\/span><\/p>\n The term \u201cnon-nanotized\u201d refers to the mineral\u2019s particle size, meaning they are larger than 100 nanometers.<\/span><\/p>\n This is important not only for our skin, but for marine life as well.<\/span><\/p>\n Particles larger than 30 nanometers cannot be absorbed by the skin.<\/span><\/p>\n Non-nano sunscreens rest on the skin\u2019s surface rather than seeping into pores or follicle openings and eventually into the bloodstream.<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t worry, this doesn\u2019t mean that it will leave thick, pasty streaks on your skin; today\u2019s formulas blend seamlessly against your skin!<\/span><\/p>\n Even though these particles don\u2019t \u201csink\u201d into the skin, when we go for a dip in the water, these larger particles are more likely to sink and become a part of the ocean\u2019s sediment rather than dissolving and harming marine life.<\/span><\/p>\n There is no way to tell from an item’s packaging if the product is truly non-nanotized.<\/span><\/p>\n However, if you do see this term listed in the item\u2019s description or on the ingredients list, it\u2019s a good sign!<\/span><\/p>\n Zinc oxide is a common ingredient in mineral sunscreens.<\/span><\/p>\n Zinc also has great anti-inflammatory properties to keep the skin firm and flawless!<\/span><\/p>\n As opposed to chemical sunscreens which are absorbed by the skin, zinc oxide sits on top of the skin and protects you by scattering, absorbing, and deflecting the sun\u2019s rays.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s considered a broad spectrum sunscreen because it can protect you from UVA, UVB, and even UVC rays.<\/span><\/p>\n Titanium dioxide is another common ingredient used in mineral sunscreen.<\/span><\/p>\n While it protects from UVB rays well, it does not protect from UVA as well as zinc oxide does.<\/span><\/p>\n However, titanium dioxide is gentler on the skin and a common choice for those with sensitive skin.<\/span><\/p>\n Just like it is described above, non-nanotized titanium dioxide sunscreens help to ensure that the ocean and your body is safer.<\/span><\/p>\n After a gnarly sunburn, we want SPF for days!<\/span><\/p>\n No more 30 SPF, we want all we can get!<\/span><\/p>\n Surprisingly, however, more isn\u2019t always more when it comes to SPF.<\/span><\/p>\n SPF, or sun protection factor, is a measure of how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin vs. unprotected skin.<\/span><\/p>\n Typically, a product\u2019s SPF can be measured by simply applying sunscreen to a volunteer\u2019s skin and measuring how long it takes before sunburn occurs compared to an area of the skin without sunscreen.<\/span><\/p>\n While it\u2019s true that as SPF increases, protection from sunburn increases as well, but it\u2019s not linear; SPF 60 doesn\u2019t provide double the amount of protection as SPF 30.<\/span><\/p>\n SPF also is not a measure of time; SPF 30 does not provide 30 minutes or 30 hours of sun protection.<\/span><\/p>\n Sun intensity, skin type, amount of sunscreen applied, and reapplication frequency all influence how much sun protection is needed for each individual.<\/span><\/p>\n Instead, each level of SPF blocks a certain percentage of UVB rays:<\/span><\/p>\n While the jump from SPF 15 to SPF 30 is significant, after hitting this marker there is not a significant difference the higher the SPF you have.<\/span><\/p>\n These high SPF products may be helpful for parents or people who don\u2019t want to reapply as often, but in general, a minimum of SPF 30 will do for beach trips and daily use.<\/span><\/p>\n Sunscreen today is not what it used to be!<\/span><\/p>\n Gone are the days of cartoonish white streaks over the nose and the greasy residue that attracts every grain of sand on the beach.<\/span><\/p>\n Many products have added SPF to their formulations as an added anti-aging benefit.<\/span><\/p>\n At Skincare by Alana, we are always on the lookout for effective multipurpose products that protect the skin and restore its natural beauty.<\/span><\/p>\n That\u2019s why we\u2019re proud to carry the following sunscreens and SPF-infused products that will protect your skin all year long.<\/span><\/p>\n Formulated with 10% zinc oxide and 5.5% titanium dioxide, this powerful sunscreen deflects UV rays that can cause signs of premature aging and cellular damage. It is also rich in antioxidants to combat free radicals and keep your skin looking young! Best of all, it provides a sheer matte finish to help protect your skin without a white cast.<\/span><\/p>\n This sunscreen is perfect to apply before a beach day or long day at the farmers market! This high performance sunscreen provides 80 minutes of water resistance and is crafted with 70%+ certified organic ingredients. It is formulated with Organic Evening Primrose, Linseed Oils, and Safflower Oleosomes to protect the skin\u2019s natural barrier and promote deep hydration.<\/span><\/p>\n This is an all in one Tinted Sunscreen BB cream that treats, hydrates, protects, primes and covers the skin. In addition to using non-nano sunscreen zinc-oxide, it combines hyaluronic acid, astaxanthin, red algae, aloe vera, jojoba, sunflower, pomegranate, cucumber, and green tea to help provide additional sun protection and hydration. It comes in four different shades to give your skin an effortlessly dewy and even tone while protecting its longevity!<\/span><\/p>\nThe Study<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"benzene](\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9206\/6563\/files\/02-8.png\")
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The Story: How it Got There<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Hawaii](\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9206\/6563\/files\/03-8.png\")
<\/p>\nSunscreen and the Environment<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Safe Sunscreen Ingredients<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Non-nanotized Zinc Oxide:<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Non-nanotized Titanium Dioxide:<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
SPF: More isn\u2019t always more!<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
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![\"effective](\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9206\/6563\/files\/04-8.png\")
<\/p>\nOur Favorite Sunscreen Products: Face and Body<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Alana Mitchell Daily Matte Physical Defense SPF 47:<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Coola Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 White Tea:<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Suntegrity “5 In 1” Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen Spf 30:<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n