Summer is in full swing from coast to coast and nothing is more pleasant than enjoying the good weather while practicing outdoor activities! Whether by bike, camping or at the beach, we must be careful about our exposure to the sun. Although it is beneficial for physical (vitamin D intake) and psychological (light therapy) health, the effects of too much exposure to UV rays on the skin can cause such annoying sunburns! To avoid them, I myself tend to brush myself with sunscreen every hour! When I was a scout leader, it was part of my survival kit! The recent recall of 5 Jonhson & Jonhson sun protection products put me on the hook. Although the company says it does not know how benzene, a carcinogen, got into its bottles, I started looking for a more natural cream, and therefore more ecological!A Natural Filter
So I swapped my chemical filter sunscreen (containing oxybenzone and octocrylene) for a cream with a mineral filter, based on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two minerals that are found in nature. Notice to sensitive skin, they are very mildly irritating and less allergenic. In addition, they offer just as good protection and apply just as easily as conventional creams. Without counting on the reduction of the environmental footprint! Did you know that chemical filters would be involved in the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia?
The next time you go to work on your tan at the beach, which sunscreen will you take? To choose the right one, I recommend the Environmental Working Group website. I also suggest you an application that deciphers each ingredient in food and cosmetic products: Yuca.PPPSSSTTT! Despite the pre-conceived notions, sunscreens do not prevent you from tanning!
Good summer!
Charles Bentata, student in the Health Technician program
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