5 harmful ingredients you do not need in your sunscreen

by Stephan Fleming Digital Marketing Expert

If you still haven’t realized the importance of wearing SPF every single day, you are already causing damage to your skin. Applying sunscreen should be an indisputable step in your skincare routine. You must put on sunscreen, irrespective of the fact that you are not stepping out under the sun.

The weather might be cloudy, but the truth of the matter is that the harmful UV rays are present in the atmosphere during the day even when you cannot see it.

Having said that, one should not pick up any sunscreen from the shelf without screening it. There are many things to consider before buying a sunscreen. Usually UVA, UVB, gel consistency, liquid consistency, SPF etc. are taken into consideration. But most importantly, you must take out some time to glance through the ingredients of your sunscren. Some of these chemicals may cause long-term skin issues and hormonal problems. But it is not easy always to check the toxicity of those chemicals.

Well! We did some research and cumulated the top 3 harmful ingredients that you must avoid in your sunscreen. To decode more such ingredients, check out Cosmetics Arena. It is said to be the best blog to know the ingredients of cosmetics. Now, let's dive in!

1. Parabens

Not just sunscreen but Parabens must be avoided under all circumstances in every skincare product. The chemical formulation of Paraben comes in different facets like Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, and more. These are introduced in the products to elongate their life and prevent any bacterial growth.

Long exposure of Paraben to your skin can cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, and allergic reactions. It mimics hormone estrogen which leads to problems like breast cancer, early puberty, and reproductive complications. Parabens also disrupt the endocrine system that hampers other bodily functions like sleep cycle, metabolism, and even mood swings.

2. Homosalate

Homosalate is a classic hormone destructor for both men and women. Homosalate tends to break down into further harmful byproducts when it comes in contact with the sun. The UV absorbing properties of Homosalate penetrates the harmful rays and other chemicals deeper into your skin.

This chemical accumulates faster in your bodies and converts into toxic elements. Those chemicals those disrupt the hormonal balance and the overall endocrine system. Chemicals like homosalate also know its way around your skin and go in straight towards your bloodstream.

3. Oxybenzone

Similar to Octinoxate, Oxybenzone is also known to adversely impact the coral reefs and affecting other wildlife. It is a penetration enhancer that helps other chemical formulations penetrate the skin while exposed to UV rays.

The immediate effect of Oxybenzone includes an eczema-like allergic reaction that spreads to other parts of the body and holds a long-lasting effect on the skin. Just like other chemicals, this also throws off the endocrine system and leads to hormonal imbalance in the body. Oxybenzone is also known to irritate when it directly comes in contact with the eyes.

Different skin types react differently when it comes to sunscreen formulation. We would also advise you to seek the professional expertise of your dermatologist before getting your hands on any sunscreen. Also, make sure to research to check the presence of any of these harmful ingredients. Remember, your skin is what you apply there. So, make sure to read the labels and always make the right choice.