Is aluminium in sunscreen a concern for you!

CulptPrit

I applied some sunscreen myself today with the good weather. It provoked me to think about what's actually within sunscreen. This was what I read on one article:

"[A] single application of one of the three sunscreens with aluminium as a listed ingredient would result in approximately 200 mg of aluminium being applied to the skin."

https://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/Article/2007/08/14/Study-suggests-harmful-properties-of-aluminium-in-sunscreens

Maybe it might be best to stick to my baseball cap in sunny weather. And it might be best not to apply sunscreen unless you think you're actually going to get sun burned.

Having read more about this online, it seems almost impossible to decide whether more harm is done to the skin by the sun, or by the chemical in the sunscreen! Is guess it depends on how much sun your getting. Amongst about forty ingredients on the back of my garnier sunscreen bottle, I noticed "aluminium", as well as "aluminium starch octenylsuccinate". Is there really need for that many ingredients anyway?!

Thanks for reading

Kuva

Wasnt there study few years back saying all that aluminium ended up in the brain?

CulptPrit

Kuva wrote: »

Wasnt there study few years back saying all that aluminium ended up in the brain?

With what I've heard about the links between aluminium and Alzheimer's, as well as the issues with aluminium in deodorants, then I wouldn't be surprised if it were true.

The last few year's I thought I was smart applying my sunscreen. Perhaps it's a choice between skin cancer or dementia!

Kurtosis

There are plenty of sunscreens with no aluminium salts in them if you are that concerned about them.

CulptPrit wrote: »

Having read more about this online, it seems almost impossible to decide whether more harm is done to the skin by the sun, or by the chemical in the sunscreen! Is guess it depends on how much sun your getting.

I would be interested in seeing what online sources you've been reading to come to this conclusion. The evidence on the dangers of UV exposure is very strong, any evidence of risks of aluminium isn't in the same ball park at all.

echo beach

Is there any evidence that the aluminium in the sunscreen can pass across the skin and into your bloodstream and then get from there to your brain? The skin, unless it is broken or already badly burnt, should be an effective barrier.

4068ac1elhodqr

echo beach wrote: »

Is there any evidence that the aluminium in the sunscreen can pass across the skin and into your bloodstream and then get from there to your brain? The skin, unless it is broken or already badly burnt, should be an effective barrier.

Possibly, isn't skin the single largest organ of the body? Wouldn't touch any of those commercial sunscreens unless out of the waves for the whole day - even then just a very small dab on the t-zone..

Many of these heavy metals are 'Nano' sized or 'micronised' into (<100nm) fine powders such as zinc oxide which then can be absorbed through the skin.

Alternatives:
CLOTHING: Wear white coloured clothing, hats etc.

NATURAL OILS: pure organic Coconut oil – contains natural SPF properties. Shea butter – naturally protects skin, making it perfect for use in a sunscreen. Jojoba oil, sunflower oil, or sesame oil – these oils are easily absorbed into the skin and also provide some natural sun protection. Vitamin E oil – nourishes and moisturizes skin, and helps naturally preserve natural homemade sunscreen

Note: avoid 'essential oils' (Lavender/Eucalyptus/TeaTree) on skin, as some of these are considered to be hormone disruptors. Also avoid byproducts of petroleum refinement such as paraffin based baby oils. Check deodorants for Aluminum content also, many natural alternatives are available.

Aloe Vera is fine as aftersun, ancient tribes in Africa have been using this for skin conditions for millennia.

i71jskz5xu42pb

Alejandro Crashing Mandrake wrote: »

NATURAL OILS: pure organic Coconut oil – contains natural SPF properties.

This is correct. If you wanted to be pedantic you'd say it "contains very little natural SPF properties".

Myth or Fact: Coconut oil is an effective sunscreen

4068ac1elhodqr

Scarlette Famous Marmot wrote: »

This is correct. If you wanted to be pedantic you'd say it "contains very little natural SPF properties".

Coconut Oil has an SPF of between 1-8 depending on source and review.

Even e.g. If SPF4 blocks 75% off UV radiation, that's better than none or a slightly toxic load of the more commercial variety.

If you really need SPF 50+ before stepping outside, chances are you will have deficiency in vitamin D3. Perhaps even an excessive amount of pale white folk dna. Maybe move on up even further North beyond 53-55oN, or befriend a friendly mainland European for healthier future offspring.

How did people ever survive long days out in the fields, before the advent of the click-ety click and scroll cube farms? Anyway time for the beach now!

Arbie

There is no reason to believe that ingredients in sunscreen are harmful. Millions of people use high-factor sunscreen daily and there is no evidence that they have any increased risk of dementia or any other diseases. I have several dermatologist friends, they all wear sunscreen daily. They also put it on their children. Because it's safe.

Skin cancer, on the other hand, is very real. Even a moderate amount of sun exposure or a "mild" sunburn can lead to disfiguring growths (BCC, SCC, etc.) or life-threatening melanoma.

Talking about coconut oil and other "alternatives" is a classic example of the naturalistic fallacy. Just because something is natural does not mean it is safe or preferable. Nature is full of poisons.

TheTruthIsMine

CulptPrit wrote: »

Maybe it might be best to stick to my baseball cap in sunny weather.

Well I happen to have kids (garnier) sun cream, which has no aluminium in it! I don't like the texture of it as much though... and that's probably due to the aluminium, as it acts as an emulsifier.