Do You Know What You're Putting On Your Skin This Summer?
The Oily Home Companion
There’s one thing for sure, this time of year, there are two products we never leave home without— sunscreen and insect repellent. You may rub or spray these common products on your body without a second thought, but do you actually know what you’re putting on your skin?
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is designed to protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays from the sun, preventing skin damage and potential cancers, including melanoma. Unfortunately, many of the ingredients used to get these effects can do harm, while trying to do good. Think that’s not a big deal? Sunscreen ingredients soak through the skin, and have been detected in blood, urine, and breast milk. So you could be taking a big risk each time you use them. Some of these ingredients, including oxybenzone, homosalate, and octinoxate, can block or mimic hormones. Others, including avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, may cause allergic reactions. Inactive ingredients that are used as preservatives, including methylisothiazolinone, can also lead to allergic reactions. Vitamin A is commonly added to sunscreen as an anti-aging and antioxidant ingredient, but it can trigger the development of skin tumors in the presence of sunlight. It can also be called retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl linoleate, and retinol. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are commonly used as the most effective ingredient in sunscreens, and are thought to be safe, but some forms of this can contain nano-particles that can be damaging to the lungs when inhaled.
Insect Repellent
Insect repellent is another summer necessities (no one wants west nile!). But unfortunately, these also carry many ingredients that can be toxic for the body, including DEET, cyfluthrin, and pyrethroids. DEET, or N, N Diethyl-meta-toluamide, is commonly used in most well-known insect repellents, but has been linked to skin blisters and irritation, seizures, memory loss, headaches, joint stiffness, and sometimes shortness of breath. It’s also linked to neurotoxicity that could lead to issues with motor skills, memory, and learning. Cyfluthrin is linked to neurotoxicity and could result in loss of coordination, muscle trembling, and behavior changes. It can also cause harmful effects in the blood, disrupt liver function, and cross the placenta to cause behavior changes to newborns. Pyrethroids are the most common class of repellent chemicals, and include lambda-cyhalothrin, prallethrin, metofluthrin, dl-allethrolone, d-trans-chrysanthemate, tetramethrin, phenothrin, and dl-transalethrin. These can become toxic to the central nervous system, and can cause dermatitis, asthma-like reactions, nausea, incoordination, and a burning sensation on the skin.
Yikes! That’s a lot of risk to take for the rest of the summer!
Safer Solutions
You can throw out the sunscreen and repellent stashed in your bag, but don’t avoid protecting yourself from the harmful effects of the sun and mosquitoes. That’s why we LOVE Young Living’s Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 and Insect Repellent. They’re both chemical-free, but still EFFECTIVE at protecting your body!
Young Living Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 or SPF 10 contain zinc oxide, without the nano-particles, as its active ingredient to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. The inactive ingredients include lavender, Myrrh, and Frankincense oils for the added skin benefits and a pleasant aroma. It’s also sweat-resistant and doesn’t leave a white residue.These sunscreens have been tested by dermatologists and are hypoallergenic, so they are perfect for those with sensitive skin!
Young Living Insect Repellent is naturally derived and plant-based. It uses pure sesame oil, combined with a blend of essential oils, to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Added essential oils include citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, geranium, spearmint, thyme, and clove. It won’t leave a sticky residue on your skin, or a harsh chemical smell. Instead, the added ingredients help moisturize the skin and leave a nice aroma to wear around for the day.
Fun Fact! This product also comes in wipes! Super easy for the kiddos and PERFECT for traveling, hiking, or any of your summer adventures!
Now you can enjoy summer! Got questions about Young Living’s mineral sunscreen or insect repellent? Send us a message.
