by Alexis Aaron, Honey Girl Organics, LLC
As we enter the summer season, the days are getting longer and the sun is shining brighter. We all want to spend more time outdoors. In an effort to avoid skin damage, many of us reach for sunscreen or products that offer a level of Sun Protection Factor (SPF). During this time Honey Girl Organics is often presented with the question; do the products contain any sunscreen or SPF? The answer is “no”.
As we enter the summer season, the days are getting longer and the sun is shining brighter. We all want to spend more time outdoors. In an effort to avoid skin damage, many of us reach for sunscreen or products that offer a level of Sun Protection Factor (SPF). During this time Honey Girl Organics is often presented with the question; do the products contain any sunscreen or SPF? The answer is “no”.
Skin care and health is the primary concern of Honey Girl Organics, and the decision to avoid adding sunscreen to our product line is a direct attempt to keep our consumers healthy.
We respect the choice that many make to use sunscreens to mitigate the negative effects of prolonged sun exposure. However, in keeping with our philosophy of using only ingredients which are 100% natural and healthful, we choose not to release a sunscreen.
Instead we are offering an After Sun lotion that is meant to heal your face and body after exposure to the sun, and which only contains ingredients that are completely natural and healthy.
To examine this issue, let’s take a closer look at some healthy alternatives and the potentially negative side effects that sunscreen ingredients may have on your body and
Healthy alternatives include limiting our sun exposure to healthy levels (depending on your type of skin) and times of the day (mornings and later afternoons in the summer are considered safest). For those who find themselves in the sun for extended periods of time we recommend using hats and sun protective clothing, and if you do get sunburned or slightly flushed from the sun, use a healthy after sun lotion like Honey Girl Organics After Sun Face & Body Lotion
Many sunscreens that offer SPF include harmful chemicals that alter and influence cellular configuration and reproduction. Some of these chemical ingredients include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. According to the Environmental Working Group the most problematic of the sunscreen chemicals used in the U.S. is oxybenzone, found in 80 percent of chemicalsunscreens. Oxybenzone can penetrate the skin, cause allergic skin reactions and may disrupt hormones (Calafat, 2008). Investigations suggest that a link between higher concentrations of oxybenzone and its metabolites in the body lead to an increased risk of endometriosis and lower birthweights (Wolff 2008).
Although further study is needed, oxybenzone and other ultraviolet filters could lead to free-radical damage to the skin, a process that in theory could lead to skin cancer.
Sunscreens containing nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide (the non-whitening type) should not penetrate the outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum), which is made up of dead cells. However, there is a debate on whether the nanoparticles present in sunscreen penetrate into living cells.
A nanoparticle is a microscopic particle with at least one dimension less than 100 nm. The small physical aspect of nanoparticles allows them to readily pass through bodily barriers and reach the bloodstream where they are easily transported throughout the body. Nanoparticles directly affect cellular functions primarily through the plasma membrane (diffusion or disruption), endocytosis (fluid-phase or receptor-mediated), or by ion channel and transporter proteins (Giroud and Rappoport 2011).
Understanding that the human body may readily be absorbing chemicals we apply to our skin into our bloodstream is key to Honey Girl Organics’ decision to use only the finest quality, natural nutrient-based ingredients without chemical SPF or sunscreens.
Although Honey Girl Organics does not offer Sunscreen or SPF in our products, we do offer a crucial ingredient that studies have shown offers some sun and skin damage relief; organic extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil has been linked to reducing skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. UV activates the production of free radicals which are destructive molecules that result in cellular damage, and damaging your DNA. Olive oil helps counteract the harmful effects of UV exposure because it is rich in in antioxidants like Vitamin E that prevent the damaging effects of free radicals. (WebMd) (Oxford Journal, July 5, 2000)
If you are looking for a healthy relief from sun damaged skin, then Honey Girl Organics After Sun Face & Body Lotion is your answer. The product is rich in antioxidants and other bioavailable nutrients, and results in cooling, healing and soothing your skin after a fun filled summer day.
We respect the choice that many make to use sunscreens to mitigate the negative effects of prolonged sun exposure. However, in keeping with our philosophy of using only ingredients which are 100% natural and healthful, we choose not to release a sunscreen.
Instead we are offering an After Sun lotion that is meant to heal your face and body after exposure to the sun, and which only contains ingredients that are completely natural and healthy.
To examine this issue, let’s take a closer look at some healthy alternatives and the potentially negative side effects that sunscreen ingredients may have on your body and
Healthy alternatives include limiting our sun exposure to healthy levels (depending on your type of skin) and times of the day (mornings and later afternoons in the summer are considered safest). For those who find themselves in the sun for extended periods of time we recommend using hats and sun protective clothing, and if you do get sunburned or slightly flushed from the sun, use a healthy after sun lotion like Honey Girl Organics After Sun Face & Body Lotion
Many sunscreens that offer SPF include harmful chemicals that alter and influence cellular configuration and reproduction. Some of these chemical ingredients include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. According to the Environmental Working Group the most problematic of the sunscreen chemicals used in the U.S. is oxybenzone, found in 80 percent of chemicalsunscreens. Oxybenzone can penetrate the skin, cause allergic skin reactions and may disrupt hormones (Calafat, 2008). Investigations suggest that a link between higher concentrations of oxybenzone and its metabolites in the body lead to an increased risk of endometriosis and lower birthweights (Wolff 2008).
Although further study is needed, oxybenzone and other ultraviolet filters could lead to free-radical damage to the skin, a process that in theory could lead to skin cancer.
Sunscreens containing nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide (the non-whitening type) should not penetrate the outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum), which is made up of dead cells. However, there is a debate on whether the nanoparticles present in sunscreen penetrate into living cells.
A nanoparticle is a microscopic particle with at least one dimension less than 100 nm. The small physical aspect of nanoparticles allows them to readily pass through bodily barriers and reach the bloodstream where they are easily transported throughout the body. Nanoparticles directly affect cellular functions primarily through the plasma membrane (diffusion or disruption), endocytosis (fluid-phase or receptor-mediated), or by ion channel and transporter proteins (Giroud and Rappoport 2011).
Understanding that the human body may readily be absorbing chemicals we apply to our skin into our bloodstream is key to Honey Girl Organics’ decision to use only the finest quality, natural nutrient-based ingredients without chemical SPF or sunscreens.
Although Honey Girl Organics does not offer Sunscreen or SPF in our products, we do offer a crucial ingredient that studies have shown offers some sun and skin damage relief; organic extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil has been linked to reducing skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. UV activates the production of free radicals which are destructive molecules that result in cellular damage, and damaging your DNA. Olive oil helps counteract the harmful effects of UV exposure because it is rich in in antioxidants like Vitamin E that prevent the damaging effects of free radicals. (WebMd) (Oxford Journal, July 5, 2000)
If you are looking for a healthy relief from sun damaged skin, then Honey Girl Organics After Sun Face & Body Lotion is your answer. The product is rich in antioxidants and other bioavailable nutrients, and results in cooling, healing and soothing your skin after a fun filled summer day.
