News Coverage
Is Your Sunscreen More Dangerous Than The Sun?
Published August 1, 2007
Despite increased education to become sun smart the incidence of skin cancer appears to be rising.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation more than 600,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year and the figure is rising. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and is responsible for 8,500 deaths annually.
A hypothesis for this phenomenon is that harmful chemicals lurking in sunscreens are doing more harm than good.
International studies found the greatest rise in melanoma occurred in countries where chemical sunscreens are heavily promoted.
Shirley Livesay, founder and developer of naturally derived sunscreen range UV Natural says, "Research suggests that commercially available sunscreens might damage people's skin." A finding supported by the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) June 2007 study where 785 sunscreens were analyzed and 84% provided inadequate protection from the sun's harmful rays or contained ingredients with safety concerns. One range stood out--EWG ranked UV Natural #1 safest and most effective sunscreen.
Some experts suggest that sunscreen formula may be cancer causing. The harmful chemicals identified include allergy-creating PABA, benzophenone-3, homosalate, octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC) and 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC). While these chemicals protect skin from sun damage, experts have indicated the chemical octyl methoxycinnamate, which is present in 90% of sunscreen brands, was found to kill mouse cells even at low doses. Recent studies on childhood illnesses linked these findings to a possible cause of ADHD, asthma and allergies.
Some sunscreen ingredients also change estrogen levels in the body affecting DNA and causing cell damage by creating free radicals.
As a result of these astonishing findings and increased consumer demand Shirley Livesay has created a naturally derived sunscreen range which has no harmful ingredients for longevity, fragrance or moisturising purposes. UV Natural consists of: powerful anti-oxidants such as green tea and grape seed extract; macadamia, grape seed and colloidal Silica to fight environmental stressors; moisturising and skin-conditioning oils; and vitamin E to assist with skin reconstruction at a cellular level. This combination of ingredients is suitable for all skin types and will help combat the signs of photo ageing.
The UV Natural range is a result of extensive research and development and features a new and improved formula that is non-greasy, gentle, hydrating and moisturising. Products include: SPF 15, SPF 30+, Baby, Sport and in September 2007: Lip Sunscreen, Sport Lip Sunscreen and Sun & Body Oil.
In addition to being naturally derived, these products have been tested and proven to have a sensitivity rating of zero which makes them ideal for all skin types. UV Natural products are cruelty free and stringently adhere to Food and Drug Administration (USA) requirements.
