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Kelly Bonanno

Your soulful coach for wellness, clean beauty & eco lifestyle Savvy | Sexy | Beautiful | Healthy | You

toxins to avoid

May 26, 2020 By Kelly 2 Comments

How To Choose Safe Sunscreen: What To Avoid & What To Use

My happy place… a beach day with my loves

I have a confession. I love the smell of Coppertone. Despite the fact that I know that is one hell of a toxic fragrance, I love it because it brings back happy memories of exhilarating beach days and fun afternoons at our community pool. Regardless, I still don’t use it because there is no way I’m slathering those toxins on me or my kids.

I have gone so non toxic with all my products that now I am extremely sensitive to the toxic scent of synthetic fragrance. I can detect the scent a mile away and I usually cannot stand the smell but Coppertone is the exception.

One question I’m often asked is, “what sunscreen should I use,” because by now, most of know that the chemicals in most sunscreens pose serious health risks. Even mainstream western doctors admit that the chemicals found in most brands are dangerous.

One important thing to remember is that you need to wear sunscreen every single day of the year, even when it’s cloudy. The sun hits you through the window while you’re driving and even comes through the windows of your home.

I’ve written about this several times over the years. I like to do a refresh on the topic as summer approaches when we’ll be slathering our bodies and our kid’s bodies with sunscreen.

The safest sunblock is non-nanoparticle zinc oxide but if you’re curious about the common sunscreen ingredients that you should avoid, here is a rundown:

8 Ingredients You Do Not Want In Your Sunscreen

1. Oxybenzone
This hormone disruptor penetrates the skin, enters the bloodstream and behaves as estrogen in the body. It’s been shown to cause cell damage that promotes cancer, allergic reactions and even endometriosis.

The Glorious Pacific Ocean

2. 4-MBC
4-MBC is a chemical that chemical enters the bloodstream and behaves as estrogen in the body as well. It’s also been linked to cancer. Both 4-MBC and oxybenzone are such dangerous hormone disruptors that scientists are urging parents to refrain from using any product containing either on children but it’s found in most sunscreens, even those made especially for babies. 

3. Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate)
This widely used sunscreen ingredient disrupts thyroid hormone, affects brain signaling and lab tests show that is kills mouse cells when exposed to sunlight, even at low doses.  Octinoxate and octisalate are neurotoxins that have even been shown to cause Petit Mal seizures. 

4. Avobenzone
Also known as Parsol 1789 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane. It generates free radicals in the body and has also been cited as an endocrine disruptor. It is unstable and sunlight causes it to break down into unknown chemicals, especially when used with octinoxate.

5. Retinyl palmitate
This is a form of vitamin A. It is an antioxidant that slows the aging process in skin which is fine for use in night creams. However, a study done by the FDA discovered a connection to cancer because it may accelerate growth in tumors and skin lesions when exposed to sunlight which makes it a dangerous ingredient for sunscreen.

The FDA does not conduct any safety testing on sunscreen. It is completely unregulated so manufacturers can use any ingredients they want. 

6. Parabens
You’ll also find parabens listed as methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. They are found in many cosmetics as well as sunscreen. Like oxybenzone, parbens mimic the body’s natural hormones increasing the risk of various cancers.

Would you like help on how to avoid other toxins or to discuss health or weight concerns? Book your complimentary call today! 

7. Padimate O (Octyl Dimethyl PABA / PABA Ester)
This damages DNA, releases free radicals, mimics estrogen and causes allergies in some people.

8. Benzophenone 
This is one of the most commonly found ingredients in sunscreens. It is known to cause cancer in lab animals.

9. Homosalate
Causes organ system toxicity and dispruts sex hormones in animal studies.

The sunblocking ingredient you want in your sunscreen is zinc oxide made without nanotechnology. Zinc is a physical sunblock which means it reflects light back into the environment. Your skin basically does not see the sun.

Nanoparticles have been shown to cross the cell barrier driving into organs, even attaching to brain cells. They’ve also caused developmental issues in animals. Mineral sunscreens are often made with nanotechnology.

In addition to harming your health, these toxins also harm marine life. The coral reefs are being damaged and killed off. This is a major issue. Many clean sunscreens brands will say ‘reef safe’ on the bottle. If it’s safe for the beautiful coral reefs, it will be for us.

So what can we use?! Sunscreen that doesn’t have these harmful ingredients. If depends on your skin type, personal preference and how green you want to go. Do you want to completely pure and plant-based or are you OK with a few safe synthetics? Several trusted clean beauty brands make nontoxic sunscreen. I offer clients help in deciding based on skin type, needs, budget and preferences.

As with all personal care and beauty products, there’s no one size fits all but here are some good general recommendations:

  • Coola (great under makeup)
  • MyChelle Dermaceuticals (love this under makeup one too)
  • Pure Haven (their whole line is great)
  • 100% Pure
  • Acure (great budget friendly line)
  • Mad Hippie
  • Ever (this one has nice shades if you want tinted sunscreen)
  • 100% Pure (love their whole line)
  • Josh Rosbrook 
  • These are good for beach days and kids, a bit heavy under makeup: Block Island Organics, Badger and Babo Botanicals

**Want to make shopping for cosmetics, beauty & personal care products for you & your family easier? Grab my list of Top 12 Toxic Ingredients to avoid** 

We need sunlight. A deficiency in vitamin D3 causes a whole host of severe illnesses including. Recent studies are revealing that avoiding the sun blocks our body’s ability to produce vitamin D3.

It’s even more beneficial to get that natural vitamin D barefoot with your feet in the sand, grass, or dirt so you’re getting those wonderful grounding negative ions.

Lake Tahoe With My Cutie

Do you know someone who is looking for safe sunscreen? Send this their way and share it on Facebook, tweet it, Pin, it. Everyone needs safe sunscreen! These ingredients are especially toxic to children and babies because their delicate systems are not fully developed so they have a harder time filtering out toxins.

 “… some sunscreens are known to interfere with hormone action… could plausibly increase the risk of various cancers” -Thomas Zoeller, Endocrine Society

January 29, 2017 By Kelly Leave a Comment

Free Resources

How to live a truly healthy lifestyle can be confusing, can’t it? It’s not easy to know what to eat, which products to use, what habits to adopt, which methods really work and which resources to trust.

Allow me to help you simplify and alleviate the overwhelm. Say au revoir to confusion and stress with these free resources I created to help you lose weight, increase energy, manage stress, improve nutrition, go green with ease and create a realistic natural lifestyle.

They are full of helpful tips and actionable steps you can start right away to feel better, look better, and be more eco conscious.

You have more control of your health and longevity than you can imagine


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5 Steps To Improve Your Metabolism & Kickstart Weight Loss After 40

Are you experiencing perimenopause or menopausal weight gain or weight loss resistance? Do you find that what used to work doesn’t anymore? Download your free toolkit that gives you proven steps to boost your metabolism & get it working efficiently! (Step 5 may shock you, I call it the missing link!)


Clean Beauty Scene Podcast

The green movement is growing. Women are realizing that toxins harm their health and the planet but misleading information makes it overwhelming and confusing. Join me each week as I help you clear the confusion and bring you the latest tips, trends, and advice to help you green your beauty routine without giving up glamour or going eco freako. Clean beauty, wellness and intermittent fasting for the real world with exclusive interviews with industry leaders, inspiring trendsetters and experts sharing secrets, methods and recommendations.


Intro To Intermittent Fasting Email Course

Kickstart Your Intermittent Fasting Program with this free email course. Get ready to stop counting calories and resorting to restrictive diets. Drop the quarantine 15, control cravings and put an end to weight fluctuations while still enjoying some of your favorite foods. Intermittent fasting is easier than you think and saves you time. I’ll show you how!

 


The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Clean Beauty: Look Younger Without Harmful Chemicals

Green your beauty routine without confusion and overwhelm. Did you happen to read the recent Vogue article, “The New Toxic Beauty Documentary Asks: Are Skin-Care Products the New Cigarettes?“? I’ve been saying this for years. I’m passionate about helping women like you go green so you can reduce your body’s toxic burden without giving up glamour. Discover my top clean beauty and wellness tips for glowing skin and more energy. (#7 alone will turn the clock back a few years!)


The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Eco-friendly Living: Detoxify Your Home

It might surprise you to learn that your home has up to 10 times more pollutants than there are outside. Toxicity levels in our system can wreak havoc on our health. This is your personal cheat sheet with simple tips that will not only reduce your family’s carbon footprint, they will also help improve your health by reducing your body’s toxic burden.


The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Healthy Eating On The Go

Are you watching what you eat to look your best but find it challenging and overwhelming planning ahead and eating healthy when you have a hectic schedule? Make it easier for yourself, grab my Healthy Eating On The Go guide with simple tips and several delicious, nutritious options to grab and go when you are pressed for time. This is what works for me!


Clean Your Beauty Routine & Improve Your Metabolism

Did you know that toxins in your beauty & personal care products can lead to: weight gain, Weight loss resistance, bloating, alower Metabolism and many other adverse health effects. Download your free time saving clean beauty quickstart toolkit and discover how to ditch toxins that mess with your health and metabolism and cause dreaded weight fluctuations.


Virtual Self Care Retreat

Are you feeling anxious or out of sorts? It’s completely understandable given the current climate. Sign up for the Virtual Self-Care Retreat for some targeted self-care and stress relief with activities and tips to help you manage anxiety, focus on the silver linings and improve your well-being. Devoting to self-care in the name of self-love will lift your spirits. I’ll share ideas to help you create healthy habits to make this time at home less stressful and more productive, enjoyable and relaxing.


The Savvy Girl’s Top 12 Toxins To Avoid In Beauty & Personal Care

Discover which toxins increase your cancer risk, lead to autoimmune issues and mess your Endocrine system. Toxins impair your immune system. Avoid products with these toxins and you’ll reduce your toxic load which improves your health and boosts your immune system. This checklist is your personal cheat sheet when you shop for cosmetics, beauty and personal care products for you and your family. No need to slather yourself with toxins in the name of glamour.


The Savvy Mom’s Top Toxins To Avoid To Welcome Baby Into A Healthy Home

Babies are born with over 200 toxins in their system before they are even out in the world. You want the very best for your baby. You’re doing all you can to ensure he is healthy, safe, and happy. But you know that environmental toxins pose a serious health threat, especially to a baby’s delicate, developing system. Discover the top toxins to avoid to welcome your precious baby into a healthier, less toxic home.


Savvy Girl’s Organic World Facebook Group

For all things wellness, eco friendly living, and clean beauty with like-minded people You can ask questions and get eco-friendly and clean beauty product recommendations join my free Facebook group. We’re doing a free virtual self-care retreat this week!

 


Clean Beauty Recommendations

The secret to adopting an all natural clean beauty and personal care routine is using products with clean ingredients. But long lists of ingredients are confusing, aren’t they? I’ve done the work for you. This is a comprehensive list of brands that I’ve vetted and researched. No greenwashing. You’ll find fantastic skincare, body care, hair care, makeup, and more.


Eco Friendly Household Recommendations

You don’t have to resort to using toxic chemicals to keep your home sparkling clean! Transitioning to eco friendly household products will greatly improve the environment inside of your home which will help reduce your body’s toxic burden as well as your carbon footprint. Transition to using clean household products and you will be one less person contributing to harmful chemicals swirling down your drain and out into the waterways. This is a comprehensive list of cleaners, water filters, mattresses, clothing, accessories, candles and more.

“Earth is not a platform for human life. It’s a living being. We’re not on it but part of it. Its health is our health” ~Thomas Moore

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Join me each week on Clean Beauty Scene Podcast for the latest tips, trends, and advice to help you go clean, green and lean without giving up glamour or going to extremes. I bring you exclusive interviews with industry leaders, inspiring trendsetters and experts sharing powerful wellness, skincare and lifestyle advice and strategies to help you feel your best, up your wellness game, optimize weight loss and look great. Talk clean to me baby.

ABOUT ME

Kelly BonannoHi! I’m Kelly. Wellness warrior & eco friendly living advocate passionate about sharing information, tips, trends & resources that will help you go glamorously green & live your healthiest lifestyle with clean beauty & holistic wellness.

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