Safer Sun Protection

By Lee-Ann Carrière, RHN

The sun is here with its radiant splendour and it’s time to think about our skin and safe ways to maintain its health while enjoying the warm rays of summer. Have you ever given thought to some of the ingredients in popular conventional sunscreens and sunblocks? Remember that all substances we put on our skin enter directly into our bloodstream and pass to the liver for detoxification. Depending on the type of product and its ingredients, this is can be more dangerous than ingestion! Oxybenzone, found in 80% of conventional sunscreens, has been linked to hormonal disruptions leading to reproductive issues, especially in women. Retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A or retinol, has also been found to have adverse reactions when exposed to sunlight, some of which include the possible acceleration of cancerous tumour growth and causing damage to DNA. 

Fortunately, there are safer natural alternatives to harsh chemical sunblocks. Look for formulas that contain zinc oxide as an alternative to the questionable chemical UVA and UVB blockers and absorbers. Ultimately, the best protection against sun rays is wearing protective clothing and a hat and enjoying the shade versus exposure to the full sun. But for those of us who worship the glowing mother of all sources of vitamin D, come by Pomme Natural Market and browse our selection of natural sun products for everyone from baby to adult and for all of your coverage needs from body to face and lips. We also carry Nature’s Aid and pure aloe vera gel to help soothe burns, rashes, and bug bites.

Ask any of our friendly staff in the Healthy Living department for assistance with choosing the best sun products for you and your family.

Lee-Ann Carrière is the Healthy Living Supervisor and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist at Pomme Natural Market on Davie Street.