Just real quick post today. I know I haven't been keeping anyone up to date. I've been caught in such a whirlwind of activity I'm actually looking forward to the downtime fall and winter provide. I plan to post a brief on whats been keeping me so busy, but I'm not sure when I'll be able to get to that.
Anyway, I came across this article this morning and it backs (toward the end) how I feel about titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and why I won't use them in my products. Of course others are free to, but I'd rather not give my customers cancer. ;)
*snip*
So what does all of this have to do with sunscreen? Most sunscreen products that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide contain nanoparticles of these ingredients. Consumer Reports found only one product, Key Solar Rx that disclosed its use of nanotechnology.
“Nanoparticles of the two compounds are used in sunscreens because the normally white substances, which absorb ultraviolet radiation, become more transparent when the particles are nano-sized. We asked an outside lab to test for those nanoparticles in eight sunscreens that listed either compound on their label. …
Lab studies indicate that both of those nanoingredients create free radicals that damage the DNA of cells and possibly cause other harm as well. And even low exposure to nanoparticles of titanium dioxide can damage the lungs of animals if inhaled.
But whether those particles in sunscreens pose direct health risks to humans depends mainly on whether they penetrate the protective outer layers of dead skin. Studies suggest they don’t reach live tissue under normal circumstances. But it’s not known whether skin damaged by acne, eczema, sunburn, or nicks from shaving is more vulnerable to penetration, says Kristen Kulinowski, director of the International Council on Nanotechnology, which promotes responsible development of nanotech. And studies of other nanoparticles show they can penetrate the outer skin layers through the hair follicles or when the skin is repeatedly stretched.” 3
*end snip*
Resource http://www.green-talk.com/2007/07/01/is-your-sunscreen-doing-more-harm-than-good/#more-48
