Thursday, March 4, 2010

Lavera: Baby-Safe Mineral Based Sun Protection

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I know I'm supposed to avoid BPA, parabens, pthalates, pesticides and more but the growing list of chemicals that are bad is more than I can wrap my head around. I can only read and retain so much. So I defer to the professionals for guidance when it comes to buying certain products. I have a lot of confidence in the naturopaths at Pharmaca. They're well-read and up-to-date on the latest research so I consulted them on which sunscreen to buy for our vacation. They recommended Lavera for kids and adults. Like most natural sunscreens, it takes a bit more effort to rub in so if you're lazy like me you end up sitting around the pool with a white tint. Oh so attractive on an already pale body! The price you pay I guess. Lavera products are sold at Pharmaca, Target, Whole Foods and more.

Advantages of Mineral Based Sunscreens:
  • Safe for the whole family including babies & children age six months and up.
  • Mineral pigments protect as they build an almost invisible film on the skin’s surface, reflecting harmful UV-A, B and C rays without the need for chemical filters. Skin is protected against UV damage, sun-induced aging and sunburn.
  • Free of oxybenzone and cetyl cinnamates, which mimic effects of estrogen in the body.
  • Waterproof formulas protect immediately upon application, unlike synthetic sun-protection with requires a half hour to become effective.
  • Ideal for sensitive skin, wide range of sun protection factors from SPF15 to SPF40.
  • Product is completely biodegradable.

Interesting Facts About Synthetic Sun Ingredients:

Recently released scientific studies by Switzerland’s Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, conducted in 2001, prove a link between synthetic sunscreens and hormonal disturbances in the body. The chemical compounds in synthetic sunscreens have been found to accumulate in body fats and in breast milk, and, by mimicking the effects of estrogen, can induce undesirable hormonal changes.

Synthetic Sunscreen Chemicals with estrogen mimicking effects:

  • 4-Methyl-Benzylidencamphor(4-MBC), Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-3
  • Homosalate(HMS), Octyl-methoyl-cinnamates(OMC)
  • Octyl-Dimethyl-Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid(OD-PABA)

3 comments:

Erika said...

I have used that brand and do like it (minus the white haze...). I also really like the products from the Sun Precautions store in Madison Park. Perfect for those of us who are pasty white!!

Ashley said...

Nice, I definitely will buy this versus my normal synthetic. I didn't realize...

Tara said...

Not to mention the new concerns about nanoparticles. Luckily, Lavera doesn't use them. I guess we'll be pasty until we know more!