Our environment is very precious to us. We have learned the importance of air-quality and more efficient natural cleaners. Equally important and perhaps more critical to our beautiful oceans and lakefronts is the choice of eco-friendly lotions. While we cannot sacrifice the protection of our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, there are many products now available on the market that will not harm our environments.We have learned over the years, UVA rays play an important role in skin cancer. As such we have to be aware of not just the UVB protection which is denoted by the level of SPF protection but we also need to learn what ingredients protect us from harmful UVA rays. To have a full spectrum protection, we must carefully review the label for protections from both UVA and UVB rays.As many travelers have found out, other countries who value their sensitive natural waterways have very demanding standards on the lotions brought into their country and the lotions that are allowed on their pleasure/tourist boats. In order to shop intelligently, please find below 5 simple steps that not only protect your skin but also protect our environment.5 Simple Steps:1. Review the SPF level. This is the level of protection for the UVB rays.2. Review the UVA protection. The two ingredients that protect us from UVA rays are A.) Avobenzone andb.) Zinc.3. Review the oil content. Oil free should be clearly marked. It is the oils that the sensitive environments are unable to effectively break down in our waterfronts such as lakes, oceans. Additionally, your pool filter and your hot tub filter will have to work harder to trap and dispense of these chemicals. Avoiding the use of oil will extend the life of your filters.4. Review the metal content. Metals in sun lotion are most commonly found in the use of zinc. Similar to the oils, metals are hard to effectively break down in our watery environments. Likewise, when we avoid the use of metals, we make it easier for our filters on our swimming pools and our hot tubs to eliminate this waste product.5. Look for the presence of Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is available now as a main ingredient not just in moisturizing after sun care lotions but also in sun protection lotions. Look for this ingredient for natural protection.In our effort for a full spectrum of protection, we often see many other added chemicals for protection. One chemical we need to be aware of which is frequently used in sun block and many cosmetic applications is titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring oxide of titanium, chemical formula chemical, TiO2, [1]it has been found to be a possible carcinogen as found by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). “Titanium dioxide has recently been ccarcinogen.[1] http://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html Canada‘s Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium_dioxide Wikipedia definition of Titanium dioxide.Also, see cancer.org and skincancer.org
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