Choosing sunscreen for your kids: Organic or mineral? SPF 30 or 50? Spray or lotion? Help. – Slate Magazine
Interesting scientific primer, absorbers v reflectors (Zinc oxide), “Organic sunscreens often contain oxybenzone”. These have the issue of free radical formation.
QT:”
Some sunscreen companies add antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C to their formulations as well to absorb some of these reactive compounds. One 2011 study found that the addition of antioxidants to SPF 15 or 50 sunscreen formulations reduced the numbers of reactive oxygen species in skin more than two-fold.
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Retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, is an antioxidant added to many sunscreens and cosmetics (it’s also a food additive, used to fortify some dairy products and cereals). Although the FDA considers retinyl palmitate to be safe, research suggests that upon interaction with UVA light, the compound produces reactive oxygen species. …
And what about application method—sprays, gels, wipes, or
old-fashioned lotions? The Environmental Working Group warns against sprays because of the risk that the chemicals could be inhaled or get into the eyes. But if your child won’t let you near her with anything but a cool mist, by all means use it—just ask him to hold his breath and close his eyes as you apply it. The EWG also warns against combination sunscreen/bug sprays, which may increase absorption of the repellant chemicals, and sunscreen wipes, which might not deliver adequate protection.
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http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/the_kids/2013/06/choosing_sunscreen_for_your_kids_organic_or_mineral_spf_30_or_50_spray_or.html
Great sunscreen primer: organic absorbers (oxybenzone) v mineral reflectors (ZnO) in relation to radicals via @Slate:
http://bit.ly/1bqd9oM