Lifeguard designs chemical-free sunscreen

Added by on July 19, 2011

July 19, 2011

Brian Guadagno, a senior lifeguard captain, launched a chemical-free sunscreen product earlier this week in California. Guadagno designed the sunscreen in anticipation of tough new US FDA regulations for sunscreen labelling in addition to consumers’ fears and awareness of possible harmful effects of chemicals used in many sunscreens.

The FDA announced earlier this month that it is tightening regulations for labelling sunscreen products to avoid giving consumers a false sense of security. The FDA’s new regulations, which take effect in 2012, clarify whether a sunscreen protects against the sun’s UVB and the more harmful UVA rays; currently a sunscreen’s SPF rating only refers to protection against the less harmful UVB rays. UVA radiation contributes to sunburn, skin cancer, and skin aging.

Guadagno’s all-natural product, launched earlier this week, complies with the FDA’s new regulations and is currently classified as a broad spectrum sunscreen rated at SPF 30+. The FDA says broad spectrum sunscreens reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging when used as directed. Guadagno’s product is made with zinc oxide, a natural and organic ingredient, that scatters the sun’s rays by staying on top of your skin, in contrast to other sunscreens that get absorbed into your skin.

Consumers’ increased awareness about chemicals and additives in the products they use have created demand for chemical free, organic, and natural skin care products.

Chemical free skin care products don’t contain additives like Parabens, Siloxanes, and Triclosan – all of which studies have shown can cause allergic reactions and contribute to endocrine (hormone system) disruption. Many studies conclude that disruptions to the endocrine system can result in birth defects, can cause cancerous tumours, contributes to learning disabilities and cognitive and brain development problems, and can cause feminizing in males and masculine effects in females.

“Chemical free skin care products made using Safflower oil, Beeswax, Shea Butter, and Frankincense, are natural skin care products that provide benefits like clearing skin problems like acne, preventing premature wrinkles and premature skin aging, as well as being anti-inflammatory”, said Asara Tsehai – CEO of A Touch of Life whose company creates and sells natural skin care products.

The FDA rates ingredients like zinc oxide, safflower oil, and beeswax as generally recognized as safe, or GRAS, a rating that is based safety through experience based on common use.