WWII “lifesaver” defeats skin cancer?

Friend, the summer heat is in FULL FORCE!

And that means you need to lather up with sunscreen.

After all, applying sunscreen to your face, neck, back, and arms is one of most popular ways to keep your skin healthy, smooth, and protected against skin cancer.

But when it comes to protecting your skin—not all sunscreens are created EQUAL.

Many sunscreens you find on the end caps of your local pharmacy or big box store are LOADED with harmful chemicals than can end up causing serious damage to your health.

When it comes to sunscreen, sticking to natural, chemical-free varieties have always been your best bet.

But the future of skin care may have just gotten a much-needed breakthrough… and it’s all thanks to a life-saving staple used back in World War II.

Scientists have found the century-old medicine Methylene Blue, which once kept soldiers in World War I and World War II safe from malaria and cyanide poisoning, could be a key ingredient in sunscreens moving forward.

It turns out that Methylene Blue protects your skin from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), both of which are linked to skin aging and the burning that can lead to skin cancer.

Most sunscreens use oxybenzone as a chemical UV blocker, which studies have found can cause major issues with your hormones.

Oxybenzone can also cause major damage to the environment when it washes off in the water. In fact, multiple studies have found that it can speed up the destruction of coral reefs!

But scientists have found that Methylene Blue not only keeps your skin healthy… it also keeps our waters beautiful and vibrant.

Now, Methylene Blue isn’t currently available as a sunscreen, but it could replace current sunscreen compounds in the very near future. (I’ll keep you updated.)

In the meantime, opt for mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens have fewer ingredients. It sits on the skin and prevents UV rays from penetrating.

Bare Republic makes mineral sunscreen for the face and body and will run you close to $15 per bottle.

To real talk about sunscreen,

Sarah Reagan

Sources:

Study Finds. “Sunscreen breakthrough keeps skin healthy, offers ‘amazing anti-aging effects,’ and helps coral reefs thrive.” https://studyfinds.org/sunscreen-breakthrough-anti-aging-coral-reefs-methylene-blue/

Miller, Korin. “Is Oxybenzone In Sunscreen Dangerous? Here’s How It May Impact Your Health.” https://www.prevention.com/health/a27556739/oxybenzone-sunscreen-safety/