Last week I shared that I am a Goddess Garden Sunscreen ambassador. I got a lot of positive feedback from my announcement, but a few people reached out to me privately and asked why I felt so passionately about organic sunscreen.
They wanted to know if organic sunscreen was “just a gimmick” and why it needed to be organic if I wasn’t eating it.
Those are both really good questions and I’m glad they reached out and asked me as I sometimes forget that everyone is in a different place when it comes to the road to healthy living. (By that I mean that I am still so near the starting line that I imagine everyone else already knows more than I do!)
When you think of your important organs, you usually think of the heart, brain, or any of the other parts living in our torso. I’ll bet you get through at least 10 before you think to name your skin as an organ. Not only is an important organ, it is your largest one! Because it is porous in nature, it is logical that what we put on it winds up in it, right?
But just how much of what we slather on becomes part of us?
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health looked into the skin’s absorption rates of chemicals found in drinking water. It showed that the skin absorbed an average of 64% of total contaminant dosage.(Brown et al. The role of skin absorption as a route of exposure for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in drinking water. Am J Public Health. 1984 May; 74(5): 479–484.) Just think about all of the medications that are designed to be worn on the skin – seasickness patches, nicotine patches, etc. Obviously those are entering the bloodstream by way of skin absorbtion.
Once you realize this, you start to look at the things you put on your skin a lot more carefully.
That sunscreen I had been loyally slathering on myself to “stay healthy”? It contained a laundry list of chemicals I would never dream of putting in my mouth. What kinds of things will you find in many “conventional” sunscreens? One main ingredient is oxybenzone which is found in 80% of chemical sunscreens. The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detected oxybenzone in more than 96% of the US population, with higher concentrations found during the summer months. Here is where oxybenzone lands on a scale of toxic sunscreen ingredients. Not cool.
So, now I’m sure you are wondering what is in Goddess Garden sunscreen, right?
The main ingredient Goddess Garden uses to protect skin from the sun is made of minerals. Personally, I feel much better putting minerals on my skin than a chemical I can barely pronounce. How about you?
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I don’t use sunscreen at all, but I do on my kids. I would love to try this.
Jennifer says
This sounds like great sunscreen. I use organic products whenever I can. I don’t like the thought of chemicals soaking into my skin.
Jenna Wood says
We usually have Aveeno Naturals on hand, which relies heavily on Zinc Oxide, but the toxicity chart is fascinating. I’m always looking for more natural skincare products.
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
Sun skincare is SO important! I use Organic on my kids- always- and on myself as much as I can. When I run, I use spray to make sure I cover every inch!
Danielle says
I didn’t even know organic sunscreen existed, but as much as I use it myself and on my son, I definitely need to try it out.
Meagan says
I love using organic sunscreen on my son. It’s the only thing that doesn’t make his skin break out.
Stefani Tolson says
When I take the kids out in the sun I always make sure to bring along sunscreen. Will have to try this brand.
Shauna says
We have been using Goddess Garden for years and love it. It goes on smoothly and works wonderfully. I love that it is safe for my daughter with eczema
Amy Desrosiers says
I definitely do not want to rub poison all over my kid’s bodies. I need to buy some for my kids before our vacation!
Marcie W. says
I just learned that the natural sunscreen I have been using for the last three years was discontinued so I am in need of a new go-to. I will be on the lookout for this brand!
Liz Mays says
I’ve never tried a sunscreen like that before! I’m definitely not keen on taking in toxins!
Stefany says
I honestly had no idea why it was important to use organic skincare. Thank you so much for explaining why I need to change my skincare habits!
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
I always prefer using organic body products! I will have to try this out!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Wow this is super scary! I had no idea that they made organic sunscreen. I will have to check this out.
Debi- Travel Blogger says
I have been looking for some good organic sunscreen. My daughter is too sensitive to everything
Aimee Smith says
I had never even thought about having organic sunscreen. This is something I need to look into for sure!
Ann Bacciaglia says
Sunscreen is so important to use. I would love to use an organic brand if i can. I am trying to reduce the amount of chemicals we are exposed to.
Lisa Bristol says
I have not heard of Goddess Garden before. I would love to try an organic sunscreen. I will have to look for this product.
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
I’ve never used this kind before, I will look out for it next time! Thanks!
Nani says
I’m also 27 and my answer to your quioetsn would be its easier to prevent than to cure!! I’ve been using anti-ageing products since mid twenties and have to admit I have the face of a 16 yr old!! could be genes or could be the creams but not going to stop using the creams anytime soon to find out! p.s. you should always ask the assistants to advise you on products in any case, as there are some suitable anti ageing creams for younger skin as some creams have stronger ingredients for maturer skin.