Sunscreen & Hormones - Sun Safe without the Endocrine Disrupting Toxins
Sunscreen & Hormones: Lower Your Toxin Burden This Summer
Hey there, hormone heroes! ☀️ Summer is here, and while we’re all about soaking up the good vibes (and maybe a little vitamin D), it’s time to talk about something that doesn’t always get the spotlight: how your sunscreen could be messing with your hormones. Yep, that bottle of SPF might be doing more than just protecting your skin—it could be adding to your body’s toxin burden, disrupting your delicate hormonal balance, and even impacting your fertility.
As a women’s health specialist, I’m all about empowering you to make choices that support your hormones, not sabotage them. So, let’s dive into the why behind lowering your chemical burden, the what when it comes to sunscreen ingredients, and the how to make smarter, hormone-friendly choices this summer. Because you deserve to feel radiant—inside and out.
Why Lowering Toxin Burden Matters for Hormonal Health
Here’s the deal: your liver and detox pathways work hard every day to process and eliminate toxins. But when we’re bombarded with chemicals—from our food, environment, and even our skincare (remember our skin is an organ, too!)—it can overwhelm these systems.
For women, this is especially critical because many toxins are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with your hormones.
Chemicals like oxybenzone and parabens, present in most SPF ingredient lists, can mimic or block hormones like estrogen, leading to imbalances. This can show up as irregular cycles, worsened PMS, or even fertility challenges. In fact, some chemicals can also be detrimental to men’s health.
🚩If you’re trying to conceive or are pregnant, lowering your toxin burden is non-negotiable. Some chemicals can cross the placenta, potentially impacting your baby’s development.
And… What happens to our long-term health? Chronic exposure to toxins has been linked to thyroid dysfunction, metabolic issues, and even conditions like PCOS. Prevention is key, and it starts with the choices you make today.
Sunscreen Spotlight: The Hormone-Friendly Guide
Not all sunscreens are created equal. Some are heroes, protecting your skin without the toxic baggage. Others? Not so much. Let’s break it down.
Ingredients to Avoid (and Why)
Oxybenzone: A known endocrine disruptor that can mimic estrogen and interfere with hormone signaling.
Octinoxate: Another endocrine disruptor linked to thyroid dysfunction and reproductive issues.
Parabens: Preservatives that can disrupt hormone function and have been found in breast cancer tissue.
Fragrance: Often a catch-all term for hidden chemicals, including phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors.
Retinyl Palmitate: A form of vitamin A that can break down in the sun and increase skin sensitivity.
Ingredients We Love (and Why)
Zinc Oxide: A mineral-based sunscreen ingredient that sits on top of the skin, providing broad-spectrum protection without hormone disruption.
Titanium Dioxide: Another mineral option that’s non-toxic and safe for sensitive skin.
Non-Nano Particles: These are larger particles that don’t penetrate the skin, making them safer for your body and the environment.
Clean Preservatives: Look for natural preservatives like tocopherol (vitamin E) or rosemary extract.
How to Read a Sunscreen Label (Without Getting Tricked by Marketing)
Here’s the thing: just because a sunscreen says “clean,” “natural,” or “reef-safe” on the front doesn’t mean it’s free from harmful ingredients. Marketing can be sneaky, so here’s how to decode the label:
Check the Active Ingredients: Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If you see oxybenzone, octinoxate, or avobenzone, put it back.
Scan the Inactive Ingredients: Avoid parabens, phthalates, and “fragrance.”
Look for Certifications: Certifications like EWG Verified or COSMOS Organic can help you identify truly clean products.
Beware of Greenwashing: Just because a product has a leafy, eco-friendly design doesn’t mean it’s safe. Always read the fine print.
Supporting Your Detox Pathways
Lowering your toxin burden isn’t just about avoiding harmful ingredients—it’s also about supporting your body’s natural detox systems. But, you know, I’ve got you covered 😉
Here are some tips for you:
Hydrate: Water helps flush toxins through your liver and kidneys. Want some flavor? Add a squeeze of lemon and some ginger for an extra detox boost. Want to get super fancy? Chlorella and cilantro may sound good to you. [Do you have a brand of electrolytes that you recommend?"
Eat Clean: Focus on whole, organic foods to reduce your exposure to pesticides and additives. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli and kale are especially great for liver detox.
Sweat It Out: Exercise and saunas can help eliminate toxins through your skin.
Support Your Liver: Nutrients like milk thistle, NAC, and glutathione can help your liver process toxins more effectively. NAD+ injectables are another great alternative.
Pick This, Not That: Sunscreen Edition
Pick This: A mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide.
Not That: A chemical sunscreen with oxybenzone.
Pick This: A fragrance-free, broad-spectrum SPF 30+.
Not That: A sunscreen with “fragrance” or parabens.
Pick This: A brand that’s transparent about its ingredients.
Not That: A brand with a vague or overly complicated ingredient list.
Your Hormone-Friendly Summer Action Plan
Swap Your Sunscreen: Ditch the chemical-laden SPF and opt for a clean, mineral-based option.
Read Labels: Use the tips above to decode sunscreen labels and avoid greenwashing.
Support your detox pathways: Hydrate, eat nutrient-dense foods, and consider liver-supportive supplements.
Spread the Word: Share this info with your friends and family—because everyone deserves to protect their hormones and their health. Hopefully, by being more conscious consumers, brands will adapt to what the market is asking for, right?
Sun, Sun, Sun Here It Comes! 🎶
Summer should be about soaking up the sunshine, making memories, and feeling amazing in your skin—not stressing over every little ingredient in your sunscreen. The good news? Making smarter choices doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple swaps, you’re not just protecting your skin—you’re giving your hormones and overall health a little extra love, too.
But let’s be real—this isn’t about being perfect or obsessing over every label. Stress is just as tough on your hormones as toxins, and the last thing I want is for this to feel overwhelming. Think of this as an invitation to make small, doable shifts that add up over time. No pressure, just progress.
So, as you pack your beach bag or head out for some summer fun, know that you’ve got options, you’ve got the knowledge, and you’ve got the power to support your body in a way that feels good for you.
And if you ever need a little extra guidance? You know where to find me.
P.S. Want my favorite sunscreens, hormone healing tips & everything in between? Make sure you drop your email at the bottom of the page to get ‘The Doctor’s Note’ delivered to your inbox every Wednesday!
