How Safe is Your Sunscreen?

Malaysia is a South East Asian country with the sun dominating the sky most of the time thus instead of enjoying the sunshine only during the summer, Malaysians are blessed with the natural occurring rays of light throughout the whole year. And it is considered as a blessing because sunshine provides Vitamin D which is necessary for a healthy immune function besides enhancing the absorption of key nutrients in human body. 

                 


However, with the pros comes the cons. Although there is a presence of the so called “sunshine vitamin”, the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun could cause harmful effects mostly to human skins such as sunburn, aging and skin cancer. And due to this negative side effects, sunscreen was invented back in 1936.

Sunscreen or which is also known as sunblock could absorb and reflect some of the sun's UV radiation on the skin thus protecting it from the harmful consequences. Continuous use of sunscreen could also help prevent development of wrinkles and sagging skin. 

In Malaysia, sunscreen is one of the most popular skincare product especially among the students who need to endure weekly assemblies with the sun right on their head. Not to mention, the school leavers who had been selected for the National Services program where marching at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. is made compulsory.

National Service picture copyrighted by kemplknbaling.blogspot.com

Nevertheless, there is a controversial debate about how some organic chemical compounds in sunscreen actually bring more harm than good. 

1. Oxybenzone. 

 Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone is an organic compound belonging to the class of aromatic ketones. It is one of the most widely used organic UV filters in sunscreens today due to its photo-protective qualities. However, research suggests a link between higher concentrations of oxybenzone in the body and increased risk of endometriosis disease, which main symptoms are pelvic pain and infertility. Besides, Environmental Working Group (EWG) had encouraged consumers to avoid this chemical because it could cause skin allergy. 

2.Octinoxate

Octinoxate

Octyl methoxycinnamate or octinoxate is a type of ester formed from methoxycinnamic acid and (RS)-2-ethylhexanol that is insoluble in water. European Commission on Endocrine Disruption found that octinoxate could disrupt human endocrine system. It produces excess reactive oxygen species that could cause mutations and cell death. Not to mention, its bio-accumulative property that might cause it to accumulate in human body and causing toxicity.

3. Homosalate

Homosalate 

Third is the homosalate, an ester formed from salicylic acid and 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanol, a type of cyclohexanol. Research found that homosalate could be break into harmful byproducts once exposed to sunlight. It could also disrupt hormones such as estrogen, androgen and progesterone. And, that is why Environment Canada Domestic Substance List Body declared homosalate as "expected to be toxic" substance. Besides, Japan's Standards for Cosmetics Body had also restricted the use of homosalate in their cosmetics products.

4. Octocrylene

Octocrylene 

       Lastly, is the octocrylene. It is an ester formed by the condensation of a diphenylcyanoacrylate with 2-ethylhexanol. Octocrylene had raise a concern about how it could cause a biochemical change in human body. It can penetrate into the skin, resulting in the increased production of free radicals that can damage the DNA throughout the body. And, it is very dangerous because DNA alterations could trigger cancer.

       As to conclude all this findings about harmful organic chemicals in sunscreen, it could be said that more research should be done in order for truth to be revealed. And it is necessary that we could invent a natural organic sunscreen like how the ancient Greeks use olive oil to protect their skin from sunlight. We should also use mineral sunscreens instead of the chemical ones. 

S O A P

     Whenever or wherever I went to a supermarket, I love to walk through the soap section. The fragrance of the soap itself made me fall in love with the soap. So, did you use soap in your daily live? DON’T LIE! Almost all the people in this world use soap in their daily live. Perhaps we use it for countless times in a day. I am very sure that not much people know about the history of the soap. Did you know that soap was invented a long time ago? First soap makers were Babylonians, Mesopotamians, Egyptians, as well as the ancient Greeks and Romans. They made soap by mixing fat, oils and salts. Soap was first produced to clean cooking utensils or goods or using for medicine purpose and not using for personal hygiene. 

How soap is made? Soap can be produce by two different processes that is either cold process or hot process. Cold process usually took about six weeks to fully complete the production of that soap but it also depends on the oil used to produce the soap. The soap produced by the cold process had high in quality rather than the soap produced by the hot process. They are hard and long lasting. Cold process involved the mixing of the fatty acids and sodium hydroxide (lye) together. The fatty acid used usually is any oil such as olive oil, hemp oil or etc. the mixture was kept warm to ensure the soap completely saponified. For hot process, it was only a few moments to produce the soap because the high temperature (80c-100C) used in this process enables the lye and fats saponify more quickly. 

Who wouldn’t buy soap? I’m not sure if there is anyone of you that could spend time and money for shopping clothes, but didn’t care about soap. Everybody wants to be clean and feel fresh all the time. 

In fact, the question that you usually pondering over are WHICH one is the best to buy??? Too many choices and make you feel confused, right? Size, colour, scent, packaging, price and lots of others thing you need to decide in order to have the most suitable one with your taste. But, you should not forget the MOST important things that you also need to give attention before choosing and buy the soaps are its ingredients itself ! Is it organic??... Is the soap affects your skin?? Is it truly protect you from the bacteria? 

Organic chemicals in soaps	Positive function	Bad effects
1.Sodium Lauryl/Laureth     Sulfate (SLS/SLES) - Detergent, emulsifier used in industrial of soaps -Originates from coconut	- Breaks down the skin's moisture barrier - Allows other chemicals to penetrate by increasing skin permeability by approximately 100-fold.	- Skin and eye irritation - Organ toxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity - Endocrine disruption.
2.Triclosan - Antibacterial agent added to many liquid soaps	- Help kill germs especially in spotty skin	- Contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
3. Propylene glycol -Colorless, nearly odorless, syrupy liquid that is derived from natural gas.	-Used as a carrier in fragrance oils	- Cause dermatitis, kidney or liver abnormalities -May inhibit skin cell growth or cause skin irritation.
4. Diethanolamine or DEA - DEA has the potential to form nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA)	- Easily absorbed through the skin	- Block absorption of the nutrient choline, vital to brain development.
5.Glycerin -A gel-like transparent soap.	-Draw the moisture out of the air and onto the soap.	-Too much concentrations of glycerin on skin can cause drying

So, from the explaination above , i hope that u will be able to open your eyes and your heart to choose the most safe soap that will be able to fully protect you as well as will not harm your skin and your health in future.

  

How well do you know your toothpaste?

   Waking up early in the morning and what is that first thing you usually do when taking your shower or, that that very last regimen you carry out in order to maintain your teeth as pearly white and free from plaques before going to bed? Yes, that’s right. It’s brushing your teeth with non-other the toothpaste!

 

A toothpaste, which usually comes in the form of a paste, gel or powder. A substance that we put into our mouths two or three times every day, week after week, year after year. That adds up to a lot of toothpaste. But does it actually occurred to you what ingredients does the gel contains and its effects to us humans? Have you ever read the label on a toothpaste before purchasing them?

Back in the olden days, the Greeks and then the Romans used toothpaste recipes containing abrasives such as crushed bones and oyster shells.

  

 

Toothpaste was first developed in the mid-1800s. When toothpaste was first presented to the public, it was available in glass jars. In the late 1800s toothpaste was packaged in collapsible tubes. It wasn't until 1934 that the American Dental Association first put forth standards to be met in the production of toothpaste.

Nowadays, toothpaste are manufactured with various types of chemicals in it to satisfy the customers’ needs. We could find toothpastes designed specifically for children, tartar control or even sensitive teeth. They may contain tooth whiteners and come in a variety of flavors. However, are those chemicals used safe for us? Do we 100% believe those commercials in saying that the toothpaste cleans and freshens our breath without thinking about the down-side of it? Below are a few common organic chemicals found in a toothpaste which may have its own goodness and side effects.

Organic chemicals in a toothpaste	Positive uses of the organic chemical	Health hazards
1.      Triclosan -          an antibacterial and antifungal agent	ü  To reduce the risk of gingivitis. ü  It kills the microbes that form plaque on the teeth.	§  A chlorophenol, which is a type of chemical suspected of causing cancer in humans. §  Has very bad  side effects on the environment. §  Children  exposed to the  substance have increased development  of allergies.
2.      Sodium lauryl sulfate -          a detergent and cleansing agent that causes the foaming action	ü  Used as the detergent part of the toothpaste, which helps make the toothpaste lather in your mouth and carries away debris by penetrating and dissolving plaque.	§  Can irritate oral membranes. §  Can cause skin irritation and lead to reoccurring canker sores.
3.      Propylene glycol -           a small organic alcohol	ü  Acts as a wetting agent and surfactant in toothpaste.	§  Can be rapidly absorbed through the  skin, with prolonged contact leading to brain, liver and kidney abnormalities.
4.      Diethanolamine, DEA -          white solid at room temperature, but it has a tendency to absorb water and to supercool, a weak base	ü  To create a creamy texture and foaming action. ü  Used as a surfactant and a corrosion inhibitor.	§  Disrupts hormones and forms cancer-causing nitrates.
5.      Hydrated Silica -          a transparent abrasive that is used in modern gel, striped and opaque toothpastes	ü  Helps to safely remove plaque while brushing. ü  Polishes the tooth surface.	§  Alters the acidic balance of the mouth, gums and tongue.
6.      Glycerin -          a sweet-tasting, colorless, thick liquid that freezes to a gummy paste and has a very high boiling point	ü  Used to balance and maintain moisture levels by preventing the product from drying out and helps to preserve the product. ü  Contributes to a good mouth-feel and improves flavor.	§  Prevent   re- mineralization of teeth.
7.      FD&C Yellow Number 5 -          synthetic dye produced from petroleum	ü  Used as a colorant.	§  Inducing an allergic reaction in individuals such as bronchial asthma.
8.      Cellulose gum -          farmed from trees and cotton, readily renewable	ü  Creates stability and suitable viscosity in toothpaste while making it more fresh and pleasant.	§  Can result in flatulence if swallowed.

What do you think after looking through these common chemical ingredients in our toothpaste? Despite it being a wand of magic for our teeth, toothpaste could also be the one causing our health in such a jeopardy. Therefore, we as buyers should be careful of the type of toothpaste we obtain from the market as we use them daily in our life. Be smart by reading the labels and compare it with other toothpaste brands that are safer to consume. With that, both our teeth and health would thank us.