Beware- Sunscreen
During the last few years I have noticed our swimsuits w/noticeable stains and stretching after very little wear. I generally wear black so the staining was primarily on my daughter's swimsuits, but I have noticed the elastic wearing out in my suits. As we begin to swim and apply sunscreen everytime we swim, I started thinking how sunscreen has changed over the last few years. Because of the ease of application many of us have started using the spray sunscreen. Most sunscreens now protect from UVA and UVB rays so this means new chemicals. Due to this revalation I did a little research on sunscreens.
I am not suggesting anyone stop using sunscreen, but we need to look at what we are putting on our skin as well as our children's skin. From my research I found that certain chemicals in the spray sunscreens disolve the elastic polymer component in the threads. Many of us spend 100s of dollars on swimsuits with super elastic to hold it all in and when we use the spray we ruin the elastic in these suits.
The stains are most likely caused by avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane or Parsol) which protects against UVB rays. This chemical binds w/iron and causes staning of cloths in iron rich water. These stains don't show up until after the suit is laundered. I also read this chemical can get into the bloodstream act similar to the horomone, estrogen. In some studies it has not been recommended for pregnant women and children. From what I read this chemical also doesn't hold up when worn w/mineral make-up.
I will continue doing some research, but from what I read it is safer to use a product w/zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Many of the products for babies have zinc oxide. Just be careful with whatever products you use on your skin whether it be make-up or sunscreen. Happy Swimming!
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