The Titanium Story What are the benefits of Mineral Sunscreen? If you have sensitive skin, suffer from Rosacea or acne, or experience a burning sensation after applying a sunscreen to your face; I encourage you to read the following information. Our TruKid Sunny Days Sunscreen offers excellent sun protection using all-natural ingredients that are actually good for your skin. Sunscreens designed for infants or people with sensitive skin are often based on titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, as these mineral UV blockers are less likely to cause skin irritation than chemical UV absorber ingredients, such as Avobenzone. Physical sunscreens with titanium and zinc act as a barrier for skin they reflect off harmful UV rays immediately upon application, where as chemical sunscreens need to absorb into skin before they are able to provide protection by absorbing the UV rays. How does titanium work? In almost every sunscreen with a physical blocker, titanium dioxide is found because of its high refractive index, its strong UV light absorbing capabilities and its resistance to discoloration under ultra violet light. This advantage enhances its stability and ability to protect the skin from ultraviolet light. Sunscreens designed for infants or people with sensitive skin are often based on titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, as these mineral UV blockers are less likely to cause skin irritation than chemical UV absorber ingredients, such as Avobenzone. Brief on Titanium: Concerns on Safety Unmasked Titanium Dioxide has recently become the subject of new controversy, yet it is a substance as old as the earth itself. This mineral can be found in many products, ranging from paint to food to cosmetics. In cosmetics, it serves several purposes. It is a white pigment, an opacifier and a sunscreen. Titanium Dioxide itself is in “powder form”. Often when we read Material Safety and Data Sheets about chemicals we are reading on the chemical in this form; powder. Titanium in powder form, it can easily be inhaled; this can cause irritation of the nose and throat and increase mucous production. If the inhalation exposure is chronic, it may develop into respiratory disease. However, when the titanium has been mixed into a blend (anything that is a “wet ingredient”) it can no longer be inhaled, and thus no longer poses inhalation exposure potential. Imagine making cookies. Flour first, and a dusty cloud comes up. After the eggs and milk are mixed in, the flour will no longer create this inhale-able dust. Referenced sites: http://www.eczema.org/Eczema%20and%20the%20Sun%20May%202007.pdf http://www.healthy-communications.com/msdstitaniumdioxide.html