Week 5 Roundup
Rounding out Fourth of July week with sunscreen conspiracies and potato salad recipes.
With summer in full swing I thought we should talk about the latest controversial topic in the health and wellness world that may be quite pertinent as you jet off to sunny beaches and get in your Vitamin D for the year, sunscreen. Lately, sunscreen has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons, and it’s left a lot of people questioning what they’re actually putting on their skin. The controversy kicked off when reports surfaced about certain sunscreen brands containing harmful chemicals like benzene, a known carcinogen. While sunscreen is supposed to protect us from UV damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer, the idea that some products might contain potentially dangerous ingredients has left consumers confused and frustrated. On top of that, there’s been growing concern about the environmental impact of certain sunscreen formulations, particularly those with oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been linked to coral reef damage. It’s a double-edged sword—protecting your skin while potentially harming the planet or exposing yourself to questionable chemicals.
The conversation has sparked a lot of debate about whether we need stricter regulations on sunscreen ingredients and more transparency from manufacturers. Some experts are urging consumers to look for mineral-based sunscreens with active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are generally considered safer for both people and the environment. Others are calling for better testing and labeling standards to give buyers more confidence in what they’re using. In Europe, Australia, and much of Asia sunscreen is under much stricter regulation banning products with harmful ingredients. Personally, I look for brands with clean ingredients and proven effectiveness, such as EltaMD and Supergoop!, especially given my skin tone and risk for skin cancer. Products containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide tend to be safer, whereas it’s recommended to avoid products with octinoxate, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate. As with every health topic, I encourage everyone to do their own research and decide what is best for them.
Recipe of the Week
Healthified Potato Salad
6-7 medium sized Yukon gold or red potatoes
½ large white onion
5-6 celery stalks
1 cup of light mayo or dairy free mayo
1 cup of Greek yogurt (can use dairy free yogurt as well)
⅔ cup of relish or chopped pickles
2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp of lemon juice
2 tbsp of Dijon mustard
½ cup of fresh chopped dill
2 tsp of salt
1 tsp of minced garlic
1 tsp of paprika
1 tsp of onion salt
1 tsp of pepper
Chop potatoes into 1 inch cubes. Cover with water in a large pot, add salt, bring to a boil, and boil until fork tender. Drain cooked potatoes and let cool.
Dice onion and celery stalks and combine with potatoes.
Whisk together wet ingredients and seasonings. Pour over chopped veggies and mix thoroughly.
Let sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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