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Be Kind to Your Skin, Outside and In

by Lorraine Glenn, MSTCM, DiplOM, LAc | May 28, 2026 | | Physical Health

Safe Sunscreen Options

When grabbing a sunscreen product in the coming weeks, I would like to remind everyone that this is a skin product we are putting all over our bodies and with multiple applications. We need to make sure what we put onto and into our skin is something that won’t add to other symptoms or hinder our other healthcare routines. Choosing a product that is safe begins with the right ingredients.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies only two active sunscreen ingredients as both safe and clinically effective: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both active ingredients have a non-synthetic origin which makes them safe for the surrounding environment and marine wildlife nearby. Both offer immediate protection, physically covering the skin requiring no absorption time and therefore do not circulate in the bloodstream and cause no chemical disruption to your internal hormones.

Most regulatory organizations and environmental groups recommend avoiding ingredients such as:

Oxybenzone: Known to disrupt hormones and damage coral reefs.
Octinoxate: Frequently absorbed into the body and suspected of endocrine-disruption.
Homosalate: Found to accumulate in the body and disrupt hormone function.

For more detailed information on choosing the right formulation for your skin type please consult the Mayo Clinic at https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/how-to-pick-out-the-best-sunscreen-for-you-including-ingredients-to-look-out-for/

Here is a list of some great products to get your started: https://www.aoskincare.com/suncare-explained/the-best-zinc-oxide-sunscreens-that-wont-turn-you-into-a-ghost-dermatologist-approved-favorites

Skincare Replenishment from Your Herbalist

At Transformational Acupuncture, our commitment to offering our clients quality herbal products extends to skincare and age renewal techniques. We are proud to carry the Ying herbals skincare line in our clinic for your skincare needs.

The Ying Herbals collection of Classical Chinese Herbal formulas combines hundreds of years of research and decades of clinical experience in a modern, ethically sourced topical skincare line designed to compliment your existing routine. Ranging from anti-aging to skin clarifying and protective creams and oils, Ying has a soothing and restorative option for various skin types and stages of healing. Psoriasis, eczema, and acne can all benefit as equally as stubborn lines and age spots in the care of Ying herbals.

I highly recommend the Ageless Renewal Cream and the Radience Serum . These are both fantastic preventative and replenishing formulas for most skin types and can be found at our office’s herbal pharmacy.