Many famously ageless women are proud to list sunscreen, which fights both the cosmetic and cancerous effects of UV exposure, as part of their skincare routine. However, one of the world’s most beautiful women has surprisingly spoken out against sunscreen.
At the recent launch of Gisele Bundchen‘s new skincare line, Sejaa, the subject of sunscreen came up.
“I cannot put this poison on my skin,” the 30-year-old supermodel told the press. “I do not use anything synthetic.”
(Apparently, she’s not familiar with the Environmental Working Group’s yearly list of sunscreens that contain minerals as sun filters instead of any chemicals considered possible hormone disruptors.)
Gisele’s controversial comments have angered dermatologists, who fear that people may believe a celebrity over science.
“Sunscreen prevents damage to the skin and is of fundamental importance for the prevention of cancer,” Dr. Dolival Loal, head of the National Cancer Institute in Gisele’s home country of Brazil, told the UK’s Daily Mail. “This is not any poison. When a public person makes a statement like this, it creates confusion.”
Also confusing is the often-bronze beauty’s way of keeping herself sun-safe: she says she exposes herself to UV rays only before 8am, when they’re “too weak” to do damage.
This claim has many questioning: if the sun is strong enough to give her such a deep tan early in the morning, isn’t it strong enough to do damage? Or, if her tan is from a bottle, is she not concerned about the chemicals in self-tanner?
Gisele hasn’t offered any answers, but your dermatologist will gladly tell you about the best ways to keep yourself protected from sun damage.
And if you were wondering-no, the Sejaa line doesn’t include a sunscreen.
UPDATE: After the uproar caused by Gisele calling sunscreen “poison,” she has posted a clarification on her blog:
“I would like to clarify the misunderstanding about the use of sunblock. I do use sunblock but also I try my best not to be exposed to the sun when it is too strong. My line of skincare products are all natural and do not contain SPF. I feel we all need to pay more attention to what we are putting on our skin. I definitely know the importance of using sunscreen and I try to look for more natural options.”
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