Luckily, the Environmental Working Group has released its 10th annual Guide to Sunscreens, rating hundreds of the market’s options for safety and efficacy – and BS factor – just in time for the unofficial start of summer.
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Whether you choose a chemical or mineral sunscreen, the AAD recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
We need to be protecting ourselves – and our families – from the sun by covering our skin with clothes, by seeking out shade, especially in the middle of the day, and by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
“The products were scored two-thirds for their effectiveness and one-third for the concern over possible skin hazards in the ingredients”, she says.
How much sunscreen should you apply?
But Consumer Reports’ testing, which included evaluating the feel, look, and scent of sunscreens, also found good news. Just because a sunscreen may have a higher SPF doesn’t mean it’s OK to stay out in the sun for an extended period of time without reapplying.
The list includes the best beach and sports sunscreens overall with 203 listings.
“They are stable in sunlight, offer a good balance between protection from the two types of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) and don’t often contain potentially harmful additives”, the report says. To check UVA protection, technicians pass UVA light through sunscreen samples. To order yours for a tax deductible donation of $75, visit the organization’s Website. These sunscreens are all regulated as over-the-counter drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Sunscreen sprays, too, are increasingly popular. So you’re probably getting significantly less protection than you think. “That should be the last resort”.
Memorial weekend will be filled with barbeques, beaches and fun in the sun, but many dermatologist recommend investing in sunscreen. That’s the first line of defense against sunburn. And while the FDA has proposed prohibiting the sale of sunscreens with SPF values greater than 50, it has not issued a regulation. “But if you’re outdoors and sweating a lot, think of that as being in the water”.
He said a person of average size needs to slather about an ounce of sunscreen on exposed areas per application. “These products aren’t even allowed in Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia”. But EWG is. They make money by selling you the “safe” sunscreens they pick, and they make money by selling an “EWG Verified” stamp to companies whose products rate well in their database. Research shows that this antioxidant may trigger the development of skin tumors and lesions in the presence of sunlight. “Those are the things you also pay for”, Matsunaga said. Current mineral sunscreens don’t leave that kind of residue on the skin.
Also, be selective in choosing between a chemical sunscreen and one based on minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These chemicals are known to cause harm.
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“We prefer mineral based sunscreens”, says Lunder. So whether you are on vacation or taking a brisk fall walk in your neighborhood, keep in mind to use sunscreen. Vitamin D, technically a hormone, strengthens bones and the immune system while reducing the risk of breast, kidney, colon and ovarian cancers as well as other disorders. And with school about to let out (or did it for you already?), kids are going to be soaking up rays in general.
