While La Roche-Posay’s Melt-In Sunscreen Milk and Banana Boat’s Sun-Comfort SPF 50 both scored well for Consumer Reports, Dr. Love has a few recommendations of her own.
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Consumer Reports released its list of best sunscreens, but almost 40 percent of the sunscreens tested did not offer the SPF protection promised.
Dermatologists said the best way to protect children is to think of sun protection using the acronym WAR; Wear protective clothing, avoid the harsh midday sun, and regularly use and reapply sunscreen.
Having said that, there is still a thought that sunscreen is only to be used at the beach.
Dr. Love also points out that SPF 50 protects you from 99 percent of the sun’s rays so an SPF beyond that, like 85 or 100, is equivalent to that of SPF 50.
Use sunscreen in the city and every where you go. A survey from Consumer Reports found that even people who regularly use sunscreen don’t always have a good understanding of what they’re buying. “A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 blocks up to 97 percent of the sun’s rays”.
Plus, when it comes to mineral sunscreens (which contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both), a whopping 74 percent of those tested didn’t match their SPF claim (compared to 42 percent of products with chemical formulations).
Sunscreens from Babyganics, Banana Boat, CVS, EltaMD, Hawaiian Tropic, Walgreens, and Vanicream also had SPF levels below their claims and less than SPF 30. But Consumer Reports found some sunscreens aced the tests and are a good value. The company tested 65 water-resistant sunblocks. “Our results reinforce the importance of everyone using multiple types of sun protection; people who rely only on sunscreen may not be applying enough, covering all their exposed skin or reapplying often enough to shield themselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays”. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; if your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
All of the sunscreens with SPF 30 reduced the risk of melanoma by 80%. “But the real reason sunscreen underprotects is people just under apply them”.
We all know that we have to slather on sunscreen before heading out.
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The month of May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness month and Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre will host a public presentation on skin cancer in Bermuda.
