Screening Your Sunscreen

Sunscreen is more important than you may think!

Warm, sunny summer days = more time outside.  Hopefully, before stepping out, you’re applying a dose of sunscreen.  In recent years the dangers of sun damage have become more widely recognized and public use of sunscreen is on the rise.  Too bad four out of five sunscreen products are either ineffective or due to toxic chemical levels, could be hazardous to your health!  It could be difficult to find a safe and effective sunscreen, that’s where Skin Deep  steps in.  Skin Deep, in association with the Environmental Working Group,  has studied over 950 easy to find, name brand sunscreens for effectiveness and toxic chemical levels.  Each product is subjected to intensive testing and results in a 0 to 10 rating based on the products toxicity levels.  My family has used Aveeno Baby for some time; you know the one “As gentle as water”.  HA! The toxicity rating is 7 out of 10!  Needless to say, Aveeno is no longer found in our home. 

 Sunscreen Suggestions:

Look for sunscreens that contain ZINK or TITANIUM as their active ingredient, this will offer both UVA and UVB protection.

Avoid products containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate, which are linked to adverse hormone effects.

Avoid products that list ‘fragrance’ as most of these contain chemicals linked to reproductive effects and asthma, called phthalates.

Use a minimum 15 SPF, which is a rating based on the products UVB protection rating.

Apply generous amounts of sunscreen, every two hours.  Each application of sunscreen should equal at least two ounces/one shot glass of lotion.  Many of us, even if using an effective and safe sunscreen, simply aren’t using enough or applying before the product begins to break down in the sun.  (All sunscreens breakdown in the sun as well as in the water/sweat)

Sunscreen shouldn’t be your only protection! Wear brimmed hats, protective clothing, stay in the shade, and attempt to minimize direct sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are at their most powerful. 

Minimize sunscreen on infants, less than 6 months.  Instead, opt for protective clothing, minimal direct sun exposure, and if sunscreen must be used, use it sparingly. 

A summary of the EWG’s sunscreen investigation is available HERE.    Skin Deep   also offers a comprehensive listing of fully studied sunscreens, complete with toxicity ratings that is well worth a look.

While many big name sunscreens aren’t effective or contain hazardous chemicals, finding a high quality, budget friendly, safe sunscreen is possible.  My family uses Badger Sunscreen, 30 SPF, which utilizes Zink as the active ingredient.  E is allergic to most sunscreens, even the hypoallergenic ones; Badger not only works to protect my family, but also won’t cause her any irritation.  For us, this is priceless, though Badger is also budget friendly, costing less than $10 in most cases.

~ by mina75 on June 3, 2009.