Yahoo just published an article on the best and worst sunscreens for the Beach Season 2013. It was based on a new report by the Environmental Working Group which rates sunscreens for safety and efficacy. It rates more than 1400 sunscreens on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being “hazardous.”
“This year 25% of the products on the market meet our researchers standards by offering strong and broad UV protection and posing few safety concerns.”
Sunburns are caused by the UVB rays, but the UVA rays penetrate the body more deeply and give more long term damage and may contribute to causing skin cancer. You want a product which protects against both kinds of rays. The FDA started new legislation that “BROAD SPECTRUM” can only be used when blocking both kinds of rays.
A few practical hints from them:
- Aerosols and powders may pose an inhalation risk.
- Areosols and powders make it easy to miss a spot or put too little on.
- SPF over 50 is usually not noticeable- don’t let it make you think it is “much better” or “protects longer.”
- Avoid oxybenzone – in 80% of chemical sunscreens.
A few GOOD things?
- GO ZINC! it is a mechanical blocker, not a chemical.
- Wear clothing! (I love the surf shirts and hats). No chemicals in there, no need to reapply. Nothing is cooler than pretty skin.
Please see my prior blogs on the subject….