How To Choose Your Sunscreen

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The time is now, as the hot season is upon us and there’s no escape from the burning sun. However, I’ll keep this one brief and informative, because you have the right to know that you usual sunscreen may be of no help, or worse!

A study has been conducted by the Environmental Working Group and some frightening facts came to light. For instance – did you know that some higher than 50 SPF (sun protection factor) don’t mean higher protection also? And that some vitamin A used in sunscreens (retinyl palmitate) is also helping skin tumors develop? (more info right after the jump!)

Aquasport Badger sunscreen

1,400 sunscreen products have been tested by the EWG and few came up with their head up. The scrutiny of the process will help us decide whether we’re sun-protected or unknowingly harming our bodies. When you’re choosing your sunscreen, check out the label for zinc and titanium. It’s the first sign of a good, effective sunscreen. Also, if the label reads “vitamin A”, “oxybenxone” and even insect repellent, put it back on the shelf and leave there. Your body doesn’t need all that. Nor does it need all those 50+ SPF lies.

Beyond Coastal California Baby sunscreen

Instead look for labels with zinc, titanium dioxide and avobenzone (or mexoryl SX). Now you’ll ask yourselves what is the best sunscreen and if there is such a product out there, one who’ll safely protect us from the sun without sneaking its chemical components under our precious skin! Try Aquasport Performance Sunscreen from All Terrain, Sunscreen for Face and Body, Unscented from Badger, Lip and Face Screen from Beyond Coastal, Sunblock Stick No Fragrance from California Baby, Natural Biodegradable SolGuard from Caribbean Solutions, Anthelios Water Resistant Sunscreen Cream from La Roche-Posay. (if you’re interested, much more information is available on the EWG website here, photos via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

La Roche Posay sunscreen

2 comments

#1 Adriana on 06.28.10 at 3:26 pm

I know all about that. I’ve lupus but almost no lines or wrinkles. At least that’s something to smile about. :) That’s because I’ve stayed out of the sun since I’m a redhead and since I’m aware I’ve lupus I read the information of the Lupus Foundation.
Did you all know you can burn yourself with SPF under a protective umbrella? Fact!!
I sit only on the shadow side of my balcony and I’m not burned nor have I a lupus flare but some cute freckles did pop up.
(Smiles happy while typing this and of course because we won a another footie (soccer) WC game!!) :))

#2 Adriana on 06.29.10 at 4:59 am

I’m so pleased this is posted. I noticed more pieces like this on the web and also my morning paper had a great article. I’m not just happy for me!! I have two (!!!!) girlfriends who found out in their 30’s these ‘strange spots’ were skin cancer. Luckily this was diagnosed in a early stage. They’ve to remain under control and they are (of course) very careful. Especially the children have to be protect. My friends have probably catch their skin cancer while playing freely in the sun in their childhood and at the time protection was not seen as necessary.

Always throw away your SPF at the end of the summer don’t save it for next year. The ingredients lose their protection.
Take care everybody!

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