Last summer, Consumer Reports (usatoday.com) “warned parents against spray-on sunscreen, saying it could put children at risk for asthma or allergy attacks.” Furthermore, this year, the “EWG’s (Environmental Working Group) 2015 Sunscreen Guide” says “80 percent of 1,700 products we examined this year offer inferior sun protection or contain worrisome ingredients…” It seems we are caught in the middle of two evils, so how can we protect ourselves and our children from skin damage and skin cancer? I’ve been looking in to it and these are the solutions I will be following this year. Keep in mind, I am not a doctor, just concerned and interested in finding alternative options.
1) Be an Informed Consumer: According to the EWG:
- Spray sunscreens can be inhaled, and they don’t cover skin completely.
- SPF values above 50+ try to trick you into believing they’ll prevent sun damage. Don’t trust them. SPF protection tops out at 30 to 50.
- Oxybenzone can disrupt the hormone system.
- Retinyl palmitate may trigger damage, possibly cancer.
Use third party recommendations; don’t just trust marketing claims. The Sunscreen Hall of Shame and Best Beach and Sport Sunscreens have some surprising assessments.
2) Cover Up: Be smart about what clothing you wear and when you are outside. This might not be the popular solution since summer sunbathing feels so good, but we must consider at what cost. According to the CDC (cdc.gov):
- Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.
- Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.
- Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA and UVB rays.
3) I don’t rely on oils and food to provide full protection: There is a lot of online controversy about natural oils and certain foods providing varying levels of SPF. While the topic appeals to me, until there is more research and doctors weighing in on the issue, I won’t be using it as my first line of defense. The foods and oils have other benefits so if I reap some SPF protection from eating or using- great!
What is your favorite sunscreen? What sunscreens were you surprised to find on the “Hall of Shame”? Protect yourself from the sun and stay safe this summer!
~ Suzanne
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