SHAMEFUL SUNSCREEN

Some of the leading brands of Sunscreen are the worst offenders in recent findings by The Envirnomental Working Group. In an analysis of 1,614 sunscreens (wow – didn’t know there were so many brands!), 3 out of 5 provided inadequate protection and had ingredients with big safety concerns. So think twice before grabbing a cheap bottle from the drugstore. It’s imperative that you read the ingredients. The main things you need to look out for is that the product contains UVA and UVB production – the latter being essential. You want to make sure that the sunscreen doesn’t contain Oxybenzone – this has been approved as an active ingredient in sunscreens, yet it’s a potent hormone disruptor and releases reactive oxygen species that could actually contribute to skin cancer. For a comprehensive list of safer sunscreens, take a look at the Environmental Working Group’s list. My favorites are Keys RX, Soleo, and Badger – all of which are available from the lovely Organic Divas. Don’t be tricked by false marketing claims – some of the worst ones are: “All Day Protection”, “High SPF”, and “Broad Spectrum” – these terms mean nothing, and are often untrue. Now that we’re in the heat of summer, it’s vital that we protect ourselves with honest and clean sunblock, that doesn’t hoodwink you into thinking you’re safe. Many of the products tested had extremely low levels of UVA protection. In 2007, the FDA proposed a 4-star rating system for UVA protection and that it would be required to be on every sunscreen label. This proposal has not yet been finalized.

Always think sunblock instead of sunscreen, as you want to block out all unsafe rays, instead of just screening a few.