As we are thick in the heat of summer, we’ve been slathering on the sunscreen to “protect ourselves” from the harmful rays of the sun. However, are some sunscreens actually more harmful than good?
We are so lucky to have the Environmental Working Group, an amazing watchdog group that helps alert consumers to toxic chemicals in our food and products. They even have an annual Sunscreen Guide.
There seems to be so much confusion with the results of many studies on sunscreen. Some say sunscreens protect against certain types of cancer. Others say they do little (or may even contribute to cancer). While it is agreed that sunscreens protect against sunburn, there is little evidence to support the efficacy or safety of many of the ingredients.
In general, it is agreed to AVOID the following type of sunscreens:
- Sprays (causes inhalation of sunscreen which may not be safe to breathe)
- Powders (causes inhalation of sunscreen which may not be safe to breathe)
- SPF above 50+ (may suppress burns a little but cause other skin damage)
Only USE these types of sunscreens:
- Cream
- Broad spectrum protection
- Water resistant
- SPF 30 for beach and pool
Ingredients matter. AVOID using sunscreens with the following harmful ingredients:
- Oxybenzone (synthetic estrogen-yikes!)
- Vitamin A or retinyl palmitate (can cause tumors or lesions-double yikes!)
- Added insect repellent (most common form is DEET which has not been proven to always be safe)
USE sunscreens with these SAFE ingredients:
- Zinc
- Titanium dioxide
- Avobenzone or Mexoryl SX
Bottom line, with the thousands of sunscreens to choose from, why have skin cancer rates stayed the same or even increased? Could some of the ingredients of these sunscreens even contribute to skin cancer? I choose to listen to the unbiased experts at EWG and follow the guidelines above or the top and worst sunscreens below. Then again, a big old hat and shade may be the safest option of all!
Check out some of EWGs top safest and most effective sunscreens. See below some safe alternatives with many more on EWG’s list.
- Alba Botanical
- Adorable Baby
- All Good
- All Terrain
- Badger
- Bare Belly Organics
- BurnOut
- Dr. Mercola
- Goddess Garden
- Jersey Shore Cosmetics
- Kiss My Face
- Raw Elements
- TrueKid
- True Natural
AVOID some of these worst offenders for kids:
- Banana Boat Kids Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 100
- Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
- Coppertone Foaming Lotion Sunscreen Kids Wacky Foam, SPF 70
- Coppertone Sunscreen Continuous Spray Kids, SPF 70
- Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion Kids, SPF 70
- Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion Water Babies, SPF 70+
- Coppertone Sunscreen Stick Kids, SPF 55
- Coppertone Sunscreen Stick Water Babies, SPF 55
- Coppertone Sunscreen Water Babies Foaming Lotion, SPF 70
- CVS Health Children’s Sunstick Sunscreen, SPF 55
- Equate Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70
- Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 60+
- Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70+
- Up & Up Kids Sunscreen Sticks, SPF 55
For the full report, check out EWG Sunscreen Guide 2019
All material in this newsletter is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this publication;instead readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information provided has not been approved the Food & Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease.