Does Your Sunscreen Really Help You or Harm You?

With the warmer weather, most of us have 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!

For me, I generally run or walk in the morning and NEVER apply sunscreen. The only way to get vitamin D the old fashioned way is through direct sun hitting your skin. So, the trick is to get the first morning’s sun to adjust your body.  I rarely burn now.  Of course, this is me and you need to figure out what works best for you.

I do use sunscreen if I’m in the sun all day at the beach or on a boat. My absolute favorite is Beauty Counter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30. It works great and goes on without white streaks. It also rated the best (1 is the best while 10 is the worst).

I also like Australian Gold Botanical Mineral Lotion SPF 30 but it only rates a 4 on EWG’s scale. However, that’s still an acceptable range.

Check out some of EWGs top safest and most effective sunscreens. See below some safe alternatives with many more on EWG’s list.

• Babo Botanicals
• Biossance Squalene and Minerals
• Solara Suncare Clean Freak
• Beauty Counter
• True Botanicals
• Rejuva Minerals
• Ao Skincare 6000x
• Attitude Mineral Sunscreen
• Waxhead Sun Defense
• Maui Natural Organics
• Loving Naturals
• Poofy Organics
• Raw Elements
• Thinksport
• Sunbiologic
• SunTribe
• TruKid

AVOID some of these worst offenders:

• Australian Gold Botanical Natural Spray SPF 70
• Banana Boat Kids MAX Clear Spray Sunscreen, SPF 100
• Banana Boat Ultra Sports Clear Spray, SPF 100
• Banana Boat Ultra Defense Clear Spray, SPF 100
• Banana Boat Ultra Sports Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100
• Coppertone Foaming Lotion Sunscreen Kids Wacky Foam, SPF 70
• Coppertone Sports Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
• 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 Beauty Age Guard Face, SPF 110
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 100+
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Spray, SPF 100+
• Neutrogena Age Shield Face Oil-Free, SPF 110
• Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 60+
• Beach Defense, SPF 70
• Up & Up Kids Sunscreen Sticks, SPF 55

For the full report, check out EWG Sunscreen Guide

P.S. For healthy food ideas, please check the foods I eat to keep me at my optimal weight and full of energy by checking out my free shopping list.

“It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities.”

Live well and love more,

Jill Gordon

CHHC, MHt, MNLP, MTT, MSC, CLC

Certified Holistic Health Counselor, Master Certified Clinical Hypnotist*, Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming*, Master Certified Life and Success Coach*

*Board Certified with IBCP (International Board of Coaches and Practitioners)

www.JilltheHealthCoach.com

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.