Sunscreen Selections

Sunscreen is a summer staple. For people who live in a temperate climate, it is a regular purchase as sunscreen shields the skin from harmful UV rays. Studies have shown that regular application of sunscreen prevents premature signs of aging (wrinkles and fine lines) as well as reduces the rick of developing skin cancer.

Studies have shown the benefits of using sunscreen outweigh the negatives of not applying the product. With so many sunscreens to pick from, how do you know what one will provide you with the best protection? Many researchers agree, a lotion is better than a spray as the spray can accidentally be inhaled or ingested.

What to look for in a sunscreen

Oxybenzone 

Oxybenzone is considered the most troubling chemical additive in sunscreens. It is known to cause skin irritation in some people but, the biggest concern is that it is known as a hormone disruptor. Oxybenzone is easily absorbed in the skin and can even be passed from mother to child through breastfeeding.  When you are applying sunscreen to prevent one problem, you do not need to apply sunscreen and invite in a different problem. There is a push for all sunscreens to be oxybenzone free by 2020.

SPF

A high SPF value does not mean you can apply less and stay in the sun longer. That myth needs to be debunked. What one needs to look for is a BROAD SPECTRUM SPF that shields the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen needs to be applied thoroughly and often.

Minerals: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide

Minerals do not break down in the sun so they provide the skin with greater protection than many chemicals alone can and with a less worry. According to the Environmental Working Group, zinc oxide is an ideal choice for sun protection as it is stable in sunlight and can provide greater protection from UVA rays than titanium oxide or any other sunscreen chemical approved for use in the U.S..Today, sunscreen makers use zinc oxide nanoparticles to formulate lotions with less white tint. Look for products that have at least 15-20% mineral content.
 

What Should I Purchase?

The Environmental Working Group created a guide that you can find here. The beach and sport sunscreens listed meet the EWG's strict standard for Ingredient hazard and product efficacy:

• Health Hazards
• UVA Protection
• UVB Protection
• Balance of UVA/UVB Protection
• Sunscreen Stability

Want more information?

Read Jessica Rubio's Article Not all mineral sunscreens are created equal at Delicious Living.
Read the Environmental Working Group's Guide to Sunscreens (Updated 2018).

Summer Skin Safety Sunscreen Selection

Summer is here that means more hours in the sun and more opportunities to apply and reapply sunscreen. If you live in a sunny climate, sunscreen is a regular purchase of yours. If you do not, you more than likely purchase sunscreen for a vacation and/or summer adventures.How do you know what sunscreen to choose to protect your skin, and to protect the environment?

In May of 2018, Hawaii outlawed sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate as scientists have proven they lead to coral bleaching. This ban could go into effect as soon as 2021. (If you are interested in the full article, you can read it here.) When we make decisions about what to use on our body we need to be careful that the products are safe for us, as well as be mindful of how they were sourced. We need to think about our body and the impact we have on the environment. Oxybenzone has not only been found to damage the environment, it has been linked to hormone disruptions in the body. The coral do not need it, nor do humans.

Some dermatologists are suggesting their patients use products containing minerals zinc oxide and titanium oxide rather than chemicals. These minerals provide broad spectrum coverage without the chemical side effects. The marketplace is catching up with the research and many brands are now offering at least one mineral option. Not all minerals sunscreens are as effective as their neighbor on the shelf. The research is still being done and no conclusive evidence is available but, researchers agree that the best thing we can do when we purchase sunscreen is to look or adequate concentrations of the active mineral ingredients: zinc oxide (15%-20%) and titanium dioxide (7.5%).

Sunscreen is important to include in your daily routine. Use a daily facial lotion that has sunscreen to protect your face and neck as you drive to work. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, striking one in five Americans in their lifetime. We need to protect ourselves and advocate that those we love protect themselves.

According to experts, we need to protect against UVA and UVB rays through BROAD SPECTRUM sunscreens.

If you wish more, read the full article How to Choose a Safe Sunscreen from Delicious Living Magazine.