Nothing ruins a vacation or day at the beach like burnt skin. This summer you need to make sure that you choose the best sunblock available so your skin won’t turn bright red. The Environmental Working Group recently released its 2013 Guide to Sunscreens, letting you know which ones to use and which ones to avoid.
The EWG found that only 25 percent of products on the market offer both broad sun protection and low-risk chemical ingredients. While sunburns are usually caused by intense ultraviolet B rays, longer UVA rays penetrate the body more deeply and can cause cancer.
Let’s first look at what the EWG says should be avoided when looking for the perfect sunscreen:
Sunscreen Sprays or Powders – Sprays and powders pose serious inhalation risks. They also make it easy for a person to apply too little or miss a spot, leaving skin exposed to the sun’s dangerous rays.
SPF Values over 50+ – SPF refers only to protection from UVB radiation, not the potentially cancer causing UVA rays. High SPF numbers may trick you into staying in the sun too long, because you will be protected from sunburns. However, you will be increasing your risk of other kinds of skin damage.
Dangerous Ingredients – You should avoid sunscreen products that use oxybenzone. This ingredient can penetrate the skin, cause allergic reactions, and possibly disrupt hormones. You should also avoid retinyl palmitate, because it’s been found to possibly speed up the development of skin tumors and lesions.
Here are some of the top sunscreens available, according to the EWG:
• Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion
• CVS Baby Sun Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
• Sunbow Dora the Explorer Sunscreen
• Coral Safe Broad Spectrum Face Stick
• Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive