Summertime. Life’s a little slower. You relax by the pool. Take a few more vacations. Enjoy the great outdoors.
And as you head outside, chances are you grab your sunscreen to bring along with you. Sunscreen is the perfect way to stay outside longer. Or is it?
It turns out that not all sunscreens are created equally. According to the FDA, many of the chemicals used in our modern sunscreens have never been tested for potential hazards. According to the Danish EPA, sixteen of the nineteen active ingredients in sunscreen have not been studied for their potential to cause cancer.
Is that something you want on your skin this summer? Or your kids?
If you’re looking for the best sunscreen to buy for your family, take a look at EWG’s 12th annual sunscreen guide. They rank sunscreens in many different categories, including best kids sunscreen, best beach and sport sunscreen, and best moisturizers with SPF.
One of the worst ingredients to watch for is oxybenzone, a common ingredient in many sunscreens on the market today.
Oxybenzone is an ultraviolet filtering ingredient. It’s also a hormone disruptor. And without proper testing, there aren’t studies or reports of how this ingredient is impacting our health. But we do know it’s bad enough to call it into question. Even places like Hawaii are considering banning oxybenzone to help save coral reefs.
Instead of oxybenzone, look for sun protection with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both of which are mineral based and considered safer sunscreen ingredients.
Also, understand that high SPFs are misleading. The theory is that the higher the SPF rating, the longer you can stay out in the sun without burning. Unfortunately, with high SPFs of 50 or more, it simply isn’t true. In many cases, people assume they have long lasting protection. They subject themselves to longer times in the sun, thinking they’re covered. It isn’t true. Studies show there’s often poorer balance in the chemicals in high SPF lotions. And because high SPF sunscreens have higher concentrations of chemicals, they might be putting your health more at risk.
Want to stay safe in the sun? Use common sense. Avoid peak sunlight hours. Dress accordingly. And when you pick sunscreen for your family, pay attention to the ingredients.
What sunscreen do you use for your family?