Sunscreens Harmful Ingredients Poor Protection

 

It’s Memorial Day Weekend in the US!  That means, it is the unofficial start of Summer.  We are ready for the pool, the beach, and all the wonderful things we can only do in the summer.  So, what sunscreen will you wear?Many American Sunscreens are banned from Europe.  The reason is, the requirements for UVA protection from the sun is much stricter in Europe.  As a result, two-thirds of the Sunscreens in the US provide substandard protection.  Also, they contain ingredients that are harmful to our health.  This information is a result of a new report from the Environmental Working Group.  A study was based on two important criteria.  First, the products were judged on whether or not some of their ingredients are linked to health hazards. And, they were also judged on how well the products worked to block UVA and UVB Rays.

Substandard US Sunscreens Based On UVA Protection

Although the US products protect against both UVA and UVB rays, some offer less protection against the UVA rays.  As a result, UVA damage can occur before visible UVB damage.  For instance, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin.  And, this may cause free radicals.  Unfortunately, free radicals can react with molecules to damage DNA.  Moreover, this may cause changes which will lead to skin cancer. In addition, it will speed up aging.

Hazardous Ingredients Found In Sunscreens

First, Retinyl Palimate , a Vitamin A Compound, is an ingredient that fights aging. It is found in many US products. According to animal studies, Retinyl Palimate may increase the risk for tumors and skin cancer. For this reason, this compound is not used in European products.  So, I ask, “Why is it used in US products?” Most important, you must Avoid It!

Furthermore, a large percentage of non-mineral (chemical), sunscreens contain Oxybenzone.  Oxybenzone is a chemical that acts as a hormone disruptor.  In fact, it also damages coral reefs.  Do you want a hormonal disruptor on your skin, or your children’s skin?  I don’t think so!  It is important that you Avoid It!

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

It is disturbing to learn that with regard to sun protection, we swear by and place our confidence in SPF.   Unfortunately, SPF refers ONLY to protection from UVB rays!!!!!!  The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how much sun a person wearing sunscreen can be exposed to without getting burnt.  Moreover, this measurement is compared to how much sun a person can be exposed to without protection.  For instance, UVB rays are what causes the skin to get red and burn.  However, UVA rays don’t cause visible damage!  Although, UVA Rays cause changes that will lead to skin cancer.  In fact, UVA damage can occur before the visible damage of UVB.  Again, UVA rays  penetrate deeper into the skin and cause free radicals.  And, free radicals react with molecules to damage DNA, and speed up aging.

What To Look For When Choosing Sunscreens

First, check the ingredients on the package.  Look for products that contain Zinc Oxide.  Above all, Zinc Oxide is the best ingredient for blocking UVA rays.

Next, make sure the sun protector says Broad Spectrum.  Specifically, Broad Spectrum is important because it covers both UVA and UVB rays.

Additionally, your sun protection should be water resistant.

About SPF Numbers In Your Sunscreens

Did you know that sunscreens over 50 SPF do not necessarily offer the best protection?  Therefore, do not get a false sense of security with sunscreen SPF values over 50.  In fact, Sun protection SPF 30 Does Not offer double the protection of SPF 15.  Actually, the difference between the two numbers is slight.  First, SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays.  However, SPF 30 will filter 97% of UVB rays.  Above all, there is no scientific evidence that an SPF higher than 50 will protect you better than 50!!!!

Sunscreens fall short of their advertised SPF.  They are bad when you sweat, and they are bad when you swim.  Basically, sunscreens are inoperative when they are wet!  Therefore, make sure the one you choose is water resistant.

Unfortunately, Sunscreen isn’t like deodorant, where you put it on and it lasts all day.  It is more like Chap Stick because you have to keep reapplying it.  What really determines how well your sunscreen will work is how much you use and how often you reapply.  For instance, the recommended amount of sunscreen you use should be enough to fill a shot glass.

Links For Best Sunscreens 2018

Nine Best Sunscreens For Children, 23 Best Sunscreens For Babies,Consumer Reports Best Sunscreens For 2018, Best Sunscreens for face

Make Sure You Don’t Leave Home Without Applying Sunscreen! xoxoxoxo