Does Sunscreen Actually Work?
According to a new study conducted by the Environmental Working Group, a Washington-based nonprofit organization, sunscreen
may not be effectively protecting people from harmful UV rays.
Most people choose a sunscreen based on the SPF number that is found on the front of the bottle. But the SPF, which protects against UVB rays says nothing about another harmful form of radiation known as UVA rays, which are the cause behind wrinkles, and the more serious problem of skin cancer. The problem is that many sunscreen labels don’t adequately indicate the level of UVA protection and around 8,000 Americans die from melanoma each year, which is a form of skin cancer caused by the over-exposure of these types of UV rays.
So what can Americans do to help choose the best sunscreen protection and keep enjoying a healthy life? Here are 7 tips consumers can use for sizing up sunscreen before taking to the beach:
1.) SPF still matters: The SPF number is still an important factor in choosing a sunscreen. The best bet is to avoid going any lower than an SPF of 30.
2.) Be ingredient savvy: To see if the sunscreen is UVA protected, check out the ingredients. If the sunscreen lists the ingredients aveobenzone or parsol 1789, there’s a good indication that your body is being protected from UVA rays.
3.) Stay stable: Sunscreens with UVA ingredients sometimes tend to break down more quickly in the sun. So it’s important to select a sunscreen with additional ingredients that provide stabilization. Neutrogena with Helioplex Technology or anything with Mexoryl are good choices for stable sunscreens.
4.) Check the rankings: As most businesses say, the consumer is always right. A new EWG database allows consumers to compare and contrast sunscreens on their different characteristics. Choosing a sunscreen that sits at the top of the list doesn’t mean that it is perfect, but it will certainly do a good job at keeping you safe from the sun.
5.) Apply early and often: Don’t wait to apply sunscreen until after you’ve already been burned. Applying sunscreen about 30 minutes before heading outdoors and re-applying every few hours will ensure protection against harmful UV rays.
6.) Don’t overdo tanning: Although a tan may look fantastic, a change in skin color is always an indication that you’ve been exposed to heavy amounts of UV rays. If you really want a darker skin look, a healthier alternative is to fake it by using self-tanning lotions. The best protection however, is to just stick with the color you were born with.
7.) Follow safety tips: If you do go to the beach or plan to spend some time in the sun, don’t just use a protective sunscreen. Make sure to follow those safety tips, which include covering all areas liberally, staying out of the sun during peak hours, and using hats and light clothing to cover the body.
Staying healthy in the sun isn’t just about using a protective sunscreen. Combining all of these elements together will adequately protect your family’s health while still leaving room to have a blast during that summer vacation at the beach.
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Most important to me is the sunscreen blockage of Vitamin D. I believe the jury is still out on that. I would be most interested is seeing something relevant on this subject.