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Oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate... those are just some of the hard to pronounce chemicals found in sunscreens.
Not only is it hard to understand the ingredients in sunscreen but it's also a challenge to know which one is best for you and your family.
That's where the non-profit, research based, Environmental Working Group can help. EWG is out with its 2011 Sunscreen Guide.
The consumer advocacy group studied more than 1,700 sun care products... everything from the best SPF lip balm, beach and sport sunscreens to SPF make-up.
Shopping for a safe and effective sunscreen can be tough.
EWG found only 1 out of every 5 brands met their safety and effectiveness guidelines. Without any Food and Drug Administration regulation, EWG found toxic chemicals and ineffective ingredients, that according to the Centers for Disease Control, can end up in our bloodstream.
As a new mom and a melanoma survivor (a dermatologist spotted a suspicious mole on stomach when I was in my 20's) I try to find a good balance to protect my family from sunburns but also lower our exposure to harsh chemicals found in many products like sunscreens.
While the researchers are still studying how these chemicals impact us, I try to wear sun protective clothing, avoid harsh afternoon sunlight and use non-chemical sunscreen only where I need it.
Synthetic fabrics typically offer more sun protection than a cotton shirt. I've also bought a few swimsuit cover-ups from Coolibar. It's easy to find sun protection clothing for kids at stores like Target.
When it comes to buying sunscreen, EWG recommends avoiding chemicals including oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate (sometimes listed as vitamin A), choosing creams over sprays and wearing sun protection clothing, hats and sunglasses. EWG also prefers non-chemical sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium to avoid exposure to any potential hormone disruptor that may be found in a chemical sunscreen.
Some of EWG's top rated sunscreens include:
Alba Botanica Mineral Sunscreen Kids SPF 30
All Terrain Aquasport Performance Sunscreen SPF 30
Aubrey Organics Natural Sun Sport Stick SPF 30
EWG studied 586 SPF makeups and found they don't provide long lasting, broad spectrum coverage, but some tested better than others.
Here are some of EWG's top choices:
Colorscience Pro Sunforgettable Primer SPF 30
Exuviance Concealing Treatment SPF 20
Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base SPF 20
EWG also found SPF moisturizers don't provide long lasting, broad spectrum coverage.
Here are some of EWG's top choices:
Dermagenics Sun Savvy Solar Shield SPF 20
Devita International Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30
EltaMD UV Lotion Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
Keep in mind, some of these non-chemical sunscreens can be extra greasy and appear white on your skin--they provide a physical sunscreen.
That's why you have to balance what works best for your family. A combination of clothing, sun screen and shade works for me. I typically only wear a powdered mineral make-up on my face, neck and chest because I'm rarely in direct sunlight (unless it's during the morning hours when the sun is not as strong).
EWG recognizes that sometimes you may need to wear a chemical sunscreen. Some of the EWG top rated brands include:
Australian Gold Sheer Coverage Lotion with InvisiDry SPF 15
Beyond Coastal Active Face Stick SPF 30
Bull Frog Active SPF 30
Click here to see the entire list of sunscreens
Get a fresh perspective on health: Heather's Natural Health
Read Heather's monthly column in Tampa Bay Wellness magazine
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