The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has issued the 2010 Sunscreen report, so before you go out and buy your new sunscreen for the summer check the report and get educated as to what you want to offer for you and your kids. The report is very easy to read, you can even check your favorite brand and see how it rates. The good news is that there are some products that are okay out there (39 to be exact on their list of 500 sunscreens tested) and only 21 with a recommended rating of 2 or lower!
New to look out for... Vitamin A (which is found in 41% of sunscreens)- it has been discovered that this compound is possibly photo-carcinogenic (can accelerate skin damage when exposed to sunlight). The evidence against vitamin A is not conclusive, but as long as it is suspect, EWG recommends that consumers choose vitamin A-free sunscreens.
The EWG also suggests that the best source of 'sunscreen' is wearing a hat, the shade and wearing clothing to cover up from the sun. The obvious staying out of the sun from the hours of 10am - 2pm are important. The suggest "Products with high SPF ratings sell a false sense of security because most people using them stay out in the sun longer, still get burned (which increases risk of skin cancer) and subject their skin to large amounts of UVA radiation, the type of sunlight that does not burn but is believed responsible for considerable skin damage and cancer. High SPF products, which protect against sunburn, often provide very little protection against UVA radiation. Also, most people don’t get the high SPF they pay for: people apply about a quarter of the recommended amount.
So don't miss this chance to check out your sunscreen and read-up on what is better for you and your family!
The Environmental Working Group's 2010 Sunscreen Report
