4 Tips for Safe, Effective Sunscreen Use

4 Tips for Safe, Effective Sunscreen Use - It looks the additional analysis that goes into the security and effectiveness of sunscreens, the additional confusing it's for shoppers to use these formulations confidently. The science of mistreatment topical creams to shield our skin from harmful sun rays continues to be comparatively new, and conflicting info is to be expected from completely different quarters of the scientific community. It is safe to mention that sunscreens normally have helped individuals defend their skin from sun exposure. however slathering on ointment will offer a false sense of security resulting in excessive sun exposure, and for a few users the chemicals in ointment formulations might cause photo-sensitive hypersensitivity to the skin. and also the long-run health effects of some chemicals found in sunscreens applied frequently to the skin aren't absolutely understood.

In the past few years, the Food government  has tried to deal with shopper confusion relating to sunscreens by requiring makers to label their product with an SPF (sun protection factor) listing system and to state whether or not or not the merchandise provides broad spectrum coverage (UVB). To more facilitate shoppers create hep selections among the many ointment brands and formulations, a replacement guide has recently been free by the Environmental unit (EWG). The 2012 ointment Guide, provides a listing of counseled ointment brands which give protection from the sun while not the utilization of probably harmful ingredients.

In developing the ointment Guide, the EWG found that solely twenty fifth of 800 tested sunscreens square measure effective at protective your skin while not the utilization of probably harmful ingredients. the subsequent recommendations were used as parameters in decisive a sunscreen’s safety:

1. Use broad spectrum sunscreens

Broad spectrum refers to sunscreens which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA radiation causes premature skin damage and aging, while UVB acts to protect the skin from rays that cause sunburns. There is consensus among scientists that broad spectrum sunscreens are preferable to UVA-only sunscreens.

2. Choose products with an SPF range between 15 and 50

The SPF, a number appearing on the label of all sunscreens, is a measure used to show the degree to which a sunscreen protects the skin by absorbing or reflecting the sun’s rays. The EWG report recommends that consumers purchase sunscreens with SPF greater than 15 but no more than 50.

Many brands of sunscreen available today have SPF ratings of 70, 80 or even 100+. But ratings above 50 do not give a proportionate level of protection. Studies show that sunscreen with SPF 15 can block about 93% of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97%. SPF 50 blocks 98%. The higher SPF, while not offering much more protection, can mislead a user into thinking he or she is safe from prolonged exposure to the sun. The higher SPF sunscreens are also more expensive, while the added protection is minimal.

3. Avoid sunscreen formulations using retinyl palminate

Retinyl palminate is a type of vitamin A which has been associated with an elevated risk of skin cancer when used on sun-exposed skin. The effects of retinyl palminate on humans is still under review and current studies are inconclusive, but there is enough concern that today only about 25% of sunscreens contain retinyl palminate.

The EWG says retinyl palminate does not make sunscreen more effective, and until definitive research is available, consumers should avoid sunscreen products containing this ingredient.

4. Use cream rather than sprays for best protection

The spray-on sunscreens are more convenient but less effective than rubbing a cream sunscreen onto the skin.

What about oxybenzone?

Some sunscreen formulations, primarily those labelled as “sport” and “beach”, include the chemical oxybenzone, which is used to absorb UV rays. There is conflicting information about the safety of this ingredient in sunscreens.

The EWG cites research showing oxybenzone can be absorbed through the skin, and some toxicology experts believe that oxybenzone is linked to hormone disruption and potentially to cell damage that may lead to skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology, however, has approved oxybenzone for use since 1978, and maintains that oxybenzone provides effective broad spectrum protection from UV radiation. The Food and Drug Administration has approved oxybenzone in sunscreen for use on children older than 6 months.

Sunscreen or sunblock – what is the difference?

Sunscreens use chemicals that change the incoming sun rays into hormone-like substances that are absorbed into the body. Sunblocks act in a more mechanical way by simply reflecting the rays, and there are no significant health or safety issues associated with their use. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are sunblocks, and sunscreen brands which include these ingredients offer an added level of protection.

Who is the Environmental Working Group?

The EWG is an environmental organization that specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of toxic chemicals, agricultural subsidies, public lands, and corporate accountability. EWG is a non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) whose mission, according to their website, is “to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment.”

The EWG specializes in providing practical resources, like the 2012 Sunscreen Guide, to consumers while simultaneously pushing for national policy change.