Finding Safe Sunscreens

Summer is knocking on the door!  What you don't know about sunscreen can hurt you...

What is UVA and UVB?

Ultraviolet radiation  - Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UV radiation is made up of three types of rays -- ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). UVC is the most dangerous type of ultraviolet light but cannot penetrate earth's protective ozone layer. Therefore, it poses no threat to us and it's presence will have no further value to this article.  On the other hand, UVA and UVB do penetrate the ozone layer and can cause harm to our bodies.  Please note, the same UVA and UVB rays are produced by the lights used in tanning beds.

UVA consists of shorter, weaker, wavelengths that can penetrate deeper into the skin and cause DNA damage to cells.  In contrast, UVB consists of longer wavelengths that penetrates only the outer skin layer.  UVB is the primary cause of sunburn and non-melanoma skin cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma.  Knowing that both UVA and UVB rays can damage your skin and body it is wise to choose a sunscreen that protects from both types of exposure.

What is SPF?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measurement of sunburn protection.  For example, when using an SPF 30 sunscreen and applying it thickly, you get the equivalent of 1 minute of UVB rays for each 30 minutes you spend in the sun. So, 1 hour in the sun wearing SPF 30 sunscreen is the same as spending 2 minutes totally unprotected.. This is a rough estimate, however, and your own skin, the type of activity you do in the sun (i.e. one involving water or sweat), and the intensity of sunlight may give you more or less safety.

The SPF number indicates protection against UVB rays only. Sunscreen products labeled "broad-spectrum" provide some protection against both UVA and UVB rays, but at this time there is no standard system for measuring protection from UVA rays. Products that contain avobenzone, Mexoryl SX, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide can provide some protection from UVB and most UVA rays.

How high of an SPF should I use?

Many groups, including the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society, recommend products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.  People often do not apply a thick enough layer of sunscreen, so the actual protection they get is less.  Sunscreens labeled with SPFs as high as 100+ are now available. Higher numbers do mean more protection, but many people mistakenly think that a sunscreen with an SPF 45 rating would give 3 times as much protection as one with an SPF of 15. This is not true. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%. The higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. No sunscreen protects you completely. Regardless of the SPF, sunscreen should be reapplied often for maximal protection.

What should I look for in a sunscreen?

AVOID:

• Sprays and Powders
• Added Insect Repellants
• SPF 50+
• Oxybenzone**
• Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)**
• PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) and Padimate O**
• Synthetic Fragrance**

**Remember, most make-up, lipsticks, and lip balm contain these harmful sunscreen ingredients.  Check your products and see if they need to be replaced.

BETTER ALTERNATIVES: 

• Hat and shirt
• "Mineral" sunscreens that contain Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium dioxide - these offer the best Broad-Spectrum protection
• Avobenzone or Mexoryl SX 
• Water-resistant for beach, pool & exercise
• SPF 30+ for beach & pool 

EVEN BETTER:

• Cruelty-free
• Vegan
• Natural
• Organic
• Fair Trade
• Biodegradable
• Coral Reef Safe

Two of our favorite products are Badger and California Baby.

Check out where your current sunscreen rates in the Environmental Working Group's (EWG)Sunscreen Database (http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/).  The EWG also has a handy phone app so that all of this information is at your fingertips when you go to purchase this year's sunscreen (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ewg-sunscreen-buyers-guide/id378866183?mt=8).