Photo: Non Toxic Revolution
Summer is still here and that’s your cue to take advantage of the long days and soak up as much time (and sun) as possible. More outdoor dinners and days spent in the water means more opportunities for misinformation when it comes to your ultimate summer companion – sunscreen. If your knee-jerk response is to slather on just about any sunscreen in arms reach, you’re not alone. However, knowing how to choose a safer sunscreen option can not only prevent nasty sunburns, but it can keep you out of the way of harmful carcinogens and allergy-inducing toxins that affect the body over time. Here’s a few tips to help you live a non-toxic (rest of) summer:
MORE IS NOT BETTER:
Products boasting SPF levels above 50 often tempt consumers into under-applying and over-tanning. Stick to SPF’s between 15 and 50 for optimal sun protection.
BATTLE OF THE VITAMINS:
All good things in moderation. While eating foods stacked with Vitamin A promotes a healthy lifestyle, spreading Vitamin A-filled products on your body makes tumors more likely to develop on the skin.Vitamin D helps to reduce the risk of breast, colon and ovarian cancers while strengthening the bones and immune system.
AVOIDING TOXIC CHEMICALS:
This may come as a surprise, but some manufacturers use marketing tactics and the over-complication of product labels to hide the use of ingredients that disrupt hormones and cause skin allergies. Check out EWG’s sunscreen database for safety and effectiveness ratings of about 1,400 SPF-rated products, including about 750 sunscreens for beach and sports.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR:
- Oxybensone, which has shown the possibility of significant allergenic effects.
- Fragrance, which frequently contains toxic phthalates.
- Vitamin A, which increases the development of carcinogenic lesions.
- Spray on sunscreens that release nanoparticles into the air and your skin.
- SPF 50+ is unnecessary and misleading.
JUST SAY YES:
- Zinc Oxide, which physically blocks UVA and UVB light.
- Avobenzone, which absorbs the full-spectrum of UVA rays.
- Ecamsule, which filters out UVA rays.
- SPF Made for you (based on your skin color, time outside, and cloud cover).
- Broad Spectrum Sunscreen that is water resistant
