The Environmental Working Group’s sunscreen database rates the safety and efficacy of sunscreens and other products with SPF. It’s a great resource to rely on each summer! The EWG recommends using products that provide long lasting, broad spectrum protection, with ingredients that pose fewer health concerns.
When deciding on a sunscreen, the EWG encourages to keep the following in mind.
Ingredients
Look for: Zinc oxide, Avobenzome, Mexoryl SX
Avoid: Oxybenzone, Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), Added insect repellent
Products
Look for: Cream, Broad-spectrum protection, Water-resistant, SPF to suit your needs, 15-50
Avoid: Sprays, powders, SPF above 50
Sunscreen Should Be Your Last Resort
- Wear clothes
- Shirts, hats, shorts and pants shield you skin from the sun’s UV rays, reducing burn risk by twenty-seven percent!
- Plan Around the Sun
- Go outdoors in early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky.
- Find Shade or Make it
- Picnic under a tree or take a canopy to the beach. Keep infants in the shade, reducing the risk of multiple burns by 30%.
- Sunglasses are Essential
- Not just a fashion accessory, sunglasses protect your eyes from UV radiation.
- Don’t Get Burned
- Red, sore, blistered skin means you’ve gotten too much sun.
- Check UV Index
- The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent sun overexposure.
For more information, click here.
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