Andrews also encourages everyone to follow general sun preparedness tips like wearing hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sunglasses staying in the shade (or using a shade tent or umbrella), and scheduling outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon (when UV radiation is less intense). Need a cheat sheet? Select healthier sunscreens by choosing from EWG’s list of approved products, which Andrews says are just as effective as other brands. Because of these risks, the FDA is considering new labeling requirements for these products. Studies on human skin cells indicate that using sunscreens and pesticides like DEET simultaneously may increase pesticides’ penetration into the skin. (Or, choose a product from the EWG’s list of top bug repellants). Many sunscreens now double as insect repellants, but it may be worth sticking with plain sunscreen and swatting the bugs, instead. The EWG is particularly concerned about the inhalation of nano- and micro-sized particles because inhalation exposes the body to a given chemical differently than applying it to the skin.ĥ. In 2011, the FDA ruled that powdered sunscreens should undergo a more rigorous approval process due to safety concerns. These popular products release tiny particles into the air that may not be safe to breathe. Look for butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, or propyl-paraben on labels.Ĥ. However, the FDA maintains that parabens are safe at low levels. A common preservative, parabens have gotten a bad rep from studies showing they may mimic estrogen in the body. Parabens. Many cosmetics brands have started making beauty products paraben-free in recent years. Look out for ingredients such as retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, retinyl lineolate, and retinyl acetate on labels.ģ. More research is needed, but in the meantime, the EWG encourages consumers to avoid it, says Andrews. However, one two-year animal study conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Toxicology Panel found that vitamin A in sunscreens accelerated the growth of skin tumors when applied to skin and exposed to sunlight. Vitamin A. This ingredient is added to nearly 18 percent of sunscreens due to its potential anti-aging properties, according to the EWG. Look for oxybenzone or benzophenone-3 on labels.Ģ. The EWG notes that this ingredient can also trigger allergic skin reactions. Human and animal studies suggest the chemical can penetrate the skin, accumulate in the body and potentially disrupt the hormone system. Oxybenzone. This FDA-approved ingredient, which helps fight UVA radiation, is found in a significant portion of high-SPF products, says Andrews. RELATED: Don’t Get Burned: The Truth About Tanning What to Look Out for on SPF Labelsġ. it’s important to choose better products.” Start by reading labels and educating yourself on the ingredients listed below. “Sunscreens are an important part of sun safety. “This is in some ways a balancing act,” says Dave Andrews, Senior Scientist at EWG. And according to the EWG, current regulations allow manufacturers to add many inactive ingredients to sunscreens that could cause allergic reactions, endocrine disruption and other concerning problems. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently taking steps to limit the maximum SPF on sunscreens to 50 - noting that there’s not much evidence proving that products with higher SPFs are any more effective. RELATED: The 10 Most Common Sunscreen Slip-Ups “The FDA ruled that powdered sunscreens should undergo a more rigorous approval process.” Most major sunscreen brands scored poorly. The other 79 percent didn’t live up to their claims (we’re looking at you, SPF 100 products) or contained worrisome ingredients. The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2015 Sunscreen Guide analyzed 1,700 products and found that only 21 percent of brands tested delivered on their promise of providing sun protection, while also avoiding potentially irritating chemicals. But not all sunscreens are created equal. If you’re old enough to read this, no doubt you’ve been told to protect your skin from the sun and that loading up on SPF is the way to go.
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