With summer approaching, it’s a good time to prepare for the hot and sunny days ahead, which often means buying sunscreen.
But before you go shopping, check the label to ensure that you are truly protecting your skin well, as a new study suggests that only 1 in 4 sunscreens available on the market is safe and effective.
According to the Environmental Working Group, of the 1,700 products tested, nearly 300 contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or both; half of the products raise significant concerns about allergies; and nearly 30% list “fragrance” on the label as a mysterious, undisclosed ingredient.
Oxybenzone and octinoxate, both found in many chemical sunscreens, are not only harmful to human health but also to the environment. The National Institutes of Health report that they are known to cause allergies in people and disrupt hormones, while in nature, they harm coral reefs and fish, causing bleaching and even death.
Manufacturers continue to use ingredients from products approved by the FDA in 1999, even though the agency has stated that there is no adequate safety data for the use of these ingredients,” the study notes.
Tips to Prevent Sun Damage to Your Skin
The report states that while it may be tempting to choose sunscreens with higher UVA protection, it is important to note that some ingredients in newer sunscreens may not be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has classified only two ingredients – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – as safe and effective active ingredients.
The EWG recommends that you avoid unknown ingredients, opt for mineral products with zinc oxide, ignore labels with SPF higher than 50+, and buy lotions and sticks instead of sprays. Additionally, the EWG has a list of well-rated sunscreens that you can use to find the perfect protection for this summer.
The link is here: https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/
Source: Aol