Hey Tammy girl…this post’s for you!!!
So here it is, August, and almost the end of summer when I said to myself…hey let’s write a little something about suncreens! Go figure!!!
However, seeing as most of the people who will read this live in California (and CA is almost always sunny and nice) then I guess this is a darn good idea to write about!!
I came across an article in The Daily Green a while back (most of you know by now I LOVE that newsletter) about the state of unsafe sunscreens in our lives. You and I and everyone else we know have been using some of the worst offenders basically since birth. What I read startled me enough to send this info along to all you out there. Take with it what you will!!
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) conducted a study on sunscreens in 2007 which they found fewer than 2 in 10 to be both safe and effective. Their 2008 results weren’t much different, and for some unknown reason the Food and Drug Administration has still yet to update its rules for allowable/safe ingredients, something that the Environmental Working Group has been pushing for since about 1978. They’re urging people to tell the FDA to get on the ball – if your interested go to EWG’s website and become a member…they’ll send you all sorts of awesome and much needed information.)
Let’s face it, summer is all about having fun in the sun without a care in the world…definitely true for all the kids out there on summer break! They’re not concerned with sunburns and skin cancer…but it’s these early days of fun that lay the groundwork for futures to come. So while they’re NOT thinking about it, it once again falls on us parents to make sure to slather em’ up and keep em’ protected! And while we can’t tell our children that, of course, the best way to stay safe from solar rays is to stay in the shade or cover up (light, loose-fitting clothing works particularly well)…this is a very serious matter, since one in five Americans are now diagnosed with skin cancer. Although sunscreen is never perfect, it can help reduce burns and damage from UV light. What’s scary is that so many sunscreens also contain undesirable chemicals. The CDC found the sunscreen component oxybenzone in 97% of Americans tested. This is very worrisome to a lot people out there, since oxybenzone has been implicated in allergies, hormone disruption, cellular damage and low birth weight. The Environmental Working Group found oxybenzone in 600 U.S. sunscreens. What?????
The EWG has updated its database of sunscreens, marking which it deems both safe and effective, and which it does not. Out of the almost 1,000 sunscreens they initially studied they recommend 143, throw caution at 314 and want all to avoid 495 products. In fact, when the EWG took a more in-depth look at 783 sunscreens available in the U.S., it determined that only 16% of sunscreens on the market are both safe and effective. Only 125 blocked both UVA and UVB radiation, remained stable in sunlight and contained few if any ingredients that are known or suspected of being health hazards. Scary stuff since sunscreen is supposed to protect all of us not create more problems! Since I would like you all to come back and visit this blog sometime I’m not going to list them all for you. However, you can if you would like (and possibly have a moment to breath in our very busy lives) take a look at the link below.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/summary.php
I will, however, list my top 10 favorites – all tried and true in my opinion…but once again it is only my opinion. I will say to all of you out there though…go ahead…give it a try. You just might find you’ll become a believer in all things green and organic! And become safer to boot!!!
1. UV Natural – Mother’s & Henry’s, www.uvnatural.com
2. Aubrey Organics – Mother’s & Henry’s, www.aubrey-organics.com
3. California Baby – Henry’s, Mother’s, Target, www.californiababy.com
4. Dermalogica – Henry’s, www.dermstore.com
5. Kiss My Face – Mother’s, Henry’s, www.kissmyface.com
6. JASON Natural – Mother’s, Henry’s, www.jason-natural.com
7. Peter Thomas Roth – Henry’s, Mother’s, www.peterthomasroth.com
8. Dr. Brandt – www.dermstore.com
9. Badger – Henry’s, www.badgerbalm.com
10. Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen – www.trukid.com
Hope everyone out there has a wonderful and safe summer’s end!
Happy Greening!!
Tammy Galvanoni said
Thank you for that post that is something I never would have known. So know I am going to have to stop at Henry’s or Mother’s and get sunscreen.
Kevin Smith said
Yes, this article interesting.