As Summer makes its arrival, our family loves getting outside for hikes and swimming. One thing that’s always on my mind is staying safe from the sun and avoiding the dreaded sunburn. There are so many options out there – how do you choose the sunscreen that’s right for you and your family? Read on for tips on selecting sunscreen products and other tips to keep your skin safe this Summer!
Sunscreen helps protect our largest organ – the skin – from sunburn, cancers such as melanoma, and early aging. Did you know 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer? Sunscreen is a great tool to help prevent you and your family from harmful exposure from the sun! Ultraviolet rays from the sun are strong even on cloudy and overcast days, too!
When choosing a sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a product that lists the following on the label:
- Broad Spectrum – this protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays
- SPF30 or higher – this number indicates how well the product protects from sunburn
The American Cancer Society states, “The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%. No sunscreen protects you completely.”
- Water Resistant – these are rated to last 40 or 80 minutes before needing to reapply. Sunscreens are not waterproof!
My top choices for sunscreens for our family are:
Badger - many options for clear mineral-based sunscreens that are certified organic and reef-friendly
Thinksport & Thinkbaby - multiple options for mineral-based, water-resistant sunscreens that are top-rated with EWG
Blue Lizard - earth-friendly, mineral-based sunscreens for the whole family with many options to choose from!
What about the ingredients?
Active ingredients in sunscreens use mineral or chemical components to filter out UVA & UVB rays. Most common sunscreens use chemical filters. These sunscreens usually include a combination of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to filter harmful rays. Some sunscreen products combine zinc oxide with chemical filters.
According to the Environmental Working Group, the FDA has indicated that some of the chemical filters can be absorbed into the body and not enough data exists for the FDA to state that they are harmless.
The American Academy of Dermatology states that the FDA has not indicated that chemical filter sunscreens should not be used and that the FDA is continuing to gather data on their safety.
The FDA has proposed that two sunscreen ingredients are “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE). These ingredients are Titanium dioxide & Zinc oxide.
The FDA is gathering and reviewing additional safety data on the following 12 ingredients before determining whether these ingredients can be classified as GRASE: ensulizole, octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, oxybenzone, avobenzone.
If you are concerned with ingredients, you can find ratings from the Environmental Working Group for sunscreens and other products applied to the skin.
How to Apply Sunscreen:
- When applying sunscreen, adults need 1 ounce to adequately cover their body. This is the amount that will fill a shot glass.
- Apply sunscreen before going outside. It takes around 15 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed by your skin. Don’t wait to apply when you’re already in the sun!
- Apply to all exposed areas, and don’t forget easily missed areas – ears, tops of your feet and legs, behind your knees, neck, and your nose.
- Ask someone to help you apply to your back, or use a spray sunscreen
- Apply to your scalp if it’s exposed or wear a hat
- Use a lip balm with at least SPF 15 on your lips
- Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating
Other Ways to Protect Your Skin:
- Avoid or limit being in the sun during peak hours of 10am- 3pm
- Seek shade, especially with infants and toddlers
- Wear light clothing and clothing with SPF protection
- Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays
- Check the UV Index before going outside
