Safe Suncare
Exposure to sunlight can be an instant mood booster and is a major source of vitamin D for both children and adults. But too much exposure to the sun can have detrimental, long-lasting effects on your skin’s health. Taking protective measures, like avoiding the sun during peak hours, wearing sun protective clothing, and seeking shade when possible, should be your first steps in protecting yourself from harmful UV rays. If these options are not available, you may find yourself reaching for a bottle of sunscreen.
Sunscreens contain both organic and inorganic chemicals, creating a physical sunblock that reflects UV rays or absorbs UV radiation through their chemical bonds, then releases them as heat. Not all sunscreens are created equal, as different brands use a wide variety of active ingredients to achieve UVA/UVB protection. According to the , they assessed more than 1,300 products with SPF, including 750 currently available beach and sport sunscreens, and found that about two-thirds still offer inferior sun protection or contain ingredients that raise concerns, such as oxybenzone, a potentially hormone-disrupting chemical that is readily absorbed by the body. Oxybenzone is the main ingredient found in most big-brand sunscreens and although additional data is needed, it has been found to be an endocrine disruptor. Another common ingredient, methylisothiazolinone, was named contact allergen of the year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society.
Luckily, there are safer options—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two ingredients the FDA has recognized as safe and effective. Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that creates a barrier on your skin, blocking UVA and UVB rays. Titanium dioxide is also a mineral that has a high refractive index and is used in sunscreens to reflect and scatter UV rays. Brands like and use these minerals in their sunscreen, both of which have received a score of 1 by the EWG and are recommended as top choices for sun protection. and are EWG verified, and their sunscreen products rank high on the EWG skin deep safety scale.
The sun is an important tool for both your physical and mental well-being, but it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Take preventative action to avoid overexposure of harmful UV radiation, and enjoy the sun safely.