 | Choose the least-toxic sunscreenposted by Yael Resnick, Aishes ChayilWednesday, July 21st 2010 @ 2:29 AM |
This summer, when you choose a sun protection product, go beyond the buzzwords on the labels and make your choice based on objective safety research.
The Environmental Working Group maintains an exhaustive database of sunscreens (and just about every other personal care and cosmetic product you can think of), rated for safety and effectiveness. You can look up your current product and see what they have to say about it, or search based on the criteria that are most important to you and check which products come out on top.
Remember, sunscreens are chemicals, and although they can be safer, they are not 100% nontoxic. It’s best to minimize their use by emphasizing other means of sun protection—finding a shady spot outdoors (yes, the rays do bounce around and end up in the shade, too, but shade is still better than full sun), staying inside when the sun is highest and strongest in the sky, wearing big-brimmed hats to protect face and neck, and choosing clothes that cover arms, legs, and feet.
Choosing the least toxic sunscreen possible—and then using it only when necessary—is especially important for children. But of course, it’s a bit of a no-win situation when it comes to sun exposure; there are risks to being in the sun unprotected, and risks inherent in the products we use to protect ourselves from too much of the sun’s rays. And don’t forget that appropriate sun exposure also has health benefits, such as stimulating vitamin D production. So use your judgment, as in all things, and check out EWG’s super-helpful resource to guide you in choosing what to use on your family’s skin.
Go to the Environmental Working Group's sunscreen page.
And here’s a detailed article I wrote with everything you need to know about choosing a sunscreen, right down to the pros and cons of nanoparticles!
