More and more of us are using sunscreens to protect skin from sunburn, signs of early aging and some kinds of skin cancer.
But what do we know about sunscreen effectiveness? When you're shopping for that sun protection product this summer, look beyond the package and the claims on the label...
make sure you know exactly what you're buying.
According to a report known as the Environmental Working Group, EWG 2009 Sunscreen Guide, three of five brand names either don't offer sufficient protection to skin from sun damage or contain hazardous chemicals.
Sometimes both come together in one handy little package according to the just released report by the EWG, a self-proclaimed watchdog organization.
Critics say the report makes some valid points, but also carries a more alarmist tone than might be strictly necessary.
The report looked at 1,599 sunscreens, lip balms and moisturizers with an SPF (Sunburn Protection Factor) of at least 15.
This is often the minimum recommended, though you can buy products with lower (and higher) SPF numbers.
The researchers obtained a list of ingredients from retailers and used lots of databases to look at the safety and effectiveness of each product's ingredients.
This year's study, like the one in 2008, was prompted because the FDA has yet to set safety standards for sunscreens...
at least when it comes to UVA protection, UVB labels already exist.
It's UVA rays that are associated with skin wrinkles and sagging, but also with skin cancer.
UVB rays lead to sunburn and skin cancer.
The group also isn't happy that the FDA has approved only 17 chemicals for use in sunscreens, yet there are at least 29 used in other parts of the world.
The EWG report makes plain the belief that the agency is lagging behind other countries.
Other experts who reviewed the report for online resource WebMD agree that drawing attention to snail's pace of the FDA on this issue is a good idea.
"The most important thing they highlight is that the FDA is really lagging behind in getting a UVA rating," agrees Eric Schweiger, MD, a Manhattan dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
He recommends that patients use as high an SPF as possible when it comes to sun protection, since he believes most people don't apply sunscreen properly anyway.
Improvements the EWG finds from last year? Almost 70% of brands (only 29% in 2008) have added strong UVA protection to the mix.
What's more, the ingredient oxybenzone, with the potential to disrupt hormone systems was in 19% fewer products this year.
The report also has a list of 339 sunscreens that it does not recommend.
The report's detractors from the sunscreen industry say the assessment is flawed and that the sunscreen ingredients weren't looked at in terms of stability.
They insist that what's inside the bottle isn't nearly as important as applying the product correctly, using the right sunscreen for what you'll be doing (and your skin type) and reapplying every two hours.
You'll want to look for these ingredients known to help protect against UVA as you shop for products.
They include avobenzone (Parsol 1789), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or mexoryl.
And, in case you're wondering here's EWG's list of the ten best sunscreens: 1.
Soleo Organics Sunscreen Organic chemical-free sunscreen, SPF 30+ 2.
Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30 3.
UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+ 4.
Mexitan Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 5.
Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40 6.
California Baby Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance, SPF 30+ 7.
Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+ 8.
Kabana Skin Care Green Screen Organic Sunscreen, SPF 22, Skin Tone Tinted 9.
Obagi Nu-Derm Physical UV Block, SPF 32 10.
Elta MD UV Physical, SPF 41.
You can find the rest of the list that is rated by sunscreen effectiveness, including top ten lip balms and daily moisturizers, as well as the 339 products the group doesn't recommend online.
But what do we know about sunscreen effectiveness? When you're shopping for that sun protection product this summer, look beyond the package and the claims on the label...
make sure you know exactly what you're buying.
According to a report known as the Environmental Working Group, EWG 2009 Sunscreen Guide, three of five brand names either don't offer sufficient protection to skin from sun damage or contain hazardous chemicals.
Sometimes both come together in one handy little package according to the just released report by the EWG, a self-proclaimed watchdog organization.
Critics say the report makes some valid points, but also carries a more alarmist tone than might be strictly necessary.
The report looked at 1,599 sunscreens, lip balms and moisturizers with an SPF (Sunburn Protection Factor) of at least 15.
This is often the minimum recommended, though you can buy products with lower (and higher) SPF numbers.
The researchers obtained a list of ingredients from retailers and used lots of databases to look at the safety and effectiveness of each product's ingredients.
This year's study, like the one in 2008, was prompted because the FDA has yet to set safety standards for sunscreens...
at least when it comes to UVA protection, UVB labels already exist.
It's UVA rays that are associated with skin wrinkles and sagging, but also with skin cancer.
UVB rays lead to sunburn and skin cancer.
The group also isn't happy that the FDA has approved only 17 chemicals for use in sunscreens, yet there are at least 29 used in other parts of the world.
The EWG report makes plain the belief that the agency is lagging behind other countries.
Other experts who reviewed the report for online resource WebMD agree that drawing attention to snail's pace of the FDA on this issue is a good idea.
"The most important thing they highlight is that the FDA is really lagging behind in getting a UVA rating," agrees Eric Schweiger, MD, a Manhattan dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
He recommends that patients use as high an SPF as possible when it comes to sun protection, since he believes most people don't apply sunscreen properly anyway.
Improvements the EWG finds from last year? Almost 70% of brands (only 29% in 2008) have added strong UVA protection to the mix.
What's more, the ingredient oxybenzone, with the potential to disrupt hormone systems was in 19% fewer products this year.
The report also has a list of 339 sunscreens that it does not recommend.
The report's detractors from the sunscreen industry say the assessment is flawed and that the sunscreen ingredients weren't looked at in terms of stability.
They insist that what's inside the bottle isn't nearly as important as applying the product correctly, using the right sunscreen for what you'll be doing (and your skin type) and reapplying every two hours.
You'll want to look for these ingredients known to help protect against UVA as you shop for products.
They include avobenzone (Parsol 1789), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or mexoryl.
And, in case you're wondering here's EWG's list of the ten best sunscreens: 1.
Soleo Organics Sunscreen Organic chemical-free sunscreen, SPF 30+ 2.
Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30 3.
UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+ 4.
Mexitan Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 5.
Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40 6.
California Baby Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance, SPF 30+ 7.
Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+ 8.
Kabana Skin Care Green Screen Organic Sunscreen, SPF 22, Skin Tone Tinted 9.
Obagi Nu-Derm Physical UV Block, SPF 32 10.
Elta MD UV Physical, SPF 41.
You can find the rest of the list that is rated by sunscreen effectiveness, including top ten lip balms and daily moisturizers, as well as the 339 products the group doesn't recommend online.
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