Is Your Sunscreen Safe?
Posted by Rachel LaMar, J.D. | Visited 654 times, 2 so far today | Leave A Comment »
Summer is just beginning and that means it’s time for sunscreen. But do you know that chances are that one of your favorite brands may not only offer inadequate protection against the rays, but may also be unsafe?
Research has indicated that almost 85% of sunscreens available to consumers do not adequately protect us from the sun. Even if your favorite brand says it has an SPF of 30 or 45+ this may not be the case.
Another major concern with sunscreens is the list of ingredients that are added. One of the most harmful is Oxybenzone, which has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, cell damage and low birth weight in baby girls whose mothers were exposed to the chemical. The FDA implemented new guidelines for sunscreens back in 2007 but they have not been enforced as of yet.
It may surprise you to know that almost 600 brands of sunscreen sold in the U.S. contain Oxybenzone! It is also found in facial moisturizers, lip balm and some lipsticks.
Don’t fret…there is a solution. There is a great website you can visit to see how your favorite sunscreen rates and whether it contains chemical ingredients. Go to www.cosmeticsdatabase.com. You have a few choices once you get there. You can simply go to Enter Your Name Brand and look your brand up, or you can click on the National Brand Buying Guide to get a list of those that are safe to use. There is also information on other products that contain Oxybenzone and other harmful ingredients.
This site is full of information and will definitely keep you protected throughout the sunny summer…without the worry!
