Protect your skin AND the environment

The sun is out, the flowers are blooming, and it seems like everyone is finally shedding their winter gear and spending enjoyable time outside. As you transition from winter to #summermode there is probably one item you’re pulling out from deep within your spring cleaning. Your sunscreen!

You may have read the recent articles regarding a new study showing that sunscreen can be absorbed through the skin. Further testing is needed to determine the safety of the ingredients. Recently, the FDA introduced a rule asking industry and other interested parties for additional safety data on 12 active sunscreen ingredients currently available in marketed products. In the meantime, the FDA and American Academy of Dermatology recommend you continue use of sunscreen (if it’s broad spectrum), as it has shown to:
1) Prevent sunburn
2) Reduce skin cancer
3) Decrease early skin aging.

While you are waiting for the FDA’s updated regulations, follow these easy tips in the meantime!

1) Wear protective clothing, sunglasses and a hat.
2) Plan activities to avoid peak sun hours (10-4). Use shade (or make it).
3) Select a mineral sunscreen (not absorbed, but rather provides a shield) that contains titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. These two ingredients are also environmentally friendly!
4) Per the FDA, avoid the following ingredients: PABA and trolamine salicylate
5) Avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate. Last year Hawaii passed a bill banning the sale of sunscreen products containing these ingredients due to their damaging impacts to coral reefs (these ingredients are also suspected to be endocrine, or hormone, disruptions).
6) Choose a broad spectrum that has an SPF value of at least 30.
7) Select creams over sprays and powders

Read you sunscreen labels and let us know what you find out in the comments below!