How do we know what sunscreens work the best and are the safest?  Whose guidance should we abide by? Doctors, dermatologists, cosmetologists, sunscreen companies? There is some controversy as to which sunscreens are safe.  Most dermatologists and doctors are not well versed on the details of current toxicology and can often be convinced by product representatives as to what is safe. 

 

I am generalizing here, but after working for over eight years as a dietitian in the hospital industry, I have found that professional opinions and expertise can become complacent. Healthcare professionals often take for granted that medication and chemicals which are effective at treating acute problems are also safe in the long-term since they have been approved by the FDA. Even so, we have seen many FDA-approved medications recalled for causing problems after long-term use.  Although the FDA monitors some ingredients for use in sunscreens, it is not required to approve sunscreens and it has not set any safety standards for sunscreens.

 

Many chemicals in sunscreens have not been studied for effects on our bodies or the environment.  Just because chemicals in today's sunscreens don't seem to adversely effect adults in a short time, there's little research regarding the effects of exposure to developing embryos, babies or children in the long run.  Since most people don't have time to do the research themselves, we need to find credible sources to help us make the best choices.  I think the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has done a good job evaluating sunscreens.  They admit that even some of the top-rated sunscreens still pose possible concerns, and they rate them as low hazard.  Of course, we all want a sunscreen rated 'no hazard', but since none exist, I feel much better off using a low hazard product than a high hazard product.  I feel EWG is a credible source because not only do they have an impressive staff of environmental chemists, biologists, nurses, and doctors, but they conduct research on products to determine safety and effectiveness (something the FDA should be doing), and they are a non-profit funded by donations.  Here is the link to the staff info:  http://www.ewg.org/about/staff

 

Here is the link to their summary and my picks of Environmental Working Groups top picks:
http://www.ewg.org/node/26778

 

Most Important things to look for:
1. find a screen with UVA and UVB protection (UVB screen protects against burning, UVA screen protects against deep skin tissue damage)
2. find a screen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient
3. better to get micronized zinc or titanium rather than nano
3. should not contain oxybenzone
4. should not be combined with an insect repellent because it is less effective

 

My top picks from their list:
TRUKID SUNNY DAYS Face Stick (micronized, reviews say goes on smooth and clear)
CALIFORNIA BABY SUNSTICK (micronized)
BADGER SUNSCREEN SPF 30 (micronized)
MARIE VERONIQUE SKIN THERAPY (micronized)
LAVERA SUNSCREEN NEUTRAL, SPF 40
UV NATURALS, SPF 30 (micronized, reviews say greasy)
SOLEO ORGANICS SUNSCREEN, SPF 30 (micronized)

 

I use the California baby stick which is more user friendly to put on my daughter.  I mean, she likes it better than cream.  It is white and does not roll on smoothly, but we pretend we are doing her make-up for a ballet performance.  I like the cream version because it is much less greasy than UV Naturals.  She likes it better too and won't let me put on UV Naturals anymore.  UV Naturals is too greasy, but I have been told to try using it in small amounts and rubbing it in thoroughly. I might try that, but I have a feeling people with oily skin still might not like it.  My reasons for picking the selections above from EWG top-picks are based on their mostly botanical ingredients, no nano particles, and the low hazard safety rating.

 

Anyone have experience with any of the other sunscreens on this list?  Let’s discuss and help others find the one that will work best for them.

-- Melinda

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