Safe in the Summer Sun - Best and Worst Sunscreens

​SPF stands for "Sun Protective Factor." Sounds all-inclusive right? Wrong. SPF protects only against UVB. UVB, the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn, tends to damage the skin's more superficial epidermal layers. It plays a key role in the development of skin cancer and a contributory role in tanning and photoaging. Its intensity varies by season, location, and time of day. The most significant amount of UVB hits the U.S. between 10 AM and 4 PM from April to October. However, UVB rays can burn and damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice, (or even off dry sand and concrete) which bounce back up to 80 percent of the rays so that they hit the skin twice. This happens even if we are sitting under the shade of a tree or beach umbrella. Yikes! 

​UVA, which penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, has long been known to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling (photoaging), but until recently scientists believed it did not cause significant damage in areas of the epidermis (outermost skin layer) where most skin cancers occur. Studies over the past two decades, however, show that UVA damages skin cells called keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis, where most skin cancers occur. UVA contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers.
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Sunscreen Hall of Shame

The Environmental Working Group put together this list of the worst, and most unsafe sunscreens you might be using on yourself and your littles. The spray sunscreens are the worst. Come on folks, by now, everyone should know that toxin-filled aerosols are harmful for human health. 
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11 of the WORST SPRAY Sunscreens

These sunscreens are aerosol sprays with SPFs above 50+ and the harmful additives oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate.

• Banana Boat Clear UltraMist Ultra Defense MAX Skin Protect Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 110
• Coppertone Sport High-Performance AccuSpray Sunscreen, SPF 70
• Coppertone Sport High-Performance Clear Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 100+
• CVS Clear Spray Sunscreen, SPF 100
• CVS Sheer Mist Spray Sunscreen, SPF 70
• CVS Sport Clear Spray Sunscreen, SPF 100+
• CVS Wet & Dry Sunscreen Spray, SPF 85
• Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Sunscreen Body Mist, SPF 70
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100+
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70
• Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunscreen Spray, SPF 85+

​12 of the WORST LOTION Sunscreens

These sunscreen lotions claim SPFs above 50+ and contain oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate.

• Banana Boat Sport Performance Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
• Coppertone Sport High-Performance Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
• Coppertone Sport High-Performance Sunscreen, SPF 75
• Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
• Coppertone Ultra Guard Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70+
• CVS Sport Sunstick Sunscreen, SPF 55
• CVS Sun Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 100
• CVS Sun Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 70
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Daily Liquid Sunscreen, SPF 70
• NO-AD Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 60
• NO-AD Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 85
• Ocean Potion Protect & Nourish Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70

​11 of the WORST Sunscreens for KIDS

The following kid and baby sunscreens are terrible, all having at least three strikes against them- 1) Oxybenzone, 2) Retinyl palmitate and 3) SPFs above 50+. Two have a fourth strike: They’re aerosol sprays that can harm sensitive young lungs. Convenient? Yes. Good for kids? Absolutely not.

• Banana Boat Clear UltraMist Kids Max Protect & Play Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 110
• Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70
• Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
• Coppertone Kids Wacky Foam Foaming Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 70+
• Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70+
• Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
• Equate Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
• Kroger Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70
• Kroger Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70
• Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Beach & Pool Sunblock Spray, SPF 70+
• Up & Up Kid’s Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55

How we picked the worst...

Spray Sunscreens
Nearly one in every three sunscreens in this year’s database is a spray. People like these because they are easy to spray on squirming kids, and hard-to-reach areas.
​But they may pose inhalation risks, and they make it too easy to apply too little or miss a spot.

The FDA has expressed doubts about their safety and effectiveness but hasn’t banned them. As long as they’re legal and consumers are unaware of the inhalation risks, the apparent convenience of spray sunscreens will keep them on the market.

Haven't you ever looked at your child, shook your head, and wondered to yourself if they really even want to remain uninjured, well and alive? Not so much, it seems. That's where parents come in. #funnycuzitstrue #diyparenting #haha

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Sky-High SPFs
Eleven percent of the sunscreens we evaluated this year claim SPFs above 50+. SPF protection tops out around 30 to 50.

What's most worrisome about high-SPF products, is that they give people a false sense of security and beguile them to stay in the sun too long. High-SPFs suppress the skin reddening and pain of sunburns, but they raise the risk of other kinds of skin damage. The FDA is considering barring SPF ratings above 50+.

Oxybenzone
​Forty percent of the beach and sport sunscreens in this year’s guide contain oxybenzone, an active ingredient in sunscreens. It penetrates the skin, gets into the bloodstream and acts like estrogen in the body. It can trigger allergic skin reactions. Some research studies, while not conclusive, have linked higher concentrations of oxybenzone to health disorders, including endometriosis in older women and lower birth weights in newborn girls.

Retinyl Palmitate
Fourteen percent of the sunscreens, 15 percent of SPF-rated moisturizers and 6 percent of SPF-rated lip products in this year’s guide contain retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A. On sun-exposed skin, retinyl palmitate may speed development of skin tumors and lesions, according to government studies. 
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Why does the FDA allow this “inactive ingredient” in sunscreens intended for use in the sun? The agency has been studying the chemical for years but hasn’t made a decision. We have. The definitive study may not yet have been done, but based on available evidence – including the government’s studies – we think you’re better off avoiding sunscreens with retinyl palmitate. There are plenty of better choices.

​Everybody should know that the Food and Drug Administration does not set any criteria or additional requirements for sunscreen and body care products marketed to children. EWG has not identified any systematic differences between sunscreen products marketed to children compared to the general population.

You should also know that Beautycounter is on a serious Mission folks, to get safe products into the hands of everyone. One of their largest accomplishments of 2015, was they helped introduce a State Bill in Oregon, that would require the limitation of the most harmful ingredients in children's products. The state of Oregon prioritized this issue and passed a law, removing 66 of the most harmful and toxic ingredients in children's products! 
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The BEST Sunscreen to use instead?

So, now that we know what not to use, what can we use on our faces, families, and friends? I have a few favorites:

We first used the Protect All Over Sunscreen while we were in Hawaii last month! I have super fair skin, and I spent more time in the sun than I ever have there, and its the first time I've haven't gotten a sunburn! The sun IS very different there and I've always burned when visiting. But this time, I actually came home with a phenomenal tan!! 
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I've actually mistaken this for my lotion, but just rolled with it because its so smooth and doesn't leave a sticky, white residue like the "bad stuff" does!

Protect All Over Sunscreen SPF 30 

Created with the entire family in mind, Protect All Over Sunscreen is lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide to blend seamlessly into skin without leaving white streaks, protecting you against both UVA and UVB rays. Aloe helps hydrate skin, while antioxidant-rich green tea and blood orange extracts fight free radicals.

Super great to keep in your purse! 

Protect Stick Sunscreen (Body)

Protect Stick Sunscreen now comes in a larger size, perfect for body. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, the lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen protects against UVA/UVB rays and blends seamlessly, leaving no white residue. Non-nano zinc oxide is an effective, natural mineral sunblocker that works by reflecting and scattering UV light rays. Many sunscreens use chemical sunblockers, which can soak through skin, trigger allergic reactions, and potentially disrupt hormones. Ours contains hydrating aloe, as well as antioxidant-rich green tea and blood orange extracts to fight free radicals.

​Perfect for our Littles' hands, since ya know, they want to do everything by themselves... 

Protect Stick Sunscreen (Face) 

Compact and easy to use, our kid-friendly Protect Stick Sunscreen provides water-resistant sun protection for the entire family. Organic ingredients, including coconut oil and acai fruit oil, help to hydrate and protect your skin. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, our Stick Sunscreen provides sheer protection from UVA/UVB rays and glides on smoothly without leaving white residue.

Comes in a limited-edition Sweet Tooth scent, a delicious aroma that comes from rich, organic cocoa butter. 

Protect Lip Balm

Protect Lip Balm SPF 15 is packed with natural moisturizing ingredients, providing powerful hydration and protection from the sun’s dangerous UVA/UVB rays. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, our Lip Balm with sunscreen glides on easily. A combination of natural and organic ingredients—including cocoa and shea butter, coconut oil, and acai fruit oil—works to soothe lips, leaving them smooth, hydrated, and protected.

Where my ladies at?! This is by far, my favorite tinted moisturizer on the market! Its free of over 1,500 toxic chemicals, just like all of Beautycounter's products!!

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer 

Beautycounter's tinted moisturizer leaves skin with a luminous glow. Dew Skin Moisturizing Coverage SPF 20 provides lightweight, sheer hydration that evens skin tone while protecting the skin from sun damage. Black currant, peony flower root extract, and vitamin C reduce the appearance of age spots and enhance skin brightness, while sodium hyaluronate promotes firmer, smoother-looking skin.

If you guys haven't already, download the EWG's Healthy Living App and start scanning your family's products! No reason to compromise your family's  health with harmful products, there are so many safer options out there!! 

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