Sun Screen: Review 2015
- Sun screens are either “physical blocks”, “chemical blocks”, or a combination.
- Physical Blocks” are Zinc or Titanium. (higher % is better)
- Physical blocks tend to work better when swimming/ sweating etc.
- Only a small improvement in protection occurs by using higher SPF rating
- Most people only apply ¼ to ½ as much as is recommended.
- The quantity and frequency is more important than the SPF rating
- All sunscreens are rated at less than SPF 10 if under applied.
- All sunscreens need to have a thick application (This is impossible with aerosol spray types).
- When using “chemical” sun blocks avoid Oxybenzone(enters bloodstream and acts like estrogen), Retinyl Palmitate (increased skin tumors) and Spray Sunscreens (inhalation risk)
- “Chemical” sun screens can lose potency and should be replaced annually.
- Remember: Tanned skin is damaged skin
- Remember to apply all sun screens at least 15 minutes before exposure and to reapply approximately every 2 hours or after swimming. Remember to apply “lipblock” to the lips.
- Infants should be covered from direct sun. If not possible then apply sun screens sparingly on exposed surfaces only.
- Your best protection from the sun is shade, hats, long sleeves, sunglasses, swim tops, etc.
More Info? An excellent resource with brand recommendations is:
http://www.ewg.org/2013sunscreen
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