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