This week my family is vacationing, like many American families, and we're doing our best to play outside - a lot. Which, of course, means we're in the sun. And since we're from Oregon, our skin isn't exactly used to the sun come July.
So I opened the medicine cabinet to see what sunscreens we have lying around from last year. Hoping they were the safe and effective kind. And one was. But many weren't. How did I know? EWG's sunscreen report, of course. The 2009 version is here!! And this year, it includes lip balms and face moisturizers, as well as the usual "beach" sunscreens.
The good news is that products are improving. For example, 19 percent fewer sunscreens contains oxybenzone, an active ingredient that disrupts the hormone system.
The bad news is that there are still only a few safe and effective brands that I'd use on my family: Of the 1,572 sunscreens and other sun-blocking products that we researched, 3 of 5 either don't protect skin from sun damage or contain hazardous chemicals -- or both. Yowza. Better check yours.
What you'll find in the report There's a lot of information in our report to help you enjoy the sun safely this summer, pick safe and effective products, and understand the science behind sunscreens. Some highlights:
- 9 safety tips for enjoying the sun safely
- Best "beach" and "sport" sunscreens
- Best sun-protective lip balms
- Best moisturizers
Be sure to check our comprehensive FAQ You'll find complete, understandable answers to 19 questions about sunscreen, like:
- How high of an SPF should I use?
- Which sunscreens are best for children?
- What's the matter with sprays and powder?
- Doesn't the government ensure that sunscreens protect us?
Got a blog? Get the widget. This year we created a sunscreen search widget for your blog so your readers can easily research sunscreen safety - right from your site.
