The Food and Drug Administration.
Apparently, claims like:
- moisturizing your skin
- to protecting against 37 different spectrums of light
- being waterproof
- sweat proof
- bulletproof, and so on.
Now all Sunscreens must offer "BroadBand Protection" , if that's what they claim! Sunscreens must equally protect against two kinds of the sun’s radiation:
UVB (the kind that causes sunburns) and UVA (the kind that causes wrinkles).
No more Waterproof claims... because that's simply not true. You can’t actually have sunscreen that is water or sweat proof, it’s impossible. What the FDA will allow companies to do is make claims on how many minutes the product will remain water resistant based on clinical tests.
No claims that a product will prevent sunburn or reduce risks of skin cancer and early skin aging unless it has an SPF rating of at least 15.
Now... Is Your Sunscreen Safe?
40 to 60 percent of all sunscreens on the market today are made with a laundry list of chemicals. The most common chemical ingredients in non-mineral sunscreens include octinoxate, oxybenzone (a form of benzophenone), octisalate, and avobenzone.
In addition to increased cancer rates, these unstable chemicals have also been linked to hormone imbalance, dysfunctions in sexual development and function, as well as birth defects because of their estrogen-like effects.
Scientists have also been researching the ability of these chemicals to permeate the skin and enter the bloodstream, causing a slew of other damaging effects. Each of these chemicals – oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone – work as penetration enhancers, meaning they are easily absorbed by the skin, and the longer they sit on the skin, the more threat they pose.
The Solution....
Remember to always opt for an SPF30 and avoid chemical-based formulas. Instead seek out formulas with a natural zinc barrier like Aubrey Organics Natural Sun SPF 30+ Active Lifestyles Tropical Scent.
NaturalOrganicBody provides formulas which are mineral-based and use zinc, a natural reflective shield, blocking the sun’s damaging rays without injecting the body with harmful chemicals.
Here are a few ideas for achieving a desired texture, color or outcome. For instance, to eliminate dryness or create a creamier feel, 100% Pure Argon Oil Hydrating Facial Moisturizer SPF30 will leave you feeling smooth and protected. If you are looking for a tinted formula with SPF try 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted MoisturizerThere’s no question – UV protection is absolutely essential.. especially when most people don’t use enough sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology claims that we use about one fourth of the amount of sunscreen we should use and we don’t re-apply as often as we should either.
So, remember to slather up before you hit the sun this summer!
