It's Summer Time!

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donatella-versace bad tanning pic.jpg

Sorry Donatella - but this pic really heps to prove my point - WEAR SUNSCREEN!

So you're off to the beach.  You have your bathing suit, your flip flops, sunglasses and of course SUNSCREEN!  All set, right?  Maybe not.  check the label.  Are you using any of the following?...

  • Spray Sunscreens
  • Sunscreen with Super High SPF
  • Sunscreen with Oxybenzone
  • Sunscreen with Retinyl Palmitate
  • Combined Sunscreen/Repellant
  • Tanning Oils

If you said YES to any of these - then leave it at home and pick up a new one on the way!

Unhealthy, harmful, cancer causing….blah, blah, blah - What's the big deal?  Why do I have to be so careful of all these things?  It's just Sunscreen!  

Well, knowledge is power.  So here is the low down…

Spray Sunscreens

While very handy - all sprays of any kind, pose an inhalation risk.  They can lead to lung issues.

Super High SPF

They provide a false sense of security.  Most people will apply once and think they are safer.  SPF - stands for Sun Protection Factor.  However, it is only measuring UVB rays which help to prevent a burn.  UVA rays are not measured, yet cause a greater amount of damage deep into the skin, suppress the immune system, accelerate skin aging and may cause skin cancer. (This is why we need a broad spectrum sunscreen).

NOTE: Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours - regardless of SPF.

Oxybenzone

56% off all Beach & Sport Sunscreens have Oxybenzone in them.  Oxybenzone is linked to hormone disruption and cell damage (which could lead to skin cancers).  

Retinyl Palmitate / Retinol / Vitamin A

Great for use at night - however, in the sun, may lead to skin cancers.  

Sunscreen/Repellant

Studies show that by blending the two - the skin absorbs much more repellant then it would normally.  Again - not good!

Tanning Oils

Really?  Does anyone still use oil?  You NEED an SPF of minimum 15 to protect your skin.  Tanning oils are BAD NEWS!  (Do you aspire to look like Donatella?).  Throw away the tanning oil!  Go on, you can do it!

What to look for when buying sunscreen…

  • Zinc Oxide
  • Titanium Dioxide  
  • Chemical Free (NO Oxybenzone)
  • Mineral based
  • MOST IMPORTANT - Broad Spectrum - UVA/UVB protection

Healthy sun care tips…

  • Look for shade where possible
  • Wear hats & Sunglasses
  • Cover up with clothing when possible
  • Avoid prime sun exposure hours 11-3pm.
  • Wear a mineral based broad spectrum sunscreen

For more info or to put your fave sunscreen to the test, check out http://www.ewg.org/2014sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/

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Daniela Hofmann