Skin

Midlife Woman’s Guide To Sunscreen

Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid

Like with any product, knowing which sunscreen products are the most effective and free of harmful chemicals is essential. European sunscreen products are made with four ingredients that offer more protection from harmful UVA rays. Unfortunately, the FDA has not yet approved these ingredients, pending more safety data. An Environmental Working Group (EWG) study of laboratory tests of 51 sunscreen products found that only 35 percent of the products tested met the EU standard, but 94 percent would pass the current U.S. standard. U.S. products are generally weaker than those approved and sold in the EU.

Many sunscreens include potentially toxic additives, including oxybenzone, an endocrine-disrupting chemical, or retinyl palmitate, an antioxidant additive that might damage sun-exposed skin. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less likely to contain harmful additives and may irritate the skin less than chemical sunscreens. These are what are known as mineral or physical sunscreens. They sit on top of the skin and physically block UVA and UVB rays. Studies sponsored by the FDA and European Union concluded that neither zinc oxide nor titanium dioxide nanoparticles penetrate the skin

The type of application matters too. Lotions are better at protecting your skin than sprays and sticks. The EWG advises avoiding sprays – chemical and mineral.

Facts About Sunscreen SPF Values

Not all sunscreens live up to their claims, according to an analysis by the EWG. A high SPF product may not truly be a high SPF. Consumer Reports tested 82 lotions, sprays, sticks, and lip balms, and 32 tested at less than half their labeled SPF number. Procter & Gamble tested a competitor’s SPF 100 product at five different labs, and the results varied between SPF 37 and SPF 75. The company sent a letter to the FDA recommending that SPF values should be capped at 50+ because the current system is “at best, misleading to consumers” and “may inappropriately influence their purchase decision.”

And what about that SPF rating? Is a higher rating better at protecting us from harmful sun exposure? Not necessarily. The EWG asserts there is little evidence to suggest that higher SPF products provide any additional health benefits. Even the FDA made a statement that SPF higher than 50 is “inherently misleading.” SPF values are actually capped at 50+ in Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan. In a high SPF product, the balance of ingredients may not protect the skin from harmful UVA rays.

Some studies suggest that high SPF products may mislead consumers into believing that they are fully protected from sun damage. One result is that people using sunscreens with higher SPF rating risk overexposure by spending more time in the sun. The high SPF may give us a sense of comfort that we are better protected over a long period.

Sunscreen Application Tips

Apply sunscreen before going outside when your skin is cool. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, your skin takes approximately 15 minutes to absorb the sunscreen and protect you. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
Use more than you think you need. Most adults need about 1 ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to fully cover their body.
Shake the product to evenly distribute the ingredients and make sure it’s not expired. Yes, sunscreen does expire. The FDA mandates that sunscreen lasts for three years, but not all products have a date. If yours does not, write the date you bought it on the bottle with a permanent marker.
Use sprays with caution. You’ll want to avoid inhaling the spray and not apply it directly to your face. Instead, spray some into your hands and then apply.
Pair your sunscreen with a hat to ensure maximal protection from the sun.

Top-Rated Sunscreens

The EWG’s 2022 Guide to Sunscreen includes categories for beach and sport, daily moisturizers, and lip balms. To help you lower your personal toxins, we’ve rounded up some of the best products garnering a top rating of 1 or 2 (“good”) and at price points ranging from $ ($25 or less) to $$$ ($75+).

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