Protect Yourself

Slathering on the sunscreen before plopping down in the sand, swimming or surfing is pretty much a no-brainer. Choosing a safe, effective sunscreen, on the other hand, is making some consumers red in the face.

Even people who use sunscreen habitually might not be getting adequate protection. Out of nearly 1,000 sunscreens scrutinized by the Environmental Working Group last year, researchers say that only 15 percent provide adequate sun protection and present minimal health risks.

The nonprofit organization, whose researchers have been examining the safety of cosmetics and personal-care products since 2004, added sunscreens to its Skin Deep database last year. The site, cosmeticdatabase.com, includes findings on more than 25,000 products and 7,000 ingredients.

The majority of sunscreens don’t protect against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, says Jane Houlihan, vice president of research of EWG. Ultraviolet B (UVB) protection is measured in SPF, but manufacturers are not yet required by the Food and Drug Administration to divulge levels of UVA protection. Both types of rays lead to skin cancer and skin damage.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays is the main environmental factor linked to skin cancer.

A recent report by the CDC also found that 95 percent of Americans have oxybenzone, an ingredient found in sunscreens, in their bloodstream. The chemical is linked to cell damage, allergies and hormone disruption.

Users can search the Skin Deep sunscreen database for the highest- and lowest-rated sunscreens, or search by brand name. A scale rates each sunscreen a low, moderate or high health hazard as well as effective, moderately effective or not effective sun protection.

New guidelines are being proposed by the FDA, but it could be years before consumers see a difference on drugstore shelves.

“Companies can claim Broad Spectrum Protection, but what level it provides is the question,” says Rita Chappelle, an FDA spokeswoman. Once new guidelines are in place, “consumers will know at a glance whether it’s the highest or lowest UVA and UVB protection they can get.”

In the meantime, “Consumers should research sunscreen products when shopping and compare and look for what information is available to them to make that decision,” she says.

Check out our how-to guide for reading labels and applying sunscreen.

HOW, WHEN TO APPLY IT

Janellen Smith, a professor of dermatology at the University of California, Irvine, says to apply at least 1 ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) that has a minimum of SPF 30. People who don’t apply enough risk wearing the equivalent of an SPF 8, she says.

Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure so it has time to attach to skin. Most formulas need to be reapplied every two hours.

More tips:

So-called waterproof or water-resistant formulas can lose effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water or heavy perspiration.

Up to 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can pass through clouds on overcast days. Sand reflects 25 percent of the sun’s rays and snow 80 percent.

Ultraviolet A rays pass through windows and penetrate deep into skin. Since rays intensify with altitude, airplane passengers with window seats should apply sunscreen.

The FDA requires that sunscreen remain stable for two years. Check the expiration date.

CHECK THE LABELS

Protect yourself by learning to read sunscreen labels:

SPF is a rating system that indicates the ability to block UVB rays but not UVA rays. Protection from UVB rays doesn’t increase proportionately with the number. After SPF 30, the protection increases by only about 1 percent-3 percent.

Mexoryl or ecamsule are efficient UVA blockers. The lightweight chemicals in formulas by La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX and Lancome UV Expert stick to skin longer and only need be reapplied every four hours. Avobenzone, Helioplex or Parsol 1 789 also provide broad-spectrum protection.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide also block both types of rays but need to be applied every two hours. Check the ingredient list to see if these physical blocks are included. These formulas are typically heavier and don’t absorb easily.

SUNSCREEN FACT CHECK

Out of nearly 800 sunscreens scrutinized by the Environmental Working Group, researchers found that only 17 percent actually provide adequate sun protection and present minimal health risks.
The nonprofit organization, whose researchers have been examining the safety of cosmetics and personal-care products since 2004, added sunscreens to its database called Skin Deep. The site includes findings on more than 23,000 products and 7,000 ingredients.
As with its cosmetics database, users can search for the highest- and lowest-rated sunscreen or search by brand name. An easy-to-read scale rates each sunscreen a low, moderate or high health hazard as well as effective, moderately effective or not effective sun protection.
Some sunscreen manufacturers label products as if they protect against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. According to the Environmental Working Group, the majority of sunscreens don’t protect against these types of rays, which have been linked to premature aging, skin damage, immune system damage and skin cancer. The FDA only requires sunscreens contain protection from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which cause skin burning and skin cancer.
Researchers also say some ingredients are absorbed into the blood and are linked to toxic effects or allergic reactions.
Find the cosmetic and sunscreen database at
www.cosmeticdatabase.com.