Sunscreen is a necessity, especially for those who spend hours per day in the sun. Swimmers, boaters, cyclists, even construction workers, need protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

UVA radiation can cause tanning, but it also causes premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. UVB radiation is useful in small doses because it stimulates the body to produce vitamin D₃; however, this type of radiation also causes sunburn. Since there are two types of UV radiation, it is important to choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This is indicated on the label as multi spectrum, broad spectrum, or UVA/UVB protection. For the best protection, stay in the shade when UVB rays are most intense and cover up with clothing. Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect the eyes and the head.


Choosing the Best SPF

Apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 15, 30 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours afterward. Some sunscreens claim SPF 100, or other high SPFs, but this often creates a false sense of security in the sunscreen. In fact, most people do not apply enough sunscreen, and may only have the protection of half the SPF listed on the label.

“In 2007, the FDA published draft regulations that would prohibit companies from labeling sunscreens with an SPF (sun protection factor) higher than ‘SPF 50+,’” the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reported in their article, “What’s wrong with high SPF?” “The agency wrote that higher values would be ‘inherently misleading,’ given that ‘there is no assurance that the specific values themselves are in fact truthful…’”

The Danger of High SPF

Sunscreens sold in the United States are more likely to contain UV-blocking chemicals that are photocarcinogenic. When these chemicals are exposed to sunlight, they release free radicals that are closely linked to the development of cancer, including melanoma. Sunscreens with higher SPFs have more of these chemicals.

Some of the chemicals used in sunscreens not only increase the risk of skin cancer, but may contribute to a hormonal imbalance that may cause other serious problems within the body. It is important to read the labels on bottles of sunscreen to determine which are safe.

Sunscreen Ingredients

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) categorizes sunscreen ingredients based on their safety.

Chemicals to avoid:

• Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A)
• 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC)
• Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone)
• 3-Benzylidene camphor
• Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC)
• Padimate O

Chemicals with little toxicity or that may cause skin irritation:

• Octocrylene
• Ensulizole
• Homosalate
• Sulisobenzone (Benzophenone-4)
• Zinc Oxide
• Titanium Dioxide

Chemicals that cause no known toxicity—best choice:

• Avobenzone
• Mexoryl SX
• Octisalate
• Tinosorb M
• Tinosorb S.

Two of the safest sun-blocking chemicals used in the United States are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc is known for its healing properties, but the EWG reported one study that showed that “zinc nanoparticles provoked oxidative stress and DNA damage.” The EWG reported that, “Inhaled [titanium dioxide] nanoparticles reach [the] organs, cross [the] placenta and enter [the] brain. Skin damage [may occur] in vitro.” Neither zinc oxide nor titanium dioxide should be inhaled, so lotions are recommended.

Natural Sunscreen

The following sunscreens are good choices available in the United States:

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