Sunburn season officially kicked off Memorial Day weekend. Are you prepared? After all, you don’t want to get skin cancer like me, do you?

SHADE AND CLOTHES: YOUR FIRST LINES OF DEFENSE

To be protected, you need to reduce your exposure to two kinds of sun rays:

1) UVA, which causes wrinkling and ageing, and

2) UVB, which can cause basal cell (what I got) and squamos cell carcinoma.

Most people rely on some kind of sunscreen or sun block to keep them safe. But according to the EWG Sunscreen Guide compiled by Environmental Working Group, a non-profit research institute that analyses sunscreens and sun block every year right before summer begins, only about 25% of the 1800 products analyzed deliver great protection from the sun without using dangerous chemicals you probably don’t want to apply to your skin.

I’ve linked to some of the sunscreens that pass muster for safety and effectiveness below. In case you can’t remember brand names, here are the ingredients you should look for when you shop:

ZINC OXIDE-BASED CREAM OR LOTION SUNSCREEN WITH AN SPF OF AT LEAST 30

* Read the label of any product you’re considering carefully. Choose a sunscreen that contains the active ingredient of zinc oxide (NOTE: EWG also recommends titanium dioxide or 3 percent avobenzone, but Marie Veronique Organics, one of EWG’s highest rated sunscreen manufacturers, makes a convincing case here for sticking with zinc oxide-based products).

• Avoid oxybenzone, a hormone disruptor,  and vitamin A (retinyl palmitate or retinol), which may actually increase the risk of skin cancer or other skin problems.

• Use creams or lotions, not sunscreen sprays or powders.

• Use an SPF of at least 30, and apply it at least 20 minutes before you need protection.

• Buy sunscreens that do NOT contain bug spray. Apply bug repellant separately if needed.

EWG says “the major choice in the U.S. is between “chemical” sunscreens, which break down in the heat and sun, penetrate the skin and may disrupt the body’s hormone systems, and “mineral” sunscreens (like zinc), which often contain micronized- or nanoscale particles of those minerals.”

After reviewing the evidence, EWG determined that mineral sunscreens offer the safest choice currently. They are stable in sunlight and do not appear to penetrate the skin. Plus, they protect against UVA, a leading contributor to skin cancer. If you don’t like mineral products, EWG recommends you use a sunscreen containing 3 percent avobenzone and without oxybenzone, but scientists recommend parents avoid using oxybenzone on children due to penetration and toxicity concerns

BRANDS RECOMMENDED IN EWG’S SUNSCREEN GUIDE

Among the best sunscreens EWG recommends are the following, which you can find online, in our own Amazon store, or possibly in your local drugstore or supermarket. All of those listed below have an SPF of at least 30.

Marie Veronique Organics  – Moisturizing Face Screen SPF 30

Badger – Lighlty Scented Lavender Sunscreen and Baby Sunscreen with Chamomile and Calendula

Blue Lizard – Australian Sunscreen, Face

Burt’s Bees – Baby Bee Sunscreen Stick

California Baby – Everyday/Year-Round Sunscreen Stick and No Fragrance Sunscreen Stick

Seventh Generation – Baby Sunscreen

(Here is the complete list of EWG’s Sunscreen recommendations)

 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN!

Even before you buy sunscreen, think about ways you can protect yourself from the sun.Why? Because people who use sunblock alone may be more likely to get skin cancer, since they actually spend more time out in the sun than those who don’t use sunscreen. If at all possible, avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is most intense.

That doesn’t mean you need to stay inside! It’s summer, after all, and a great time to enjoy the outdoors. If you’re at the beach, take shelter under a shady umbrella when you’re not in the water. If you’re out gardening, biking, walking, or picnicking, wear long-sleeved cover-ups and capris to protect your arms and legs. If you’re strolling about, don a hat and sunglasses to protect your face, neck and eyes.

WEAR COOL CLOTHES LIKE THESE…

Here’s are some clothes that are cool and sheer but still effectively prevent powerful sun rays from damaging your skin.

The post Safe, Effective, Non-toxic Sunscreens Protect Against Sunburn & Skin Cancer appeared first on Big Green Purse.

The best way to protect yourself from skin cancer is to avoid getting a sun burn. That means NOT laying out in the sun with no shade, unlike this person.

But after you’ve taken all the right steps – stayed out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., worn a hat and long sleeves, put on sunglasses to protect your eyes from the UV exposure that causes cataracts, shaded yourself on the beach or at the pool – you’ll still need sunscreen. When you do, what’s the best, most environmentally friendly non toxic sunscreen you can use?

The scientists at Environmental Working Group have done the research, and have identified the “greenest” sunscreens you should buy. But just in case you can’t remember product names, here are the qualities you should look for:

#1) Choose sunscreens that contain zinc, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or mexoryl SX. Avoid oxybenzone, Retinyl palmitate/Vitamin A, and added insect repellent. FYI, oxybenzone is a synthetic hormone that can penetrate the skin. Retinyl palmitate can make your skin more susceptible to tumors and lesions. Not good.

#2) Creams you can rub on are more protective than sprays and powders.

#3) Broad-spectrum protection that is water-resistant for the beach or pool as well as exercise is optimal.

#4) Choose an SPF of at least 30 when you’re at the beach or pool, but you don’t need an SPF higher than 50.

What sunscreens does EWG recommend? For your convenience, we’re selling several of the safest, most protective sunscreens in our store. Brands include Aubrey, Aveeno, and California Baby. You can also ask for these brands the next time you go shopping.

Want more info? See our related posts:

Is your sunscreen giving you a false sense of security?

Sun-Smart Skin Care

DEET-Free Mosquito Repellents that Work

Have any other suggestions? Please leave a comment below.

The post Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic Sunscreens: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Big Green Purse.