We’ve been told a million times over that the sun does damage to our skin. As a result, many of us have trained ourselves not to leave the house bare faced. We’ve come to view sunscreen as a necessity, our only defense against premature aging and sun spots. But what if it’s sunscreen we need to protect ourselves from?

According to a recent report by the Environmental Working Group, only 39 out of 500 sunscreens on the market are acceptable. The reason? EWG says “exaggerated SPG claims (SPFs greater than 50) and recent developments in understanding the possible hazards of some sunscreen ingredients, in particular,  new government data linking a form of vitamin A used in sunscreens to accelerated growth of skin tumors and lesions.”

Here’s a list of EWG’s top rated beach and sport sunscreens.

The scariest part– I’ve only used one of the sunscreens EWG deems safe. Most of the brands are totally new to me. To view EWG’s list of top rated moisturizers with sunscreen, click here. To see how the sunscreen you’re currently using ranks, click here.

One of EWG’s main tips is to avoid sunscreen that contains the chemical oxybenzone. It’s a synthetic  estrogen that can contaminate the body. Instead, choose sunscreens with active ingredients zinc, avobenzone or Mexoryl SX. These ingredients remain on the skin and don’t get into your bloodstream.

Until next time,
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