Finding The Right Sunscreen

Spring is here, and as the weather begins to warm up, we begin to get ourselves ready for that "beach" weather. It's not NEWS that long exposure to the sun without protection can be harmful (think, skin cancer), but did you know that slathering up with some of the most common sunscreens can potentially cause damage on their own (to both you and the environment)?

Did you know that some sunscreens contain suspected carcinogens? (A carcinogen is a cancer-causing agent.)

Did you know that some sunscreens contain endocrine disrupters?

Did you know that some sunscreens cause redness, skin irritation, and rashes?

Is My Sunscreen Bad?

First, check your sunscreen bottle. If it's over 3 years old (or the expiration date is past due), throw it out. Next, check the back of the bottle for the ingredients to see if it contains any of the following:

Carcinogens: diethanolamine and related ingredients (DEA, TEA), padimate-o, and titanium dioxide
Endocrine Disrupters: benzophenone (oxybenzone), homosalate, octyl-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate), and the parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, propyl-)
Other Irritating Chemicals: avobenzone (parsol 1789), benzophenone, octyl-methoxycinnamate, and PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

Which Sunscreen SHOULD I choose?

After a quick look around an average convenience store, finding the right sunscreen can feel disheartening. If you're in a pinch, go for the pure zinc oxide (white). Or, you can opt for sitting under a shady umbrella, woven fabrics and hats, and the like.

But, a healthier sunscreen doesn't mean you can't get some sun. Check out these great finds!