Best and Worst Sunscreens of 2017
I’m sure we have all been forced to lather up in sunscreen by our mothers before we are set out to go play. I remember how aggravating and embarrassing it was then, but mom always said it was necessary; little did she know it was actually harmful.
The sun omits some powerful ultraviolet rays that can be increasingly bad for our skin. However, that doesn’t mean we should avoid it overall. In fact, we really need vitamin D in order to maintain a healthy body. Too much sunlight can cause the growth of cancer, and the key is to get enough sunlight to supply you with sufficient vitamin D without getting sunburned. To keep us from being sunburned we often resort to sunscreen, but new studies are showing that this is the entirely wrong method.
While there are sunscreens that are healthy and effectively protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, over 75% of modern day sunscreens are essentially toxic for our bodies. They contain harmful chemicals that can even increase our chances of acquiring cancer, rather than decreasing it like they claim they do. The Environmental Working Group performed a study on modern day sunscreens and their effectiveness and toxicity. Not only are the majority of sunscreens completely ineffective, but they can cause even more problems.
According to the study, “Our review…shows that some sunscreen ingredients absorb into the blood, and some have toxic effects. Some release skin-damaging free radicals in sunlight, some act like estrogen and disrupt hormones, and several can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. The FDA has not established rigorous safety standards for sunscreen ingredients. Sunscreens haven’t been regulated since 1978 in the USA, and the SPF factor only tells you how effective a sunscreen is against UVB rays which cause sunburn.”
The ingredients in the sunscreens are toxic and can cause widespread side effects. Some of the dangerous chemicals in sunscreen include oxybenzone, methoxycinnamate, and PABA are estrogenic chemicals linked to cancer. Thankfully, there are some nontoxic sunscreens that can keep you from becoming as red as a lobster. Here is a list of the best and worst sunscreens of 2017.
Best:
- Dr. Mercola SPF 50 Sunscreen
- True Natural Neutral Unscented Sunscreen SPF 50
- Loving Naturals Adorable Baby Sunscreen stick SPF 30+
- Blue Lizard Australian Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30
- Burnout Ocean Tested Physical Sunscreen SPF 30
Sunscreens that you are going to want to avoid are Coppertone brands, banana boat, CVS branded sunscreens and any neutrogena products. Just remember to stay hydrated and spend some time in the shade, and you should be fine. Just avoid these sunscreens!