Sun Protection

I always thought that wearing sunscreen was the smart thing I could do in order to protect my skin from sun damage. By using a high SPF sunscreen, I felt confident that I was taking responsible action for my health. It turns out, it may not be that simple.

Not only do some sunscreens contain ingredients that pose safety concerns, suncreens may only protect from sunburn, rather than provide our skin with the protection from sun damage that we thought they did. The more I read the more I realise that there doesn't seem to be much agreement on the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens. I am going to have to do a lot more reading on the topic.

For now, it sounds like the safest thing I can do is stay in the shade as much as possible (the sun's rays are strongest between 11:00 and 4:00 p.m.) and cover my skin with clothing. I'll be wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat a lot more too!

The Environmental Working Group has a 2012 database that rates brands of sunscreens for safety and effectiveness. It is quick and easy to check to see how the suncreen you are using stacks up.

Sunscreens Exposed: 9 Surprising Truths is an eye-opener on the subject and has been updated for Summer 2012.