<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd“>
By Tricia White / Managing Editor
We have all learned to steer clear of baby oil and reflective mats that some may recall from previous tanning habits. The significance of using sunscreen has been emphasized, yet, similar to various health and wellness topics, there exists a complex array of research and perspectives regarding skin cancer, sun exposure, and what ingredients are in sunscreens. Many of us likely overlook the contents of our sunscreen, are unsure of the proper frequency of application, and don’t know which SPF level to choose. Is it necessary to invest in sun-protective clothing to shield our skin from harmful UV rays, or should the actual concern be the components found in sunscreen?
Kathy Grane, Executive Director of Beautycounter in DFW, advocates for consumer awareness about the ingredients in widely used skincare products. She states, “At Beautycounter, we have pledged to uphold health and safety standards that exceed those legally mandated in the United States. The most recent law to enforce limitations on harmful skincare ingredients in products sold in the U.S. banned 11 ingredients, and that was in 1938! In contrast, the European Union has banned 1,400 ingredients from their skincare products.” Focusing on what is included in skincare, cosmetics, and sunscreens not only results in healthier products, but customers also report experiencing less irritation with sensitive skin.
Not All Sunscreens are the Same
“SPF is not a figure that is easily understood by consumers,” explains Florida dermatologist James M. Spencer, MD. “It’s reasonable to think an SPF of 30 is twice as effective as SPF 15, but that’s not the case.”
Dr. Spencer elaborates that a product with SPF 15 blocks roughly 94% of UVB rays, while an SPF 30 product blocks about 97% of UVB rays. He suggests utilizing SPF 30 products for his patients. In 2011, the FDA proposed regulations to restrict labels exceeding SPF 50+, but this rule has yet to be finalized. Beautycounter’s All Over Sunscreen is SPF 30 and has been recognized as the top sunscreen for skin protection on a prominent top 10 list featured in The Huffington Post.
In addition to SPF, consumers can reference external rating agencies like the EWG (Environmental Working Group). Their “Skin Deep” ratings for sunscreen safety and effectiveness can be accessed online and through their app, allowing users to review the ratings for major brands. Beautycounter is among the few to achieve the highest score from the EWG.
As we become increasingly conscious of what we put into our bodies, Kathy reminds us that this summer—and every day—we should pay attention to what we apply to our bodies as well.
Editor’s Note: For detailed information about Beautycounter skincare and sun protection products, visit goodlifefamilymag.com or reach out to Kathy Grane at kgrane1@aol.com.
