READ THIS before you apply another layer of sunscreen!

We can all agree that while the sun is vital and has many benefits such as helping our bodies make vitamin D, but over-exposure can be damaging to our skin. So if you are prudent like most of us, you wear protective clothing, limit your exposure to sunlight or you use sunscreen with the appropriate SPF for your skin type. However, when buying a sunscreen can be quite confusing because of all the choices and let’s face it, most people don’t think about the safety of these products, because after all, they are supposed to be safe and protect us, right! But you need to know that not all sunscreens are created equally.

According to the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2019 Sunscreen Report, about 66% of sunscreens on the market today do not adequately protect you or they contain certain ingredients that may be toxic and are endocrine disruptors, which can cause hormonal imbalances especially in women. Even more frightening, the report indicates about 50% of sunscreens sold in the U.S. would not be allowed on the market in Europe because of insufficient protection against UVA rays.

The EWG has been working very hard to get the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve the quality of sunscreens. Some slow progress may be underway.

In the meantime, how do you choose a sunscreen that is safe and will protect you and your loved ones. I went back to the EWG’s Sunscreen report and pulled some of the best and worst sunscreens based on their research and analysis of several brands of sunscreens.

Some of the Best Sunscreens of 2019 (Beach or Sport)

• Attitude 100% Mineral Sunscreen, fragrance Free, SPF 30

• All Good Sunstick, Unscented, SPF 30

• Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Lotion Sunscreen, Sensitive Skin, SPF 50

• Badger Active Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream, Unscented, SPF 30

• Goddess Garden Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50

• Just Skin Food Baby Beach Bum Sunscreen Stick, SPF 31

• Kabana Organic Skincare Green Screen Sunscreen Lotion, Original, SPF 32

• Poofy Organics, The Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30

• Poofy Organics The Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30

• Sunology Mineral Sunscreen, Body, SPF 50

• Thinksport Sunscreen, SPF 50+

• Waxhead Sun Defense Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30

Some of the Best Sunscreens of 2019 (moisturizers)

• Badger Damascus Rose Face Sunscreen, SPF 25

• Block Island Organics Natural Face Moisturizer, SPF 30

• Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense, SPF 30

• Goddess Garden Face the Day Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30

• Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer, SPF 30

• Sanre Shaded Rose Solar Calming Facial Cream, SPF 30

• Suntegrity Skincare Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer, SPF 30

Some of the Worst Sunscreens

• Panama Jack Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50+ & 85

• Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen, SPF 60+

• CVS Health Sensitive Skin Sun Lotion, SPF 60+

• Up & Up Sport Sunscreen Spray, SPF 15, 30 & 50

• Panama Jack Sunscreen Spray, SPF 15, 30 & 70

• NO-AD Sun Care Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50

• Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50 & 85+

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray, SPF 30

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100+

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 70, 85+ & 100+

Let me know if this was helpful in making your sunscreen choice, it was for me when I first read it.

Source: The Environmental Working Group and Dr. Axe.com