A List of the Best and Worst Suncreens and How to Choose

We hear constantly that we should wear suncreen daily. Its been introduced in makeup, skin lotions, sprays, childrens products, and a myriad of other choices. We hear and are told that sunscreen can effectively protect us against age spots, wrinkles, problems with UV exposure, and most importantly skin cancer. Its imperative to cover children in sunscreen because their skin is more sensitive. Not putting sunscreen on a child, especially in direct sun exposure for a long amount of time, can really cause some skin damage and set up potential future problems.

Multiple research studies have been done to evaluate sunscreen and exactly how effective each brand and each ingredient really is. The FDA has not updated their requirements for sunscreens in over 30 years, yet we have gradually been exposed to harsher rays in those 30 years. The sunscreens of yesterday cannot be expected to protect us today. Not only are sunscreens not protecting us, many of them break down quickly, meaning instead of protecting you for the average amount of 2 hours, they break down chemically within 30 minutes to an hour. Thats an hour to an hour and a half in between application in which you have no protection.

The problem is also that many of these sunscreens contain chemicals that are actually harmful to the user, or issue claims that are inaccurate. No sunscreen can offer "all day protection". The sad part is that nobody has ever conducted research on the effectiveness of these sunscreens, despite how much and how often we hear that we should wear protection.

Before I even list the best and worst. these researchers want you to remember the basics:

A. Always reapply every 1-2 hours. Do not wait longer than 2 hours to reapply.

B. Apply enough! But what exactly is enough? You need to fully cover your face with a dime size on each cheek, a dime on your forehead and nose and a quarter or more on your neck and arms. A quarter size for your legs as well

C. Choose a waterproof. If you are in the sun and require a sunscreen, you will most likely be sweating. The combination of the chemical breakdowns and your sweat (and possibly exposure to water if you are swimming) will wash off your protection much faster than if you choose a waterproof

D. Choose a high SPF, at least 45 or higher. SPF means "sun protection factor" and the number rating tells you how long you can stay in the sun. A 45 means you can stay in the sun 45 times longer than if you weren't wearing sunscreen.

E. Wear it daily. Choose a moisturizer or makeup with sunscreen. Any time you are going outdoors, you are exposed to the sun. The more you protect yourself, the more you ward off wrinkles, age spots, and cancer.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) researched almost 800 sunscreens, and only 128 were given the green light as an effective sun barrier. Almost 85% of the sunscreens tested were found to be inadequate at protection. EWG spokesperson and Vice President for Research, Jane Houlihan said "The SPF rating on the product is helpful, but it is only part of what a consumer needs to know. Our rating system includes critical information on UVA protection, how stable the product is in the sun, and potential health hazards of the product's ingredients.". The EWG says the majority of sunscreens have misleading claims on how much or how long they'll protect.

Houlihan added "EWG has conducted this research because the FDA has failed to do so. With over one million cases of skin cancer reported each year people should have the most reliable information available about which sunscreens will provide the best protection for themselves and their families," Houlihan added. 2 of their top winners were Badger SPF 30 and UV Natural Sport SPF 30, although I'd recommend a higher SPF level. To be as cautious as possible, a 45 or 50 SPF level is really best, especially for those with long hours in the sun, or those prone to go longer between applications. Consumer Reports lists NO-AD SPF 45 as an excellent sunscreen.

What exactly made the "best" sunscreens the best? The EWG lists Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide that protect on broad spectrum effectiveness (meaning from UVA and UVB rays). These chemicals also break down the slowest in the sun and in sweat or water

Follow this link to read all 783 sunscreens and their ratings
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?sunscreens=1&best=1