Best Sunscreens Study: Most Ineffective or Dangerous, but UV Natural is Safest, Most Effective

A press release announced findings today that suggest that the sunscreen you lather all over your body to protect from the suns ultraviolet rays may contribute to causing the cancer you are trying to prevent. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 600,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually. And, even with all the information we have today about the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, this number is rising. Skin cancer causes 8,500 deaths annually in the United States alone, and is the most common type of cancer in the U.S.

Earlier this year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed 785 sunscreens. A shocking 84% were found to provide inadequate protection from the sun's rays, or they contained ingredients that posed safety concerns. Harmful chemicals in sunscreen formula have been identified: PABA, benzophenone-3, homosalate, octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC) and 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4- MBC).

PABA has been shown to create allergies. OMC, which is a common ingredient in most sunscreens, was studied and found to kill mouse cells even at low doses. The press release also states that recent childhood studies link these findings to possible causes of ADHD, asthma, and allergies. Other various ingredients in sunscreens alter the body's estrogen level. This can cause cell damage and influence DNA by creating free radicals.

The EWG did conclude that one sunscreen was the safest and most effective sunscreen of them all, UV Natural.

So what makes UV Natural so different from other common sunscreens? UV Natural has created a sunscreen that contains anti-oxidants such as green tea and grape seed extract. Macadamia, grape seed, and colloidal Silica are included to fight environmental stressors. Natural oils and vitamin E are other leading ingredients that have been shown to help the skin reconstruct itself.

EWG Vice President for Research, Jane Houlihan stated, "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."

It is important to ensure that natural products like these are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But, the FDA does not employ comprehensive tests concerning the potential consequences of using specific products. The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization that does not benefit from promoting specific products. They carry on range of studies that analyze the consequences of common human activities.

It seems like every day are warned about something new that can lead to cancer. We can't avoid everything that "may" produce a negative consequence, but we can empower ourselves with information as to what we can avoid to protect our health. One piece of advice seems certain above any other when it comes to sun exposure, the less the exposure the better.

Sources:

PR Newswire Press Release, http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/includes/contents/printable.jsp?resourceid=3527836

Environmental Working Group, http://www.ewg.org/node/21719