Summer’s Here! Are You Sunscreen Smart?
June 21st, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Happy summer solstice! We are really excited for summer to start. School was out a few days ago, and June Gloom in the mornings is kind of a blessing because it means I can get some work done before the kids realize we should be outdoors.
Sunscreen is always at the top of my mind (after loading up on healthy snacks that mean my kids won’t bug me all day because they are hungry). I had a pre-cancer removed last summer, and two more recently. I asked my dermatologist what’s up? I use sunscreen and have for years. She said the chemical based sunscreens are absorbed into our bodies over a few hours, so not only are the chemicals becoming a part of our endocrine systems, they are ineffective after a relatively short time. Seriously yucky! She said it’s really important to use mineral based sunscreens, the ones with zinc and/or titanium dioxide. At least 7% zinc or at least 9% titanium dioxide. My current favorite is Elta MD, but I love to shop so I’m constantly on the lookout for something that meets this criteria, that goes on easily, and that doesn’t leave us looking pasty-white, nor break the bank. We are also using more shade and clothing, which seem to be the best protection. This website has tons of information: http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/sunscreens-exposed/sunscreens-exposed-9-surprising-truths/.
See you at the beach!
