It’s insanely disturbing how carefully we have to shop these days to not be “duped” by sketchy marketing tactics and brands trying to shave off expenses without regard to how it effects their customers. Just yesterday my boyfriend spend a whopping $8 on a ‘Superfoods Juice’ at the Health Nut only for him to throw it out because it was undrinkably sweet (30-something grams of sugar per serving!), and when I looked at the ingredients it had more chemicals than fruits…not to mention that it smelled like Fruit Roll-Up. Sadly these deceptive labels aren’t limited to food. For years people have been paying a premium for SPF 60, SPF 70, even SPF 100 products when in fact after SPF 50 everything is more or less the same (most dermatologist I’ve spoken to recommend SPF 30).
Further forget “sweat-proof,” “waterproof,” and all those other unregulated terms because no matter what you have to re-apply your sunscreen every two hours for it to be effective. Even worse many people don’t know that SPF refers only to UVB protection (the rays that cause burning), meaning that many sunscreens only protect against UVB rays. UVA rays however are the ones that are strong year round (hence you MUST wear sunscreen EVERYDAY), and the ones that cause skin to age. Unless your sunscreen says broad-spectrum or has a PA grade (the equivalent to SPF for UVA rays), your skin is not safe. Thankfully the FDA is FINALLY cracking down on some of this and you can read about the changes to come here. But what about now? Jump for some safe sunscreen options!
DNA Defense SPF 30+ ($45): Developped by a leading Beverly Hills dermatologist and President of the AAD, Dr. Ron Moy, this sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays and has been clinically proven with a 3-star rating for advanced protection (new FDA rating).
Tocca Stella SPF 30+ Sunscreen Towlettes ($28): Though there are some people who say that spray and wipes aren’t as effective as creams, if you’re more likely to apply protection if it’s offered in a more convenient form go for it – something is always better than nothing and there are plenty of dermatologists who also say these kinds of wipes are perfectly fine. These Tocca ones are my fave because they smell awesome (who doesn’t love Stella? Blood Orange is the perfect summer scent).
Supergoop 4 Lips Pocket-Stick Set
($19.50): Don’t forget to protect your lips, hands, and ears as they’re common areas for skin cancer. These portable sticks make it easy to remember.
($37): Available in tinted and untinted formulas, each protect against UVA and UVB rays and are loaded with Vitamins C, E and A, antioxidants, green tea, and herbal extracts. I like this one because it doesn’t feel chalky.
Like the look of EmerginC with an impressive set of ingredients, but couldn’t get to see the DNA Defence SPF30+ as the link takes me to the Supergoop Lip set. I really like seeing all these new sunscreens coming out with non-toxic ingredients. Now all we need is to see them all with a certified UVA rating, instead of just ‘broadband’.