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Over 80% of Sunscreens Ineffective and Dangerous
As “experts” encourage the American public to slather on sunscreen before heading outdoors this summer, an investigation of 785 name-brand sunscreens by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has called into question the safety and effectiveness of these widely used products.

Most notably, 83 percent of the sunscreen products EWG evaluated either did not provide adequate protection from the sun, or contained potentially dangerous ingredients. The EWG report found:
  • One in eight high-SPF sunscreens do not protect against UVA radiation, the type linked to skin damage, immune system problems and skin cancer.
  • Many contain nano-scale ingredients with potentially toxic properties.
  • Sunscreen ingredients may disrupt hormone systems, prompt allergic reactions, build up in your body over time and release skin-damaging free radicals.
  • Many sunscreen ingredients break down in the sun and become ineffective.
  • At least half of the products made misleading claims.
So how can you protect your skin and avoid these clearly dangerous sunscreen products? First realize that sun exposure is incredibly healthy and necessary for humans.

This is because the sun is what allows your body to create what has been dubbed as “the sunshine vitamin” -- vitamin D. It’s not wise to stay out of the sun entirely, or to only be exposed with chemicals on your skin, because you risk becoming deficient in this crucial vitamin.

What is wise is to get some sensible sun exposure on your bare (sunscreen-free) skin, while always avoiding getting sunburned. You can do this naturally by using clothing to cover up when you’ve had enough or using an umbrella for some shade. 

Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database





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Article's Comment     ( 15 Comments )
 
 
 +11 Points           
 
Author of the Article
BY vince   
  
[ Joined on 09/06 ]
[ Posted on July 15, 2007 ]
Post Reply
 After getting an appropriate amount of sunshine the best sunscreen is a shirt and an umbrella . Thanks Vince
 

 +3 Points           
 
Author of the Article
BY neroli moonstone   
  
[ Joined on 06/07 ]
Author of the Article [ Posted on July 21, 2007 ]
 
Finally this info is coming to the media. Yes, I have banned sunscreen from my children all their lives and certainly would not slap those chemical cocktails on my body and then bake in the sun. Gosh , what other wonderous discoveries will modern science make now that they have discovered sunscreen is toxic? Perhaps they will suggest that flouride in water is also toxic , or perhaps chemically sprayed foods leave residues in our bodies? I am waiting to see. Love Dom ox Oh , this info will not stop the main stream of society continuing to use these products because the propaganda has been so etched into the psychie that these truths appear frightening to most people. another scary situation.

 
 +4 Points           
 
Author of the Article
BY Russ Bianchi   
  
[ Joined on 09/06 ]
[ Posted on July 15, 2007 ]
Post Reply
The cosmetics business and industry is overwhelmingly filled with products and brands that are harmful and full of toxins and false and deceptive labeling to confuse.
 

 +5 Points           
 
Author of the Article
BY fullofoats   
  
[ Joined on 06/06 ]
Author of the Article [ Posted on July 20, 2007 ]
 
It seems like many people look for sunscreen with a high SPF and a large volume bottle.  They perceive it to be more economical.  The unfortunate part is that many people don't read the ingredient list, or actually understand it if they do read it.  The average person may not be equipped to judge the safety and efficacy of the product.  Many people rely on the advertising on the front of the bottle.  It frustrates me to think about people slathering on the synthetic chemicals (especially on babies and children whose bodies are more sensitive to toxins), believing that they making the best decision for their health.  They are "saving" money now, but unknowingly may pay big later (with their health).

 
 +3 Points           
 
Author of the Article
BY Coeli   
  
[ Joined on 06/06 ]
[ Posted on July 24, 2007 ]
Post Reply
Although I don't typically wear any sunscreen, ever, I am very grateful for the Environmental Working Group for all their efforts. They put out the most wonderful studies that would receive little to no attention, and they continue to expand their database as they learn more.

I could never get anyone to believe me before that most so-called sunscreens are more harmful than the sun! Now I have a physical study I can print out and show to people!!!

I have never been afraid of the sun and the only time I have ever severely burned is once when I fell asleep on a full sun day at the Jersey shore and no one bothered to wake me up for more than 4 hours; I don't fall asleep in the sun anymore!!!!

 
 +3 Points           
 
Author of the Article
BY mmc88121