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Is that sunscreen really doing the job?
Filed under: Places To Go, Health & Safety: Babies
Our neighborhood pool will open this weekend and we are all ready with new swim suits, floats and sunscreen. I am proud to say that Ellie and I went to the pool almost every day last summer and not once did either of us get sunburned. But this article makes me wonder how protected we really are.
Did you know that the Food and Drug Administration doesn't recognize the term "waterproof" when used to describe sunscreen? I have several bottles that make that claim, but in reality they are merely resistant and will provide SPF protection for only about 40 minutes in the water.
What about that SPF number? The sun protection factor only refers to the level of protection against UVB rays. Some products do contain ingredients that block UVA rays as well, but you have to read the label. Look for at least one of these: avobenzone (Parsol 1789), octocrylene, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide, and Mexoryl SX.
The article sorts out other myths of sunscreen protection and is worth taking a look at before you head out for your fun in the sun. See you at the pool!
Did you know that the Food and Drug Administration doesn't recognize the term "waterproof" when used to describe sunscreen? I have several bottles that make that claim, but in reality they are merely resistant and will provide SPF protection for only about 40 minutes in the water.
What about that SPF number? The sun protection factor only refers to the level of protection against UVB rays. Some products do contain ingredients that block UVA rays as well, but you have to read the label. Look for at least one of these: avobenzone (Parsol 1789), octocrylene, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide, and Mexoryl SX.
The article sorts out other myths of sunscreen protection and is worth taking a look at before you head out for your fun in the sun. See you at the pool!
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
5-26-2007 @ 9:12PM
Jan Bay said...When I think of all the times I have put on sunscreen and still managed to get burned it makes me not want to take the chance with a baby.
Not to mention all those chemicals!
I like some of the sun protection clothing, but some of it is just too hot for summer in the south and I can't keep a sun hat on Cass's head, so I suppose less sun is the answer.
Jan from http://www.unique-baby-gear-ideas.com/baby-sun-protection.html
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5-28-2007 @ 3:00PM
Sharon said...None of the cosmetics industry (that includes sunscreens, lotions, shampoos, soaps, etc) is regulated for safety. The Environmental Working Group has a website, www.ewg.org, that has an interesting sub-site called Skin Deep. You can enter in the name of any cosmetic item & it will give you a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and the dangers of those ingredients, and an overall rating of the product, from green (safer) to red (totally toxic). I threw out several items I used after finding out they were toxic, including the Johnson's lavender baby lotion I was rubbing into by baby every night!
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