Memorial Day week-end is just around the corner.  That is the official start of the summer season.

Summer brings more daylight hours and more opportunities to be outside.  Picnics, bike rides, lounging at the beach or splashing in the pool or lake.  Its great to get outdoors and get the fresh air and sunshine, but its not so great to exposure your skin to the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Before you reach for the sunscreen, reach for the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Annual Guide to sunscreens.

It was just released on May 18 and breaks down which sunscreens are effective and which contain harmful ingredients.  You can read the entire report here.

The great news is that once again, Vanicream Sunsport 35 made the list of Best Beach and Sport Sunscreens.

It earned a Low Hazard rating of 2 and a single dollar sign ($) for one of the cheapest.  This news doesn’t surprise us.  We’ve been recommending this product for several summers now.

Many of our customers use SunSport because their doctor recommended it to them.  Doctors love it because it doesn’t contain fragrance, masking fragrance, parabens, or formaldehyde.  The EWG likes it because it doesn’t contain a toxic mix of chemicals that can do more harm than good.  It also does not contain Vitamin A.  Because research has shown that Vitamin A can actually accelerate the growth of tumors when used in the presence of sunlight, you don’t every want Vitamin A in your sunscreen.

Speaking of sunscreens, did you know that the FDA has been working to eliminate the use of the term “sunblock” because nothing short of long sleeves and pants and completely block the sun’s rays.

For protecting your facial skin, SunSport 35 is great because it will not clog pores, but nothing beats a hat with a wide brim to shade your face.  Avoid the midday sun if possible and don’t forget those sunshades.  Your eyes need protection too.  Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water.  Great skin begins on the inside with proper hydration.  Also, after you’ve been outside, don’t forget to moisturize when you come in. Follow the recommendation of most dermatologists and apply your moisturizer right when you come out of the bath or the shower.  Leave a little water on your skin and it will help the moisturizer to be absorbed.

Til Next Time!

Cheryl
The Allergy Store