Labor Day Sunscreen Dos & Don’ts

We spoke with Environmental Working Group Research Analyst Nneka Leiba, M.Phil., Mph on the findings of their recent sunscreen study, including the difference between cream, sprays and powder; the meaning of SPF numbers, and chemical AND mineral ingredients to avoid and seek out.

Sunscreen Takeaways:

1) Effectiveness of SPF 50+ is marginal
2) Buy “Broadspectrum” sunscreen to block UVA and UVB rays
3) Choose cream over spray or powder
4) Avoid Oxybenzone and Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)
5) Seek out products that contain Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
6) Drink lots of water!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.