Suncreams
Suncreams under the Spotlight!
Suncreams under the Spotlight!
Story at-a-glance
- Many sunscreens are far less effective than claimed on the label and 24 of the 73 products evaluated offered less than half of the protection promised by their stated SPF
- SPF applies to UVB rays only, and not UVA, which are actually responsible for most of the UV damage. To protect against UVA, you need to look for a broad-spectrum product that specifies protecting against UVA
- Ninety-six percent of the U.S. population has oxybenzone in their bodies — a known endocrine disruptor linked to reduced sperm count in men and endometriosis in women. The main source is sunscreens
- Researchers also warn that some sunscreen ingredients are neurotoxic, posing a hazard to brain health and development
- Aside from the problem of toxicity, excessive use of sunscreen also contributes to vitamin D deficiency, which in turn increases your risk for a wide array of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer
