Thursday, May 21, 2015

Sunscreen update - the latest ratings from Consumer Reports

This month's Consumer Reports magazine (available also at www.consumerreports.org) has a great review on sunscreens. A synopsis of the "5 things you must know about sunscreen":
1. You can't always trust the claimed SPF - many sunscreens tested fell short of their actual level of protection. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30, and to frequently re-apply the sunscreen while outside.
2. Your sunscreen may only be doing half of its job - "br...oad spectrum" sunscreens protect against both UVB and UVA rays. Unlike UVB rays, which are more prevalent in the summer and between 10 am and 4 pm, UVA rays are always present and they can pass through glass and clouds. UVA rays have a deeper penetration in the skin, and can accelerate skin damage and the chance of melanoma. You should look for "broad spectrum" coverage against both types of rays.
3. "Natural" and mineral sunscreens did not work as well - according to the consumer reports evaluation.
4. You don't have to spend a lot to get excellent sunscreen protection (ratings to follow)
5. Sunscreen doesn't have to be "sticky or stinky"



Consumer reports recent ratings for sunscreen:
Here are the highest rated, according to their testing -
1. Vichy Capital Soleil 50 Light Weight Foaming lotion
2. Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50
3. Equate (Walmart) Ultra protection SPF 50...
4. No-Ad Sport SPF 50
5. Banana Boat SunComfort Continuous Spray SPF 50+
6. L'Oreal Quick Dry Sheer Finish SPF 50+
7. Coppertone Sport High Performance AccuSpray SPF 30
8. La-Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Milk
9. Coppertone UltraGuard SPF 70+
10. Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection SPF 70
11. Avon Sun+Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 40



A caution about "spray" sunscreen and children - do not spray directly on your child; spray into your hand and then apply to your child