Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Spf50 Sunscreen
Made with 100% zinc oxide, this broad spectrum sunscreen is also water-resistant. Its made with a Dry Touch technology that gives it a sheer, non-greasy finish. Dr. Ranglani says this is a purely physical sunscreen, adding, It contains 21.6% zinc oxide and gives a light and matte feel. This is a great choice for anyone who doesnt love the sometimes heavy feel of titanium oxide.
Sun Bunnies Beware: Your Sunscreen Probably Doesnt Work
Summertime is big business for the manufacturers of sunscreen products but an annual survey of them indicates they either dont work as advertised or they contain products youd probably rather not put on your skin. Or on your childrens skin.
The Environmental Working Group has just released the findings of its 9th annual Sunscreen Guide, which describes its evaluation of more than 1,700 sun-protection products. The EWG is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC. The group specializes in research and advocacy on matters of toxic chemicals in the environment, corporate accountability, agricultural subsidies, and stewardship of public lands.
The EWG found that a good 80% of the 1,700 products it evaluated were worrisome. More than half of them, it states, would not be allowed for sale on the European market.
Of particular concern to the EWG is the Neutrogena line of sun-protection products, in spite of the companys claim that it is the #1 dermatologist recommended suncare brand. All four sun-protection products on the Neutrogena website earned an EWG rating of 7, the worst rating on the EWG rating scale.
One cause for concern is the Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby sunscreen, described as being hypoallergenic and providing special protection from the sun and irritating chemicals. One particular preservative in this product is methylisothiazolinone , which is known to be a potent allergen and is considered unsafe by European standards.
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What You Need To Know About The Banana Boat Sunscreen Investigation
Health Canada has been investigating Banana Boat sunscreens since serious chemical burns were reported in babies who used the products last year.
May 10, 2018
Last year, after several reports of babies developing serious chemical burns upon using Banana Boat sunscreens, Health Canada launched an investigation into the products. By mid-July of 2017, the department of health had received nearly 200 complaints from Canadians about Banana Boat sunscreen products. Now, with sunscreen season ramping up again, we checked in with Health Canada to find out what parents need to know to protect their kids this year.
Could your baby’s sunscreen cause severe burns? Health Canada told us that they tested a number of Banana Boat sunscreen products and reviewed Banana Boats own testing on the products associated with the complaints of reported chemical burns. The tests and review of company results confirmed that the samples contained the correct amount of medicinal ingredients, that the pH levels of the samples were satisfactory, and that no undeclared drugs were identified, said the statement from a Health Canada spokesperson.
If Health Canadas continuing investigation finds evidence of a safety or quality concern with any sunscreen, the department says it will take immediate action and keep Canadians informed.
Read more:
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Singapore Mum Shares About Horrible Allergic Reaction To Sunscreen
Mrs Pueh tells us, The incident happened on 18 March , during the March school holidays. We were going to Sentosa, and it was really hot.
I realised that I had forgotten to bring sunscreen with me, so I bought Banana Boat Sunscreen for Kids from a 7-Eleven store nearby.
Both me and my 8-year-old daughter applied the sunscreen. By late afternoon, my daughters body had started itchingsoon she had rashes on her back, hands and legs.
The next day I took her to a GP, who said that it was an allergic reaction. So, he prescribed some cream and oral antihistamine. Later on, I noticed that my daughters face had got swollen.
The GP recommended that I take her to hospital A& E. However, there, the doctor informed me that she had scarlet fever and prescribed antibiotics for 10 days. I was quite confused because no blood tests were done, and my daughter did not have any fever either. She only had rashes which appeared like small bumps, especially on the back.
To make things worse, by Wednesday, I ended up with rashes on my arms and legs. The rashes were only on the areas where I had applied the sunscreen.
Feeling doubtful, I took my child to another family physician , for a second opinion. The doctor told me that she definitely did not have scarlet fever. He prescribed another cream and body wash, and thankfully, my daughter became okay soon.
Thank you, Mrs Pueh, for sharing your experience with theAsianparent.
Top Picks For The Best Baby Sunscreens
- 3rd Rock Sunblock Sunscreen Lotion, Infant, SPF 35
- Adorable Baby Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
- Badger Baby Active Sunscreen Cream, Chamomile & Calendula, SPF 30 & 40
- California Baby Everyday/Year-Round Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
- California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
- Earth Mama Baby Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 40
- Earth Mama Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40
- Erbaviva Organic Skincare Baby Sun Stick, Lavender Chamomile, SPF 30
- Erbaviva Organic Skincare Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Just Skin Food Baby Beach Bum Sunscreen Stick, SPF 31
- Nurture My Body Baby Organic Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 32
- Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen Lotion Tin, SPF 30
- Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
- Star Naturals Baby Natural Sunscreen Stick, SPF 25
- TruBaby Water & Play Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
- UV Natural Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
- Waxhead Sun Defense Baby Zinc Oxide Vitamin E + D Enriched Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 35
- MADE OF Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- thinkbaby Body & Face Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
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What Is The Difference Between Reef
There is no agreed term for reef-safe or reef-friendly sunscreen products. The terms are not regulated and the FDA has not weighed in on the issue by setting a standard.
So if you are confused about what is safe for marine life, we are with you.
Reef-safe and reef-friendly are used interchangeably at this time.
Reef-safe or reef-friendly sunscreens are sunscreens that do not contain chemicals oxybenzone or octinoxate.
When Hawaii passed a law banning the sale of sunscreens containing chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, that became the de facto definition of reef-safe or reef-friendly. The city of Key West Florida passed a similar law shortly after Hawaii.
The truth is though, no sunscreen has been proven to be safe for marine life.
Stores in Hawaii provide helpful guidelines to help you buy reef-safe sunscreen.
Whats A Consumer To Do Read Labels
The potentially harmful ingredients are limited to chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens, containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, are designated by the FDA as GRASE
But mineral sunscreens are not generally as effective at blocking sun exposure as chemical sunscreens.
An advocacy organization known as the Environmental Working Group has been studying this problem for decades. They publish an annual list of the best sunscreen products, which is available through their website. You can find their extensive list of sun protection here.
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Best Pregnancy Safe Facial Sunscreens
People with non-sensitive skin can use regular body sunscreen on the face too. The sun-protective ingredients of body and facial sunscreens are typically the same.
However, facial sunscreens are more gentle and easier to rub into the face, so they are more appropriate for pregnant womens sensitive skin.
Facial sunscreens are typical non-comedogenic, so they do not clog pores. They contain various smoothing ingredients and help you fight against oily skin and acne. Facial sunscreens also retain skin moisture and prevent dry skin. Some are perfect for applying under, others over makeup, etc.
Here are our favorite facial sunscreens that are safe in pregnancy!
What Lab Testing Can Reveal About Sunscreen Efficacy
Researchers have lab tests to assess UVB protection , UVA protection , water resistance, contact irritancy, , and even how well a given sunscreen sticks to skin following mechanical abrasion .
The FDA regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs. To obtain marketing approval from the agency, sunscreen makers must submit data showing their products are safe and effective. Among other things, the FDA considers lab data on a given sunscreens SPF value, broad-spectrum protection, and water resistance. Labs that test sunscreens recruit volunteers who are exposed to UV radiation from sun lamps while wearing sunscreen and not wearing it . The FDA requires that these tests be done on at least 10 people. Labs that test sunscreens also examine how the formulas perform when applied to acrylic plates, quantifying the amount of UV radiation that passes through. In all these cases, to achieve accurate test results, the researchers must apply the sunscreens in precise amounts and distribute them uniformly across the test surfaces. This is not how people typically use sunscreen.
The Environmental Working Group and Consumer Reports are two organizations that regularly report findings on, among other things, whether a sunscreens SPF matches whats stated on the bottle. Year after year, they find that many do not. But even the best lab-test data reveals little about how people actually use sunscreensespecially when it comes to spray sunscreens.
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What Are The Types Of Sunscreen
Let’s start with a quick refresher as to the different types of sunscreens out there. There are two categories: chemical and physical . Chemical sunscreens contain ingredientscommon ones include avobenzone, oxybenzone, and homosalatethat are absorbed into the skin. There, they work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which prevents the skin from burning, explains Chimento. On the other hand, physical sunscreens, which rely on minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are not absorbed into the skin. Rather, they sit on the surface and work by reflecting or redirecting the damaging UV rays, she says.
Broadly speaking, they each have their own sets of pros and cons. For example, chemical sunscreens are traditionally more cosmetically elegant, while physical sunscreens tend to be less irritating for those with sensitive skin. If you’re not pregnant, the best sunscreen for you is the one that you like and are going to actually use every day, 365 days a year. That being said, for those who are pregnant, there is a clear winner…
Wear Sun Protection Clothing
Avoiding sunscreen is the simplest solution. Cover yourself, not just your kids, in sun-protecting clothing hats, shirts, shade, and 100% UV-protection sunglasses.
You can buy UPF-rated clothes or just wear a plain t-shirt.
Consumer Reports testing found white t-shirts provided as good, if not better, UV-protection than advertised UPF-rated clothing. Even when wet.
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The Best Safe Sunscreen For Pregnancy
Theres honestly no comparison here: the best safe sunscreen for pregnancy is hands-down Beautycounters sun protection line.
Being as pale as I am, I need a lot of sunscreen and plenty of reapplications during the day at the beach. So on top of their existing sun protection, the new spray sunscreens are a life-saver for me. These sprays make it super easy to stay protected, but theyre also air-powered and reef-safe. So I can float around, pregnant as hell, with my soulmates the whales, and not worry one bit about whats falling off my skin into their environment.
The EWG recommends sunscreens made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the safest sun protection. Every Beautycounter Sun Protection product is powered by safe minerals and free of unsafe or potentially unsafe chemicals. I know Beautycounters mission and commitment so well, including the list of ingredients they will never use in their products, that I dont even need to read the ingredients list before I order. How awesome is that?
On top of that, what really makes me love Beautycounter is that the products are just as good if not better than other conventional cosmetics and skincare products Ive used in the past. Lets be honest: if the products werent good, Id eventually opt for convenience and effectiveness, even over the safety. Or Id groan about how awful this face cream is or how freaking white I look after using this all-natural sunscreen.
Sunscreen And Vitamin D
Sunshine is a vital component of the chemical reaction that drives vitamin D synthesis in the human body. Vitamin D is essential for health, and wearing sunscreenwhich deflects or absorbs the suns rayssignificantly reduces the bodys ability to make it. Along with eating fortified foods or taking supplements, getting 15 minutes of sun exposure is usually enough for most people to make sufficient vitamin D.4 But dermatologists recommend covering up or using sunscreen whenever you may be exposed to the sun, so finding a balance between protecting your skin and getting enough vitamin D can be confusing. Because every persons situation is unique, its best to discuss this topic with your doctor.
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What To Look For In Your Sunscreen
How can you shop with confidence when it comes to sunscreen? Can you protect yourself and your baby at the same time?
The good news is that only two sunscreen ingredients, PABA and tolamine salicylate, have been found dangerous by the Food and Drug Administration . And these ingredients are illegal in sunscreens sold in the United States.
Some other sunscreen ingredients including oxybenzone, avobenzone, ensulizole, octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene, and octinoxate have been used in U.S. sunscreens for many years. But the FDA has to confirm their long-term safety.
There are two ingredients that the FDA has established as generally safe for use by all people: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Theyre natural minerals that physically block the suns harmful rays from getting to your skin.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the main ingredients in physical sunscreens, which are also known as mineral sunscreens.
Mineral sunscreens are the best for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with sensitive skin.
Mineral sunscreens do tend to be more expensive than their chemical counterparts. Typically products start around $6 and go all the way up to $50 per tube or bottle. You can sometimes buy in bulk and save money.
Sunscreen should always be broad spectrum , SPF 30 or higher, water resistant , applied 15 minutes before you go outside, and reapplied every 2 hours while you are outside.
Cant I Just Eat My Sunscreen
You may have heard this term about eating the right foods to prevent sunburn. There are facts to back it up13 but proceed with caution: you still need to lather up if youre sunbathing.
Being sunburned is a sign of inflammation. Diet is crucial when it comes to inflammation in the body. If you consume more anti-inflammatory foods, your chance of getting sunburned decreases.
Try the following to help complement your safe sun routine:
- Stay away from processed foods, vegetable oils and sugars: even with your cravings try to limit chips, soda and polyunsaturated oils .
- Add healthy Omega-3s: oily fish , cod liver oil, walnuts, flax and chia seeds.
- cravings with a square of high-antioxidant dark chocolate. Yum.
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Which Types Of Sunscreen Should Pregnant People Avoid
Both dermatologists we spoke with agree that physical sunscreens are by far the better option for pregnant people. “There are ongoing studies about the safe threshold for the absorption of chemical sunscreen ingredients through the skin, which show that they can get into the bloodstream,” says Cheung. Indeed, in January of 2020, the Food and Drug Administration released a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association that found six commonly-used chemical sunscreen ingredients are absorbed into the body these findings prompted further research about the safety of these ingredients, which is still ongoing. Cheung goes on to say that oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate are certain ingredients in particular that have been shown to impact hormones in animal studies.
But that’s by no means an excuse to skip ‘screen, pregnant or not. It just means that pregnant people should stick with physical formulas. “Physical sunscreens simply sit on top of the skin, so there’s no concern around chemicals being absorbed and affecting either parent or baby,” says Chimento. It’s also worth noting that the two most commonly used ingredients in physical sunscreens, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are the only two sunscreen ingredients deemed GRASE by the FDA.
Overdosage Of Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion
- Do not use more than prescribed dose. Taking more medication will not improve your symptoms rather they may cause poisoning or serious side-effects. If you suspect that you or anyone else who may have overdosed of Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion, please go to the emergency department of the closest hospital or nursing home. Bring a medicine box, container, or label with you to help doctors with necessary information.
- Do not give your medicines to other people even if you know that they have the same condition or it seems that they may have similar conditions. This may lead to overdosage.
- Please consult your physician or pharmacist or product package for more information.
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Best Stick Application Sunscreen For Use During Pregnancy
Price: $This zinc oxide stick sunscreen is easy to throw in your purse or bag for easy application out and about. Its full of organic, safe ingredients that are good for your skin and safe for baby.Some users found the white residue was a little hard to rub in, and others mentioned that the product was smaller than expected.
How Much Sunscreen Should I Use
To get the SPF listed on the bottle, you need to put 2 mg/cm2 on your skin. That means the average-size adult needs roughly a shot glasss worth of sunscreen for their mostly naked body . So, as you may have just concluded, you are almost certainly not using enough sunscreen. A 2014 study showed that people typically use a quarter to half as much sunscreen as they need to per application to meet the advertised SPF.
Spray sunscreens are trickier, as its hard to tell how much ends up on your skin, but if youre headed to the beach in a bikini or similar, weve found that spraying the sunscreen close to your body for roughly two minutes in a windlessbut well-ventilatedarea should do the trick.
Apply your sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, since it takes that long for the formula to fully sink into your skin, and then again once every hour , plus every time after you work up a sweat or go in the water.
A note about water resistance: Some sunscreen makers claim their formulas are water resistant, but no sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof. As such, you should never count on sunscreen to stick to your skin after youve gone for a swim or worked out, and you should definitely reapply after you do either of those things. Per FDA regulations, sunscreen can be labeled as water resistant for only up to 80 minutes, by which point you likely should have reapplied anyway.
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