Choosing Sunscreen for the Family.

With Memorial Day and a long weekend upon us many are making plans to go out to lakes, beaches and pools most will be packing some sunscreen along. So what is a concerned mom to do? How do you know what sunscreen is best and how do you choose one for your family?  Just in time for the long Memorial Day weekend EWG (Environmental Working Group) has come out with it’ new sunscreen recommendations for 2011. Though the jury is out on the effectiveness of sunscreens still and the question is still  should you use sunscreen? 
Check out the new recommended list from EWG. At least check to make sure your current sunscreen is NOT on the The Hall of Shame List.
Did you know that manufacturers recommend using a shot glass sized handful – 1 oz.  each time you apply sunscreen. And that you need to reapply it every time you sweat or swim? A normal sized bottle would not last my family a day at the lake or pool or beach by those recommendations. SPF rating are NOT true either. Some studies have shown that people commonly apply only 1/2 to 1/4 of the amount recommended to achieve the rated sun protection factor (SPF), and in consequence the effective SPF should be downgraded to a square or 4th root of the advertised value.
So what are you to do this weekend? Everyone wants to kick off summer and do so safely.
EWG recommends as do I recommends

• AVOIDING  products with
  • oxybenzone
    Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
    Added insect repellent
• Instead LOOK for products with
  • Zinc
    Titanium dioxide
    Avobenzone or Mexoryl SX
• Don’t waste your time on  sprays and powders, the nano particles can get in your lungs or SPF above 50+(the have not been proven more effective). Instead look for creams, sunscreens with UVA and UVB protection. You want a product that is water-resistant for beach, pool & exercise and preferably a SPF 30
• When in doubt cover up. Everyone should have a good swim cover. long sleeves is best. Sun protective clothing is always a good bet for those active outdoors family members. But an umbrella or a tent at the beach is better.
• Small children can go inside during the peak sun hours. With infants be sure to follow recommendations for sunscreen. 
• Be sue to test your sunscreen. Many kids are allergic to one or more components in the mix.  Sun protective clothing is always a good bet for those active outdoors family members.

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