Baldiness

Choose Your Sunscreen Wisely: Tips for Summer

by Bald Man on June 22nd, 2007

My daughter was kind enough to remind me that yesterday was the first day of summer. She loves the calender in her room… particularly the holiday notations.

Summer means sun and sun means sunburn… if you’re not careful. Every Bald Man should know that sunscreen is an essential part of the survival kit. Yeah, sure, there’s skin cancer and premature skin aging risks to be sure, but you don’t have to think long-range to get motivated. Just remember how much a sunburn hurts; that should do it for most of us.

But be careful when you select your sunscreen. The Environmental Working Group, a consumer and environmental watchdog in DC, released a report claiming more than 80% of sunscreens don’t live up to their claims. “Only 16% of the products on the market are both safe and effective, blocking both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation, remaining stable in sunlight, and containing few if any ingredients with significant known or suspected health hazards.” Among the concerns:

• Unstable ingredients that breakdown rapidly in sunlight, thus reducing their effectiveness
• Unsubstantiated product claims, such as “waterproof,” “all-day protection,” or “blocks all harmful rays”
• Untested and potentially unsafe chemical formulations that may be harmful if absorbed through the skin
• Products that do not protect against both UVA and UVB rays, both of which are associated with sunburn, accelerated skin aging and skin cancer

So, here are some tips gleened from the above MedPage article, an NPR report I heard yesterday on All Things Considered, and my own experience:

• Shop wisely - Look for either “zinc oxide” or “titanium dioxide.” These ingredients are proven safe and effective.
• Apply liberally - The recommendation is one ounce of sunscreen for your entire body. That’s probably enough to overflow your hand.
• Reapply often - You should reapply at least every two hours, more often if you are in the water or sweating a lot. Even the best sunscreens breakdown in sunlight and wash off.
• Buy ingredients not a brand - Zinc oxide is zinc oxide whether it’s in a cheap store brand or a designer label.
• Don’t forget the kids! - Tender skin needs extra protection, so don’t skimp on the SPF.

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POSTED IN: Bald Medicine