The Environmental Working Group, a Washington-based nonprofit, has
released an investigation of nearly 1,000 brand-name sunscreens
that says four out of five don't adequately protect consumers and
may contain harmful chemicals.
The group says some of the products of the nation's leading brands
-- including Coppertone, Neutrogena and Banana Boat -- are the
poorest performers.
Experts Give Advice on Choosing and Using Sunscreens
"The physical blocking sunscreens are by far the better sunscreens
vs. the chemical sunscreens," says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a
dermatologist in Danville, Calif. The EWG found in its literature
search that as much as 40% of Mexoryl can degrade within two
hours. Helioplex products trigger the same concerns from EWG
scientists as do other chemical blockers -- the risk of upsetting
hormonal balance. The bottom line: Physical blockers work better
on both UVA and UVB rays, according to experts interviewed by
WebMD.
Colby Donaldson
demonstrates how the Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF
30+ bottle turns color on the Rachael Ray TV show.
