The Environmental Working Group, better known as the EWG for short, is a non profit advocacy group in the United States founded in 1992 by Ken Cook, and located in Washington D.C..
This organization specializes in research areas such as toxic chemicals, agricultural subsidies, public lands, and corporate accountability.
They have been helping all the beach lovers of the world by evaluating sunscreens for years.
In 2007, they published a sunscreen guide, and pointed out that many products were not good for the consumer, even though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed false claims to be made.
We here at Beach Baby, want to help sort this mess out, so we decided to research the topic of sunscreens a little closer.
Beware Of Melanoma
Most health care providers agree that the ultra violet rays from the sun can cause cancer, and maybe even the deadly kind – melanoma.
You should always watch for irregular moles and strange spots on your skin.
Make an appointment with your doctor and get him/her to refer you to a skin specialist.
Dermatologists can eliminate skin irregularities before they become cancerous, if they are treated early.
You don’t want your doctor to say you tested positive for melanoma. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Most melanomas are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, and even from artificial sources, such as heat lights.
You need to investigate the scientific research. Speak to your health care provider, and read the information from reputable sources, such as the Mayo Clinic in the United States.
It is nonsense to think that using sunscreen can cause melanoma. Apply sunscreen every day before you leave the house, especially to your face and ears.
Carry it with you, and reapply when you don’t think you need it. The sun’s rays are most dangerous between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Protective clothing at the beach includes a hat and an umbrella.
Sunscreen Sticks for around the eyes work well, and sunscreen Gels for hairy body parts do the job more efficiently.
Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both types of damaging UV radiation – UVA and UVB.
Research today is saying that a SPF value of 30 is critical for that adequate protection.
The Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2011, studied 1600 people, who used the “broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 over an extended period of time.
These people reduced the incidence of melanoma up to 73%.
Find yourself some “broad spectrum” sunscreen that feels great on your skin, and include all the other preventative ways we mentioned above, into your daily routines, and the nasty squamous cell carcinomas shouldn’t bother you.
Summary
- Use broad spectrum sunscreen
- SPF 30 or higher to be safe
- Start at 6 months old
- Get your skin checked regularly by a dermatologist
- Keep informed with scientific research
- Get proper amount of vitamin D
- Cover up
