An excerpt from Dr. Axe website shows that all sunscreens are not created equally. In fact, a 2017 report from Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that nearly 75 percent of sunscreens didn’t work. This is EWG’s 11th Annual Guide to Sunscreens report, and the results show that while there have been major improvements over the last decade, the vast majority of sunscreens available for purchase in the U.S. still contain damaging chemicals or fail to offer adequate protection against ultraviolet rays.

About half of the sunscreens sold in the U.S. would not be allowed on the market in Europe, according to Sonya Lunder, lead scientist involved with the sunscreen guide. The report points to research of Brian Diffey, PhD, emeritus professor of photobiology at the Institute of Cellular Medicine at Newcastle University, where, on average, U.S. sunscreens allow about three times more UVA rays to transfer through skin compared to European sunscreens.

This matters because UVA rays are more abundant than UVB rays, and can damage your skin invisibly by suppressing the immune system and aging the skin over time; overexposure of these rays are also linked to the development of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, too.

So Why Sunscreen So Important?
There is no perfect sunscreen. Many contain harmful ingredients such as mineral-based ones that contain nanoparticles, minute ingredients that can cross the blood-brain barrier and also harm aquatic life. It’s important to look for safer sunscreens and to recognize that you can’t only rely on sunscreens alone for sun overexposure.

People with fair skin burn easily, and are at a greater risk of skin cancer. However, those with darker skin may tan more easily, but when exposed to long periods of UV-rays, can also find their skin sunburned raising the risk of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is preventable and the best way to reduce your risk is to never get a sunburn. Easier said than done, right?  So, here are a few tips that might help:

• Find solace under shade trees to play or picnic during the peak hours of 10a-4p
• Large umbrellas to create shade and relief from the glare of bright sunshine
• Wear lightweight layers and a hat to protect your face and skin from sun exposure
• Apply PUREhaven Essentials SPF 30 (UVA and UVB protecting) sunscreen, made from non-nanoparticle zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and inc
• ludes aloe vera and green tea extract to further hydrate and protect your skin.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Aside from reduced risk of skin cancer, you’ll also have fewer wrinkles and age spots. But periodic inspections of your skin will go a long way to finding early signs of anything suspicious. Pay attention to your face, neck and shoulder areas that are prone to skin-cancer and make note of any changes or discolorations. Skin cancer can be fatal, so don’t wait if you find something out of the ordinary. Get it checked right away!