Sunscreen Info.

In Missouri summer has been in effect for a good couple of months, other places it's just starting to resemble summer. With the sun, comes the questions of sunscreen...what SPF do I wear? And which sunscreen is good for me?

In May of this year there was a study put out by the EWG detailing exactly these common questions. The study reports that after all research was conducted, they only recommend 39 of the 500 sunscreens on the market! So why does the Environmental Working Group only stand behind 8% of sunscreens? The two main reasons: exaggerated claims of the effectiveness of SPF 50 and higher & the use of harsh chemicals.

People often assume that the higher the SPF the better protected they are. Unfortunately this isn't the case. Although most sunscreens will protect you against UVB rays which cause sunburn, the majority do not protect you against UVA Rays. UVA Rays don't cause sunburn but it has been believed that they contribute to cancer & skin damage as they penetrate further into the skin. It's also been shown that people don't apply the correct amount of sunscreen. Because sunscreen in under applied by 3/4 the effectiveness decreases drastically. An under applied sunscreen labeled SPF 30 is said to have an actual SPF of 2.3 which is a notable difference.

When it comes to products & what we put into our bodies I'm usually one of the first to ask questions. So when I heard the effect vitamin A has & that it's put in sunscreen was no surprise to me. Vitamin A is in 41% of sunscreens, when it is mixed with the suns rays it changes biochemically & can result in cancer...the very thing sunscreen companies claim to reduce the risk of. Another harsh chemical found in sunscreen is oxybenzone. It's primary function is to convert light rays into heat but more often than not is absorbed into the skin & bloodstream. It has been shown to release free radicals in this conversion process. Although we know the effects of free radicals, the effects of oxybenzone itself are currently being studied.

Now that we know some sunscreen background, what sunscreens are good for your skin? Here are the top 10 rated sunscreens according to the EWG study.

1. Badger Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30

2. Badger Face and Body SPF 30

3. Badger Face and Body SPF 30 Unscented

4. Burnout Kids Sunscreen SPF 30

5. California Baby Sunblock Stick SPF 30

6. California Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

7. Coola Mineral Baby Moisturizer SPF 45

8. Doctor T's Supergoop!

9. Hara Body Care Sport SPF 30

10. Healing Scents Live Long Sunscreen SPF 15

Just A Little About Me

I would imagine that the majority of people who will be reading this already know me, how I think & essentially what I'm about. But, at some point I'm sure there will be someone new which is why I want to just do a quick introduction of yours truly.

So, my name is Megan & I'm pretty close to being 27 years old...just another couple months. I currently live in Town & Country, MO where I am attending Logan College of Chiropractic. I have worked in natural health care facilities in Washington & California for the past few years & have learned so much. I try to keep myself educated on new studies, different products & ways to enjoy a better lifestyle.

My perspective on health care, as you may have guessed, is more holistic....some have even said a little extreme. I believe in "alternative" health care & in eating a healthy, organic diet (even though I need some work in this area). I think keeping a positive frame of mind is a key factor in living a long, fulfilled life. I don't believe in putting toxic substances in your body on a day to day basis, I don't believe in most vaccines or living a negative, grudge filled life.

With that said, I'm sure you have an idea of the vision I have for this blog. I essentially wanted a place where I could informally help educate people about how to live longer while being happier & healthier in the process. So, what to eat, what supplements are best for what, what supplements to steer away from, how to be emotionally satisfied, are all things that will be touched upon among others. I also want everyone to be comfortable enough to ask a question or suggest a topic to write about. If you want to know something I will do my best to find an answer for you.

I hope that gives a good insight to what I am looking to accomplish & I hope you enjoy my view of health from a holistic perspective. :)