Smart Shoppers' Sunblock Card

PROPER USE OF SUNSCREEN:

• Wear protective clothing- tight weave, dark colors, heavier weights

• Cover all exposed skin liberally - remember ears, backs of knees, feet and hands

• Apply sunscreen BEFORE going outdoors

• Use sunscreen even on cloudy days

• Re-apply after swimming, sweating, and at least every 2 hours

• If a child develops a reaction to a specific brand, try using a PABA-free brand or zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

LOOK FOR THESE INGREDIENTS:

Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide

(Due to concerns about DNA damage, do not apply “micronized” versions of these ingredients to broken skin.)

LOOK OUT FOR THESE INGREDIENTS:

• PABA: skin irritant
• Benzophenone-3: hormone disruptor
• Homosalate: hormone disruptor
• Octyl-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate): hormone disruptor
• Padimate-0: damage DNA
• Parsol 1789: damage DNA
• Parabens: hormone disruptor
• Insect repellents (DEET): skin and eye irritant

SOME BETTER SUNBLOCKS:

California Baby SPF 30+(titanium dioxide*), $17.99

Clinique City Block (titanium dioxide*), $15.50-$16.50

Devita Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer (zinc oxide*), $25

Dr. Hauschka Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 (titanium dioxide*), $14.95

Epicuren Discovery Zinc Oxide Sunscreen (zinc oxide*), $29

JASON Natural Cosmetics Earth’s Best Organic Sunblock, Chemical Free SPF 30+ (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), $14.99

Lavera Kids Sun Block Spray and Family Fun Spray (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), $26.50 and $25.50

U.V. Natural (zinc oxide*), $15.95

Vanicream SPF 15 (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide*), $11.95

Zinc Oxide Ointment, $2.50-$5

Aubrey Organics Natural Sun SPF 25 Green Tea Protective Sunscreen (PABA, titanium dioxide*), $8.50

*contains micronized versions of these ingredients

updated 06-09-06