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Is It Really Protecting You From The Sun?
Contributed by: Jordan Adolph on 7/22/2009

It's summer time!! the sun is out and it's time to hit the beach. But when it comes to protecting yourself from the harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun are you really protected?

The Environmental Working Group had done a study on the best and least hazardous sunscreens on store shelves.

Of course everyone wants that amazing sun kissed farmer's tan.But most teens don't know the actual risks of not wearing sunblock on a hot summer day.


Approximately 59,000 cases of Melanoma are found each year and thousands of people that don't even know they have it, died before they could receive treatment. Melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer and it's victims increase everyday.

So you might be wondering am I at risk?

Do I not wear sunscreen or sunblock when I am outside?

If the ozone level is high or its cloudy outside do I wear sunblock or sunscreen?

Is my sunscreen really protecting me?

If you answered no to either or both of these questions, you could possibly be at risk for any form of skin cancer.

So what are the symptoms? The most common sign of Melanoma is moles. Now you can still have moles and not have skin cancer, there is a distinct difference between a normal mole and a skin cancer symptom. Melanoma moles are:

*Assemytrical-"One side of the mole is a different shape than the other." Quotes ehealthmd.com.

*Different shades of black and tan or brown. Or even flecks of blue, white, and red.

*Size. If its bigger than a pencil eraser.

*Border. All moles have borders. If your mole is uneven or scalloped.

If skin cancer is hereditary in your family, or you have moles, fair skin, burn easily, red or blonde hair, blister when burnt, or get freckles from the sun you should visit your dermatologist regularly.


So when it comes to picking the right sunscreen that will protect you, the EWG has made it particularly easy for you to find the one for you. This working group has done a top ten test of sunscreens and sunblocks. If you want the entire top ten list visit cosmeticdatabase.com. Turns out the most popular brands like Coppertone and Banana Boat had the most health effects and didn't give you much protection. So I'm going to give you the top 3 sun protectors starting at number 3.

3. Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stuff SPF 30

2. TruKid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum

1.Badger Sunscreen SPF 30

These sunscreens were proven to have UVA and UVB protection that lasts long and has little to no health effects.

I hope this has helped you find the sunscreen for you and reminds you of the risks of going out without the right sunscreen/sunblock.

The Environmental Working GRoup needs your help. Simply by visiting cosmeticdatabase.com signing up for e-mail alerts, or making a small donation as much asfive dollars will help.




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Showing 1-3 of 3 comments
Submitted By: Lena N-M
posted on 8/8/2009 @ 8:50:50 AM
Rated Story
I went out and bought Badger Sunscreen after reading this. I had already been putting on sunscreen every day, but now I know it wasn't the right kind. Thank you so much for making me aware!
Submitted By: Haley Rogers
posted on 7/25/2009 @ 8:20:16 AM
Rated Story
It's a great story, and it helps make people aware
Submitted By: Lauren McCulley
posted on 7/23/2009 @ 10:24:37 AM
Rated Story
That's reaally good info. Now, I am certain to wear sunscreen...and the right one at that!
Showing 1-3 of 3 comments
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CONTRIBUTOR INFO

Jordan Adolph

Thornton , CO

Jordan Adolph has posted 36 stories and 77 comments since joining on 7/15/2008. Jordan Adolph 's average story rating is 3.2.
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