Sunscreen

Here in Vegas is was sunny and clear today – pretty much how it is 306 days a year.  But today also reached a high over 110F…in fact it is 8:30pm and it is still 102F.  But it’s a dry heat…unless you get wet!  Yes, we were lucky enough to share an afternoon at the pool with a visiting friend…even had the pool to ourselves for a bit.  How luxurious!

There are a few facets of pool afternoons that make me anxious.  First, Pumpkin, though he loves the water, doesn’t swim yet and so I am hyper-vigilant in the pool.  No problem – just that healthy level of respect/fear of water’s power.  Second, Pumpkin-head is an actual pumpkin head with orangey hair and fair skin.  So sunscreen is a must.

And I have never been a sunscreen user.  Oh, I used to dutifully purchase a new bottle every few years with an SPF of 8 or so.  And I put it on that day.  Then I made sure my ankle tattoo was covered the next few outings.  And then I tossed it when the expiration day came around and bought my next bottle.  And really, I hadn’t done that too much in the last few years either.  I didn’t get my first sunburn until I was about 20 – I thought I had contracted malaria or typhoid fever when I started to peel.  My fairly fair roommate told me what it was, told me to get over it and offered zero sympathy.  I have gotten sunburned bad enough to peel a handful of times in the last dozen years.  And that is fine for me.  But when I look at the unblemished, creamy skin of my Pumpkin…well, that just won’t do.

Maybe you heard about the Environmental Working Groups’ report in late May that only 8% of the 500 tested sunscreens both met the claims of SPF coverage that they state on the label and are free of harmful chemicals.  There were some questions about the structure of their study – specifically that sunscreens aren’t as effective as the labeling suggests because people do not use the product as directed.  However, the American Academy of Dermatology also recognizes this as true indicating that people generally used 25-50% of the recommended amount (1 oz…shot glass full…every two hours) and the SPF is therefore reduced (and gives all their recommendations here .  Ok…first task…get at least half ounce of cream on Pumpkin.  I can do that.

Most popular sunscreens – Coppertone, Neutrogena, Banana Boat, etc. – are chemical based.  The chemical is absorbed into skin (in many cases entering the bloodstream) and absorbs the sun’s UV rays.  I have not found anything explaining how the product carries the absorbed toxins out of the body – through the bloodstream or through wearing off the skin.  Regardless, in general, I shy away from chemicals in personal care products.  Thanks to the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976 any chemical can be used in consumers’ products until the EPA proves it dangerous. In other words, there is no required testing for chemicals used in any personal care products and only a couple hundred of the 82,000 chemicals in care products have been thoroughly tested.  When there is a problem (like when the EWG alleges that vitamin A in sunscreens actually increases the carcinogenic damage on sustains in the sun) the EPA investigates and rules on each chemical. This hasn’t been a very successful system from the perspective of the consumer or the EPA.  Corporations aren’t complaining.  Right now, there are many campaigns intended to drive legislation for safer chemical laws – take a minute to check out a few:

• Kid Safe Chemical Act (rocky road for this one, it was knocked down in 2008 and is being attacked on politics now)
• Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (complete with spoofy, vaguely propaganda-y video)
• Washington Toxics Coalition (make sure to check out the Chemicals of Concern tab)

OK…so no chemicals.  Luckily there are barrier products: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (think life guard with striped nose).  Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are mineral based and the particles of the product are too large to soak into skin.  They sit on top of the skin and provide a physical barrier to the sun’s rays.  There are many brands that use minerals in addition to chemicals and some that use minerals alone.  This is recommended when avoidance isn’t possible.  Of course fluorescent light bulbs also give off light in the same wavelengths as the sun, therefore we are being exposed to the same skin damaging effects and the carcinogenic properties of sunlight in offices, stores and, if you use CFL’s, at home. So nix avoidance…

Outdoors we are using California Baby Titanium Dioxide based sunscreen.  It seems to work well – no burns yet.  And the Vegas sun isn’t anything to tangle with – it will beat you to a blistered, peeling pulp.  Plus, California Baby is available nationally at Target…but it does cost $17.99 for a 2.9 oz tube.  For pint-sized Pumpkin this should be about 6 servings.  Yes, it is costly on the surface but cheap insurance against cancer and toxicity.  Hats, long sleeves and long pants also work, as does staying inside (under incandescent, halogen or LED lights)…but how very un-granola.