Make Sure Your Sunscreen Is Actually Protecting Your Family

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Make Sure Your Sunscreen Is Actually Protecting Your Family

What's the first thing you do before going to the beach or going outside in the summer? Put on sunscreen.

We all want to protect our skin from UV rays that can cause cancer but there's just one problem. A recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group revealed that 73% of sunscreens on the market do not live up to the standards they advertise.

"Sunscreens are really mismarketed, and as a result, people who depend on them think they are far more powerful than they really are," said senior analyst Sonya Lunder.

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The study examined the SPF protection and overall effectiveness of nearly 880 sunscreen products. Most of the products are misleading about protection from UVA rays as opposed to UVB rays.

The point of the study was to make people think about the sunscreen they're using for ultimate protection. For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen just means it provides 15 times more protection than if you WEREN'T wearing ANY sunscreen...but it's only good for about an hour. Even an SPF 50 sunscreen needs to be re-applied every few hours.

Consumer Report

Spray on sunscreen is also something to avoid. The uneven application can mean no protection from the sun, even though that's exactly what they're marketed to do.

It's also important to remember that sometimes you need more than just sunscreen. Hats and clothing that keep you covered are the best ways to stay protected in the summer!

Meagan has an intense love for Netflix, napping, and carbs.