Despite sunscreen use being higher than ever, skin cancer is still on the rise. The most common cancer in the United States, skin cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all cancer cases.
The Environmental Working Group just released their fourth annual Sunscreen Guide, with recommendations for only 39 of the 500 sunscreen products reviewed. The EWG found many products misleading in their claims, lacking in adequate protection from all types of ultraviolet radiation, and containing many potentially hazardous chemicals. Because the FDA still has not issued any sunscreen industry regulations, which they began drafting 32 years ago, consumers are left to discover the safest products on their own.
EWG Senior Vice President For Research Jane Houlihan said, "Many sunscreens available in the U.S. may be the equivalent of modern-day snake oil, plying customers with claims of broad-spectrum protection but not providing it, while exposing people to potentially hazardous chemicals that can penetrate the skin into the body."
Here are some of the dangerous truths about sunscreen, including the best and worst products.Check out the EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide for more info.