Guide shines light on safest sunscreens

Sunscreen may not be as safe or provide the protection most people expect, according to an Environmental Working Group press release.

In its fourth annual Sunscreen Guide, the EWG recommended the use of only 39 out of 500 sunscreens commonly sold each season. Reasons included exaggerated SPF claims, a lack of regulation by the Food and Drug Administration and concerns about new government data that link a form of Vitamin A commonly used in sunscreens to the boosted growth of skin tumors and lesions.

Some of the brands recommended are: California Baby, Loving Naturals and Soleo Organics. Some of those to avoid: Aveeno, Banana Boat, some varieties of Coppertone and Neutrogena. To search a sunscreen by brand, visit the entire Sunscreen Guide at www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen.