I Scream, You Scream

We all scream for sunscreen! The EWG released it's 2010 Sunscreen Guide last month and not a moment too soon. Lest you think that sunscreen is only a summertime product, think again. It should be worn year round because let's face it, you go outside every day, don't you? Did you know that the majority of sun exposure your face receives is from driving? It's true. Mom learned this the hard way when she went for a skincare consultation with a dermatologist. The technician took a 3-d picture of the left side of Mom's face and when Mom asked why the left side and not the entire face the technician explained that the left is exposed to the sun more than the right side because of driving. Who knew?

You guys already know the EWG from the post Mom did last month on beauty products. The EWG Sunscreen Guide is the most comprehensive guide you'll find anywhere. It not only provides you with ratings on sunscreens but also exposes 9 surprising truths about them. I want you to read the truths because the information is really important and will surprise most of you. You can also read the full sunscreen report which includes a letter to the FDA. And don't forget to check out the hall of shame where the EWG exposes products and players that are just wrong for the sunscreen business.

The guide has a list of the best sunscreens or you can search for your sunscreen. Each sunscreen has an overall score in addition to ratings from excellent to low on the following components:

UVB PROTECTION (SPF)
UVA PROTECTION
UVA/UVB BALANCE
SUNSCREEN STABILITY
HEALTH CONCERN
OTHER CONCERNS

The sunscreen ingredients are listed along with a sunscreen UV absorbance chart. All the other ingredients in the sunscreen are also listed with scores. I think it's great that there's a link to buy each sunscreen right under its picture. You can even tweet a sunscreen or share it on Facebook. How cool is that?

These are the sunscreens that Mom currently has. I say has and not uses because some are not so desirable, like the Burt's Bees. I know, I know, everypug thinks Burt's Bees products are the bomb but apparently this sunscreen doesn't really live up to it's name. It contains, hold onto yourself - fragrance! Yikes! What the heck is Mom doing with this stuff? I can tell you what she's not doing with it and that's using it. The EWG gave this stuff a score of 4 and that's enough to permanently scare her away from it. Sorry Burt's Bees.

But what about the other sunscreens? Mom uses the Kiss My Face stuff religiously, especially the Face Factor. She hadn't always been so religious about using sunscreen on her face until after her accident. The plastic surgeon told her that her incision would definitely scar if it got sunburned so on went the sunscreen and a hat on top of her fro. She's never looked back. The EWG gave Face Factor a rating of 3 which is not great but is okay for now. Unfortunately she just bought 2 containers (before the guide came out) because she remembers it scoring much better last year. She will use it up and then move on to something better. The Kiss My Face Oat Protein sunscreen fared a little worse than its facial counterpart with a score of 4. Bye bye Kiss My Face!

The best news came from Badger. If you aren't familiar with this company you have to check them out. They make a whole host of products for your well-being and they are committed to a safe and healthy environment. Check out their mission statement:

To create fabulously pure and effective products of the highest natural quality, based on simplicity and thoughtful preparation, with the intention to soothe and heal.

To run a business that is fun, fair and profitable; where money is fuel, not a goal; and where our vision for a healthier world finds expression through the way we work and through the way we treat each other and the people we serve.

I love it! The proof of their mission is in their sunscreen which received a score of 1. YAY! And it's for the body and face so it's what I call one-stop-shopping. The worst ingredient in it is zinc oxide and while this isn't ideal, it receives a score of 4 which isn't that bad.

So often people think that for something to work it has to cost a lot of money. Nothing could be further from the truth with sunscreens. While the Badger sunscreen costs more than the brands you'll find at your local drugstore, it's far less expensive than the brands you'll find at department stores. You may have to go out of your way to find good products but it will be time well spent. Your body will love you for choosing products that won't harm it.

Summer is here and the holiday weekend is almost upon us. Check out the EWG Sunscreen Guide before you hit the stores so that you know what to buy. Educate yourself before you spend your hard earned money on sunscreen. The good stuff is out there once you know what to look for.

Personal note: I am doing much better today. I have been walking pretty good and my laser therapy went very well. The vet even said I'm walking better but stressed that I'm still on "restricted exercise". That means I still get carried around a lot which isn't such a bad thing. Thanks to everyone for sending all those healing vibes. The power of the paw is totally working!