Jul 15, 2009 10:36 am US/Pacific
Group Finds Not All Sunscreens Created Equal
DENVER (CBS) ―
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Not all sunscreens offer the protection promised on the label.
AP
Each year the Environmental Working Group puts hundreds of sunscreen products to the test, CBS station KCNC-TV reported. It's out with this year's report and and findings show 60 percent of brand name products don't deliver their promised protection.
The EWG looks at everything from sunscreens themselves to lip balms to moisturizers with SPF. The group says when it comes to offering UVA protection, three out of five products don't effectively protect skin from sun damage.
KCNC-TV examined the report, looking through a variety of products to see which ones work. His list of top products which are easy to find in stores includes Tropical Sands sunscreen, Neutrogena sunblock, Loreal Concealer sunscreen, Coppertone Waterbabies and Walgreen's sunblock.
There are dozens more EWG said will work well, many found only through Web retailers.
"There are a couple of other points," said KCNC-TV medical reporter Dr. Hnida. "Sunscreens with super-high SPFs, meaning above 45, may not be worth the extra money.
"Also know waterproof does not always mean waterproof so you need to reapply it often."
Dr. Hnida said parents need to use caution with spray-on sunscreens, especially with small children because the fine mist is easy to inhale.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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