USE SUNSCREEN! BUT WAIT... SOME ARE TOXIC???? READ ON FOR A LIST OF THE SAFE AND THE UGLY!!

Sunscreen.  Very important!  Why? They help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching the skin.  As an outdoor cyclist AND someone who had a melanoma, I definitely learned my lesson that you must prevent these rays from harming your skin! The two types of UV radiation are UVA and UVB.  Sunscreens, by combining certain ingredients, say that they stop the penetration of these rays.  

A 2014 study done by the EWG (Environmental Working Group) found that many sunscreens offer inadequate protection and some are even toxic!

According to www.rodalenews.com, here are some safer options for sunscreens, followed by a list of the MOST TOXIC sunscreens out there:

A whopping two-thirds of sunscreens analyzed by EWG researchers either didn't work well or contained potentially hazardous ingredients, including vitamin A and hormone-disrupting oxybenzone. Popular sunscreen brands like Rite Aid, Neutrogena, and Coppertone routinely landed in EWG's more dangerous sunscreen list, meaning millions of people are being exposed to questionable chemicals.

EWG found that in general, zinc- and titanium-based mineral sunscreens offer stable, lasting protection from UV rays without penetrating the skin the way their chemical counterparts do. The nonprofit does note, though, that wearing sun-protective clothingand staying in the shade during peak sun hours should also be included in any sun-protection program.

But when it is time to turn to sunscreen, there are much less toxic options on the table. Here are 10 of them…

Safer Sunscreen Picks
• Ava Anderson Non-Toxic Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+

• Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream, Chamomile & Calendula, SPF 30

• Badger Sport Sunscreen Cream, Unscented, SPF 35

• California Baby Everyday/Year-Round Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+

• COOLA Suncare Sport Moisturizer Classic Sunscreen, Unscented, SPF 45

• Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer, SPF 30

• The Honest Company Sunscreen, SPF 30

• Suntegrity Skincare 5-in-1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen, Tinted

• Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body, SPF 30

• Yes to Carrots Nourishing Daily Moisturizer, Fragrance Free, SPF 15

See the entire lists of safer beach and sport sunscreen and sunscreen with moisturizer at EWG's site.

Most Toxic Sunscreens
• Well at Walgreens Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30, 50, and 90

• Well at Walgreens Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 55 and 100

• Vichy Capital Soleil Soft Sheer Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 60

• up & up Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 and 50

• up & up Sport Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 15 and 30

• up & up Kids' Sunscreen Sun Stick, SPF 55

• up & up Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30

• up & up Kids' Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 50

• Trader Joe's Nourish Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50+

• RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30

• Rite Aid Wet Skin Kids Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 70

• Rite Aid Ultimate Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 55, 70, and 85

• Rite Aid Tugaboos Baby Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50

• Rite Aid Renewal Wet Skin Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30 and 70

• Rite Aid Renewal Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30 and 50

• Rite Aid Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 60, plus other Rite Aid sunscreen products

• philosophy miracle worker anti-aging lotion, SPF 50

• Neutrogena Wet Skin Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30, 50, and 85+

• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Facial Lotion, SPF 15

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 55, 70, 85

• L'Oreal Invisible Protect Dry Oil Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50+

• Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Clear Mist Spray Sunscreen, SPF 15 and 30

• Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70+

• CVS Age Renewal Firming & Hydrating Moisturizer, SPF 30

Check out EWG's 2014 Guide to Sunscreens to see a complete list of the safest sunscreens (the lower the number rating, the better) and the most toxic sunscreens (the higher the rating, the more toxic).