The Top Sunscreens of 2011

     This is an addendum to my previous article. " Protecting Against Sunburn". The July 22,2011 issue of Consumer Reports will publish the best buy for sunscreen this year. Consumer Reports recommended 9 out of 22 sunscreen tested based on UVB and UVA protection and water immersions. Another study of sunscreens by the Environmental Working Group took into account the ingredients of sunscreen. The good news is that the sunscreens had good coverage of UVB & UVA rays. The not so good news was the conflicting information regarding sunscreens that contain Retinyl Palmetate containing products. Skin cancer in lab animals was noted with the use of Retinyl Palmetate. In contrast to this finding, the American Academy of Dermatology in 2010 found no convincing evidence of cancer.

    Consumer Reports Best Buy for 2011 were these three products:

       1. Up and Up Sport SPF 30

       2. No Ad with Aloe and Vitamin E SPF45

       3. Equate Baby SPF 50

     Six other recommended are the following:

       Banana Boat Sport Performance 30

       Coppertone Sport Ultra Sweat Proof 30

       CVS Fast Cover Sport SPF 50

       Walgreens Sport SPF50

       Ocean Potion Kid's Instant Dry Mist SPF 50

       Banana Boat Sport Performance

     All these products are easily obtainable in local pharmacies and department stores. The NO AD and Equate were the least expensive. Please view my previous article entitled "Protecting Against Sunburn" for directions on proper sunscreen administration.