The Truth About Sunscreens: 80% of Them Don’t Work!

Most Sunscreens Don’t Work and There is No Such Thing as SPF 100

The annual Sunscreen Guide is out and it finds big issues with popular sunscreen brands (Photo: iStock)

Thinking sandy toes and salty kisses, blue waters and sunscreen… Sunscreen? Oh Wait! Before you grab your favourite sunblock, do some research.

A recent report by the Environmental Working Group found that 80% sunscreens don’t do what they promise.

WORSE: Some are even dangerous!

Thinking your sunscreen gives complete protection against wrinkles, skin cancer and burns? You’re in for some disappointment (Photo: iStock)

The Findings

EWG reviewed more than 1,700 SPF products and found that 80% of them offered “inferior protection”. Infact most sunscreens with SPF of 50 and above are brazenly cheating the janata.

In fact, my personal favourite, Neutrogena, has been put in the “Hall of Shame” category for shamelessly promoting sky high SPF values without delivering!

Another big issue flagged by the report is the use of chemicals in these sunblocks.

So when you’re buying a sunblock scan the fine print of the bottle and pay attention like you would read food labels. If you see the word “ oxybenzone”, keep the bottle right back in the rack. This is a synthetic chemical, considered to be a hormone disrupter and can cause eczema like allergy in your skin!

How to Buy the Right Sunscreen

(Photo: iStock)

Take a look at the ingredients, if you see “Vitamin A” or “Retinol, Retinyl, Retinoic Acid” then it’s unsafe. Vitamin A increases skin sensitivity.

Aim for SPF between 15-50 unless you are prone to sunburns. SPF of higher than 50 is a marketing gimmick.

Lookout for the term “broad spectrum”, it will offer protection against both UVA and UVB.

Avoid sprays. They seem no-fuss but are quite ineffective too.

Organic sunscreens are chemical-free and not too heavy on the pocket either.