How to: Avoid Sunburns - July 27, 2008

A recent study by a cosmetics industry watchdog group may hold part of the answer. Analyzing 952 brand-name sunscreens, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group found that only 15 percent offered 'very good' protection from both UVB and UVA radiation, remained stable in sunlight and posed few if any known or suspected hazards. In plain language, 4 out of 5 failed its tests — with leading brands among the worst offenders.

BASF UV Filters provide reliable Protection against Sunburn and Skin Aging - June 19, 2008

BASF's highly active UV filters help protect skin from UV radiation. BASF supplies many big-name sunscreen product manufacturers and is one of the world's leading cosmetic industry suppliers. More and more skincare and decorative cosmetic products now contain UV filters. "A good product should give two-fold protection against sunburn and premature skin aging," says Dr. Heike Floesser-Mueller, sunscreen expert and European marketing specialist for cosmetic ingredients at BASF. "So cosmetic products should contain UVB and UVA filters."

Increasing Sun Exposure is Not The Way to Decrease Breast Cancer Risk, Despite New Data, Warn Cancer Experts - May 15, 2008

Cancer researchers and physicians have warned of the link between unprotected sun exposure and the development of skin cancer for decades, but experts from Yale Cancer Center warn that recent publicity about a new study linking a decreased risk of breast cancer to increased levels of vitamin D may be confusing.

Screen your Sun Protection for Safe Coverage – May 12, 2008

A recent report by the CDC also found that 95 percent of Americans have oxybenzone, an ingredient found in sunscreens, in their bloodstream. The chemical is linked to cell damage, allergies and hormone disruption.

Users can search the Skin Deep sunscreen database for the highest- and lowest-rated sunscreens or search by brand name. A scale rates each sunscreen a low, moderate or high health hazard as well as effective, moderately effective or not effective sun protection.

Melanoma Rates Continue to Rise - August 17, 2007

The incidence of melanoma has steadily increased in the United States , and from 1995 to 2004, the rate of melanoma rose by more than 1% per year.

Understanding Sunscreen Labels Helps Achieve Maximum Protection - July 25, 2007

Sixty-two percent of Americans surveyed in a new survey* by PreSun Sunscreen products indicate they do not purchase a new sunscreen at the start of every spring/summer season (instead, using what was left from last summer).  "Extreme temperatures, including being in a suitcase or hot car, can shorten sunscreen's shelf life, so it's safest to buy a new bottle at least every summer season," explains Florida-based dermatologist Craig Eichler, M.D. Here, Dr. Eichler offers his tips for purchasing sunscreen: