UV index reported high today by the meteorologist.

Several times this morning I heard on NBC-TV that the UV index was very high and to wear sunscreen even if out for a short period of time.  I think back on my teens sitting out with a foil-lined album reflecting the sun on my fair skin covered in baby oil in May.  Early in the spring/summer UV index can be the highest.  May is now skin cancer awareness month.  Today, Melanoma has become the second most common cancer in women ages 15-29 - YIKES and young!
 
As myself and my peers visit the dermatologist decades later, we are learning the hard way that those burns and simply being outdoors without sunscreen was a very bad choice we made in the past. Skin cancer is not just a warning any more, but more and more patients find it necessary to freeze or surgically remove a potential area for cancer.  Some receive the devastating news of the diagnosis of skin cancer.  I cannot impress upon people how important a good sunscreen is whether you have fair skin or dark skin. UV rays are dangerous!  UVA rays affect aging.  UVB rays affect Basal cell growth.  'A' for Aging...'B' for Basal. And now we are learning about HEV - High Energy Visible Light (or blue light emitted from your hand held, tablet and computer).  Research is showing that HEV causes premature aging with uneven skin tones, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles. So how do you protect yourself, your young children and loved ones from UVA, UVB and HEV?
 
Beautycounter is a mission-based, safer skincare line.  They educate, advocate for change and intentionally ban 1500 ingredients commonly used in personal care from their products.  Beautycounter screens rigorously, learns constantly, sources responsibly and shares transparently, and this is why I love being a part of the Beautycounter company.  Countersun is ground breaking technology; not only countering the effects of the sun's UV rays but also blocking HEV light. Countersun Mineral Sunscreen products guard against sun’s damaging rays with this innovative sunscreen. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and antioxidant-rich California Poppy, this physical formulation provides an effective shield from UVA, UVB & Blue Light rays, while being gentle and pleasant feeling on the skin. It comes in a Mist, Mineral Sunscreen Stick, Lotion and even a Travel-sized Mist for your purse, glove box or carry-on luggage.
 
I use Beautycounter because of their safety standards.  Why is it safer?  At Beautycounter, they prohibit chemical SPF filters due to their high potential for skin irritation. Beautycounter uses physical sunscreens, more commonly known as mineral sunscreen. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sit on the surface of the skin and physically bounce or reflect sun’s rays away from the skin. Mineral sunscreens are great for people with sensitive skin as well as babies and kids.  SPF 30 sun protection is not the only factor you should look at when choosing your sunscreen.  Beautycounter's formula is lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen using non-nano zinc oxide. They evaluate the particle size of the non-nano zinc oxide and formulate to ensure that there is no potential risk of respiration when sprayed and does not enter the blood stream to cause harmful effects to the body. It’s formulated with organic coconut oil and organic shea butter to deliver an ultra-moisturizing experience without the need for neurotoxic preservatives and serious allergens like MIT (Methylisothiazolinone). Beautycounter would never use Octinoxate & Oxybenzone ingredients known to contribute to the collapse of coral reefs around the world making our sunscreens safer for both people and our oceans.  
 
To check out the ingredients in sunscreens (or any personal care product) refer to the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep guide.  Every ingredient is evaluated and rated.  You should choose 0-2 for overall ratings on all personal care products.  Once you learn something you cannot unlearn it and simply want to share the information to help others make wise and healthy decisions!