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May 19, 2016.
As summer approaches, an American study emphasizes the importance of choosing a good sunscreen. Indeed, 40% of them would not be as effective as their packaging promises.
28 out of 60 sunscreens don’t keep their promise
More than 40% of sunscreens are not as effective as indicated by their protection index, reveals a study conducted by the American research institute Consumer Report. To achieve this, volunteers volunteered to test 60 different sunscreen lotions, showing a minimum index of 30, on sale in the United States. After applying the cream, and bathing, the testers exposed themselves to the sun.
Result after sunbathing and testing: 28 of them don’t keep their promises, whether mineral or chemical creams. According to this study, mineral creams composed of titanium dioxide and zinc are also the least likely to meet the requirements of their protection index. Chemical sunscreens, made from products such as avobenzone, on the other hand, are more effective.
A study that highlights the importance of the protection index
The glaring difference between the advertised protection index and the actual index is ” a real source of concern Said Tim Turnham, executive director of the Melanoma Research Foundation, after the publication of the results. The report ” emphasizes the importance of the broad spectrum UVA protection index to reduce the risk of skin cancer and minimize premature skin aging ”, Said Elizabeth Hale, vice-president of the Skin Cancer Foundation.
How can we be sure of the quality of the sunscreen we use? The index remains a factor of choice, however judges Elizabeth Hale who advises to buy a lotion with a protection index greater than 30, so as to compensate for any difference between the advertised index and the actual index but also to overcome this bad habit that users have of not applying cream regularly enough to their skin.