Buckle up listeners, this is a good one. This episode is packed with helpful information. Allison talks to Bev Sidders, a chemical engineer turned licensed master esthetician, about all things sunscreen…. plus a little bonus on bug spray as well. 

Each question Allison asks Bev yields tons of great information. Here are some of the highlights: how to choose the right sunscreen for everyone in your family, which sunscreen ingredients you should look for and which you should avoid and why, how to use the EWG app to check the safety of the products your family uses, Bev’s recommendations for specific sunscreen products for the whole family, what SPF we should be using and how often we need to reapply, bug spray brands Bev recommends and tips for applying, how to treat a sunburn, whether sunscreen really expires, whether going outside unprotected to boost Vitamin D levels is a good idea, the scoop on all those foundation and SPF combos out there… and much more. 

Notes from Bev:

– choose a 100% mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide

– avoid aerosol sprays to limit risk of exposure to benzene

– avoid chemical sunscreens with aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate (both were deemed unsafe by the FDA in 2019)

– avoid chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate (both are potential endocrine system disruptors and are not reef safe, but are found in nearly 65% of all non-mineral sunscreens)

– avobenzone is the least dangerous choice if you have to use a chemical sunscreen 

– avoid sunscreens containing shea butter, petroleum, sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, retinols and niacinamide if you are prone to acne

You can find out more about Bev or ask her a question on her website, Instagram and Facebook

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube 

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