Know These Harmful Chemicals In Sunscreen

It's good to know these harmful chemicals in sunscreen. I had no idea that 1 in 4 of the sunscreen that is on the market today is garbage. Sunblock costs a lot of money and to hear that over half of the stuff we are buying, isn't even working or is harmful to us is not good.

Saw this story on the news and then started doing some research about it. This is a big concern for a lot of people, especially in Florida. May is national Skin Cancer awareness month, so this is a good time to get this information out. I had no idea about some of the harmful chemicals in sunscreen, and I'm kind of betting you didn't either.

A new study suggests that only 1 out of 4 of sunscreens on the market are both safe and effective. The Environmental Working Group tested over 1,700 products including recreational sunscreens and daily-use SPF products. Of those, nearly 300 contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or both. That's not the good stuff. You want to look for sunscreen that does not have oxybenzone or octinoxate listed on the ingredients.

Oxybenzone and octinoxate are not only harmful to human health, but also the environment. The National Institutes of Health reports that they are known to cause allergies in people and disrupt hormones, while in nature they harm coral reefs and fish, causing bleaching and even death.

The FDA has classified only two ingredients— zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — as safe and effective active ingredients.

The EWG recommends that you avoid unfamiliar ingredients, opt for mineral products with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. You also should ignore higher than 50+ SPF labels, and buy lotions and sticks over sprays. You can find a list that the EWG has posted for the top-rated sunscreen list you can use to find the perfect protection for you. Kind of frustrating because non of the stuff that I have at home is on this list. I normally buy 50 - 70SPF and now to find out its not really 70 is disappointing. It's also dangerous. A lot of times I may not re-apply because I already put on 70 SPF. I can spend 6-8 hours in the boat and not re-apply. Guess I will be re-thinking that.

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I am ready to hit the beach! I live in St. Petersburg near St. Pete beach and I love it. If you love the beach and live in Florida as well, you have come to the right article. " These 6 Florida beaches are the best in the U.S. according to Trip Advisor" St. Pete beach did not make the list, but a beach near me did.

Before giving you the Florida Beaches that were voted the best, I'm going to tell you about the bad. Two Florida beaches were actually voted as some of the worst beaches in the United States. Have any idea what those beaches are?

The first one is Daytona Beach. This beach was ranked as one of the worst by Wallet Genius because of the rip currents, which can get bad. Also, there are a lot of shark sightings. Lastly, in 2022 Tropical Storm Nicole caused a lot of erosion and damage.

The second is New Smyrna Beach which is known as the shark capital of the world. They have had more shark bites at the beach than anywhere else. The reason, there are a lot of baitfish near the shore which attracts the sharks to come feed.

What's great is that one of these beaches is close to where I live in St. Petersburg. My radio station used to have our annual Wild Splashes near this beach. Any idea which beach I speak of? I like Trip Advisor because they let people decide what the best is.

According to their website, these beaches have been ranked by actual travelers. Below you will find the 6 Florida Beaches that have been ranked the best in the U.S. according to Trip Advisor. Do you agree with the travelers on Trip Advisor? Feel free to email me Babs@wild941.com

Clearwater was voted as one of the best in the United States AGAIN. 12,836 travelers have reviewed Clearwater beach! I have also been there and I love it. It's for sure a vibe and great for spring break (if you can handle the big crowds).

8,552 travelers have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. If you have not been there yet, you should go check it out. Last year, it was named one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in America.

6,789 travelers have reviewed Hollywood Beach on trip advisor and it's one of the best beaches in the U.S. Since it's on the other coast of Florida, I have not been yet but will check it out. Many reviews say try the food.

No surprise that Panama city beach has been voted one of the best beaches in the United States. 6,607 travelers have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. I went here on spring break once and had a great time!

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is located in the Florida Keys, so no wonder it made Trip Advisor's list. I'm surprised it wasn't ranked higher since the Keys are known to have the best beaches and attractions.

9.307 people have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. I have been here and the food options are great on this beach. I think it's just as fun as heading down to Miami. But be careful, they do have a lot of tourist traps.