Sunblock on Shine

Is Your Sunscreen Doing More Harm than Good?

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Previously, I hadn't given much thought to what was in my sunscreen. As long as the SPF was high enough I figured I was safe right?

Not so much. Turns out all sunscreens are not created equal, and some of my faves actually contain harmful ingredients (like these) or not enough of the good stuff (UV protection). The non-profit Environmental Working Group recently released a list of the safest and most effective sunscreens -- and which ones you should steer clear of. Check out a few of the good and bad below (and see what regular users think of them too).

Beauty essentials for any age

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Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock with Helioplex, SPF 55

$11, drugstore.com

All sunscreens break down during the day, but this non-greasy formula contains Helioplex, an ingredient that helps UVA and UVB blockers last longer.

Learn

Four Great Ways to Fight Random Sun Exposure

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I've never quite understood those girls who rocked sunscreen only when they're at the beach or the pool when your body is just as exposed when you're going to work. Seriously, think about it: Whether you're driving, dining al fresco, walking the dog, or going to the corner for a Pinkberry, the sun is prematurely aging every square millimeter of your skin it can reach.

Save Your Lips From the Sun

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While many of you know that sun protection is completely critical, clearly, some of y'all think that means everything but the lips.

According to a new study, only a piddly 47 percent of beachgoers uses UV lip protection, compared with the 78 percent who used UV skin protection. (I'm completely baffled by that 22 percent who aren't protecting at all, but we'll address this crowd another day.)