How to Stay Safe with Sunscreen Under Montana’s Sun Beams

Summer is arriving across Montana, and with that will be many of us out under the Big Sky Country skies enjoying a multitude of different activities.  Oftentimes those activities include a tank top and shorts.  Or other stuff if you're brave enough, I guess.

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And as the years have gone by, I realize that I didn't properly take care of those exposed areas as well as I should have with some sort of protection.  Like sunscreen.  But have you checked the grocery store shelves?  There are so many, which one is right for me hitting the links on a sunny Saturday?

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How to Stay Safe with Sunscreen Under Montana's Sun Beams

When I say there a lot of products available on the market, I mean thousands.  So many that the Environmental Working Group (EWG) did a report on nearly 3,000 of them to see which were both effective and were safe for use.

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Of those findings, incredibly only about 20% of those tested were both; some didn't even pass the UVA or UVB with flying colors.  And when it came to SPF ratings, most touting higher numbers were more hype than anything, with SPF50+ ranking best.

This Sunscreen Type Found to Be Most Effective for the Sun in Montana

According to the EWG, consumers should look for mineral based sunscreens, as they are the most effective.  Others that feature chemical-based formulas raised concerns about the absorption and long-term effects of them.

The report also made note that proper application should be adhered too.  Special attention to exposed areas like ears, scalp line, nose and lips can help with the effects of the sun.  Ultimately, hats, clothing and shade in conjunction with sunscreen is your best foot forward in Montana to be protected from the sun.