80% of sunscreens are not safe and effective
May 20, 2026, 4:02 PM
As we head into Memorial Day weekend, this is your reminder to check your sunscreen.
Reports say around 80% of sunscreens tested didn’t fully measure up, and the big issue isn’t always the SPF number on the bottle.
Some products may protect well against sunburn-causing UVB rays, but not enough against UVA rays, which are linked to skin aging and deeper skin damage.
What should you look for?
Choose a sunscreen labeled broad spectrum, with SPF 30 to 50, and make sure you reapply every two hours — sooner if you’re swimming or sweating.
Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often recommended because they sit on top of the skin and help block rays.
Also, don’t forget hats, sunglasses, shade, and covering up. Colorado sun is no joke. We are already a mile closer to the sun’s rays and closer when we go to the mountains. Be smart. No one want to shrivel up with skin cancer.
Read more about the study done and sunscreens here
