Sunscreen Guide

Dear Parents,

As more research is done on the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens and bug spray we ask that you please pay attention to the following guidelines when purchasing your child's items to bring to school.

- No Retinyl Palmitate (aka Vitamin A or Retinol): Has been shown to speed up the development of skin tumors and lesions when used on sun-exposed skin, and may be found as an inactive ingredient in sunscreens.

- No Oxybenzone: Acts like estrogen when absorbed into the body. Possible connection with endometriosis in older women and low birth weight infants in pregnant women.

- No spray sunscreens: Have a higher likelihood of missing spots, and possible health risks with inhalation.

- No loose powder sunscreens: Health risks with inhalation and don't always stay on the skin.

- No combined sunscreen/bug spray: Sunscreen and bug spray usually do not need to be applied in the same quantities and at the same time.

- No DEET: Health concerns regarding applying more than once daily. Picaridin as the main ingredient is a good choice for an alternative.

These rules are not only for your child's safety but also for our teachers who apply lots of sunscreen and bug spray daily! For more information see the Environmental Working Group's website.

Thank you!