I LOVE this column... What $%@#$^%@$ won't tell you... here is their list.
http://www.smartmoney.com/10things/index.cfm
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Thursday, March 27, 2008
Best Time to Buy things..
Below are clips from different sources helping you to time your purchases.
Here is a similar article in bankrate.com http://www.bankrate.com/dls/news/cheap/20040319b1.asp The article is in full at the bottom..
From Smart Money:
AT 50 CENTS a roll — instead of the regular retail price of $4 — buying wrapping paper after New Year's is an easy way to save. The same holds true for buying half-price inflatable pool loungers and patio furniture after Labor Day weekend.
In fact, bargain lovers know that there's a smart time to buy just about anything. For example, those looking for a great deal on a car should shop on weekday mornings in September.
Groceries are cheapest on Sunday evenings.
We talked to the experts, and found the best time to buy everything from wine to wedding dresses.
Airplane Tickets
When to buy: On a Wednesday, 21 days (or a couple of days earlier) before your flight.
Why: Airlines make major pricing changes (and run fare sales) every week, typically on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings. About 21 days out from your flight, you'll see plenty of deals out there as airlines scramble to fill seats, says Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com, a consumer travel advice Web site. Don't wait much longer, she cautions; prices jump significantly from 14 to seven days ahead of departure.
Appliances
When to buy: During a holiday weekend.
Why: You'll find sales on select models all year long, but retailers bring out the big guns for holiday weekends, says Carolyn Forte, homecare director for the Good Housekeeping Institute. But don't worry about spending your Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends shopping for a new fridge — smaller holidays like Columbus Day and President's Day have their share of sales, too.
Baby Clothes
When to buy: During your pregnancy.
Why: Once you know your due date, keep an eye out for end-of-season clearances, recommends Alan Fields, co-author of "Baby Bargains." "If you're [newly] pregnant now, you know you'll be having a baby next summer," he says. "Well, right now, stores are closing out all the summer clothes." You can pick up newborn essentials like onesies for less than half price. (For more ways to save, see our column Oh Baby!)
Broadway Tickets:
When to buy: Hours before the curtain rises.
Why: How does a $25 front-row seat to the smash musical "Wicked" sound? Several musicals offer same-day ticket lotteries that offer up orchestra seats at inexpensive prices. If you'd rather not gamble on getting a seat, wait in line at the famous TKTS booth in Times Square. There, you can get tickets for hit musicals for up to 50% off. On a recent night, prime seats were available for "Hairspray," "Rent," "Sweeney Todd" and "Beauty & the Beast." (For the right times to drop by TKTS, and other ways to save, see our column A Midsummer Night's Dream.)
Cars
When to buy: Weekday mornings in September.
Why: By September, all the next year's models have arrived at the lot, and dealers are desperate to get rid of the current year's leftovers, says Phil Reed, consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com. It's the prime time of year for incentives and sales, not to mention bargaining. "Any car that's been on the lot for a long time loses its value in the eyes of the car salesman," he says.
Heading to the dealership on a weekday morning also helps because there's low foot traffic, meaning you'll have ample time to negotiate and fewer people trying to buy the same car. The more demand, the less willing a salesman is to go down on price, says Reed. (For more, see our column Summer Car Savings.)
Champagne
When to buy: December
Why: Most people assume that because everyone wants a good bottle of Champagne for New Year's Eve that prices go up during the holidays, says Sharon Castillo, director of the Office of Champagne, USA, which represents the trade association of growers in the Champagne region. But due to fierce competition among the Champagne houses, prices are actually lower during the holidays than they are at any other time of year. (For more on picking the right bottle, see our column Break Out the Bubbly.)
Clothing
When to buy: Thursday evenings, six to eight weeks after an item arrives in stores.
Why: After an item lingers in stores a month or more, retailers start dropping its price to get it out the door, says Kathryn Finney, author of "How to Be a Budget Fashionista." These season-end clearances tend to be the same month that designers host fashion weeks (February and September) to preview the next fall or spring collections. So smart buyers can check the catwalk to see if any of this season's trends — say, leggings or military-style jackets — will still be hot next year, and then scoop them up on clearance.
Hitting the mall on a weekday ensures you'll get a good selection. "On the weekend, you'll only get picked-over stuff because the stores don't have time to restock," she says. By Thursday, most of the weekend sales have begun, but everything available is on the floor.
Computers and electronics
When to buy: Just after a new model is launched.
Why: When the latest and greatest of a product is released, you'll often see prices drop on what had previously been the best thing out there, says Tom Merritt, executive editor for CNET, an electronics review web site. Case in point: When Apple released the Nano last September, prices for the now-discontinued Mini dropped 12%, from $199 for a 4GB to about $175. So keep your eyes open for announcements from major manufacturers. Want a little less work? Time your purchases for after big annual technology show like MacWorld (next held Jan. 8-12, 2007) and the International Consumer Electronics Show (next held Jan. 8-11, 2007).
Gas
When to buy: Early morning or late evening on a weekday. (OR another source says before 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, as gas prices start going up for the weekend..)
Why: Time your trip based on whether prices are rising or falling, advises Marshall Brain, founder of HowStuffWorks, a consumer guide. Gas stations tend to change their prices between 10 a.m. and noon, so hit the pump in the early morning if gas prices are on the rise. Go later in the day if prices are falling. Tipsters on GasPriceWatch.com reported that on Sept. 3, a WaWa gas station in Lanoka Harbor, N.J., was offering regular gas for $2.85 a gallon. One day later the station's price had dropped to $2.65. In that case, going early would have cost you 20 cents more per gallon.
Try not to buy gas on the weekends, Brain says. Gas prices are often slightly elevated, as stations try to profit from leisure travelers. (For more ways to save, see our column Save on Gas.)
Gift Cards
When to buy: A day or two before you give it.
Why: These days, gift cards carry a plethora of hidden pitfalls, from expiration dates to dormancy fees, says Dan Horne, a professor of marketing at Providence College known as the "Gift Card Guru." That countdown to fees starts as soon as you buy the card. "You don't want to short-change the recipient," he says.
Groceries
When to buy: Sunday evenings.
Why: Store sales tend to run Wednesday through Tuesday, says Teri Gault, founder of The Grocery Game, a consumer savings program. On Sunday, you'll also have the latest round of manufacturer's coupons from your morning paper. "You can maximize your coupons available for that shopping week," she says. Heading to the store close to closing time means you'll have access to sales on fresh items that must be sold by the end of the day, such as meats and baked goods.
Of course, you'll also benefit from in-season items that can be frozen for use later in the year, says Gault. That means turkeys at Thanksgiving and hams at Christmas and Easter. During the spring and summer, buy fresh produce. Peaches bought at $1 per pound now can be kept frozen for smoothies and pies throughout the winter, she says.
Shrubs, Trees and Other Plants
When to buy: Fall
Why: Take a break from raking up leaves to purchase trees, shrubs and other perennials for your yard. Prices nosedive after midsummer, as garden supply stores and nurseries try to clear out their stock. You can also get great deals on bulbs during the fall. Just store them according to the package instructions for best planting results next spring. For more, see our column Cheap Landscaping Tricks.)
Televisions
When to buy: Six to 12 months after a particular model is launched.
Why: A new TV drops in price after a few months on the market, says CNET's Merritt. Although there will be newer models out there, it's unlikely they'll offer any significant improvements to justify that brand new price. "The technology is proceeding at such a pace that the models out there are not going to be obsolete anytime soon," he says. (For more, see our column The World Is Flat.)
Wedding Dresses
When to buy: Between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Why: Boutiques are stocked up on dresses for the post-Christmas rush (many people get engaged over the holidays), yet traffic is low, says Fields, who also co-authored "Bridal Bargains." "It's not a busy time to buy a wedding dress because people are thinking about the holidays," he says. You'll also have room to bargain.
Wedding Announcements: Well, when you need them, but don't go through the wedding planners or other stationary businesses! Most of the stationary companies will deal with you directly, saving you about 40% over retail prices!! Check their website and ask for a catalog.
Wine
When to buy: Early fall.
Why: For best selection, you can't beat the fall harvest season. That's when most vineyards release their latest vintages. Buying in August and September is also your best shot at snagging so-called "cult wines" — those with limited production and high demand, says Kathleen Schumacher-Hoertkorn, CEO of New Vine Logistics, an online interstate wine retailer. (For more, see our column Buying Wine Online.)
January
Houses and Condos - GREAT time to find motivated buyers
Winter Clothing (after holiday sales)
Toys - post holiday sales
Bedding and Linens (Original Jan WHITE sales)
Indoor Furniture (New furniture hits the showrooms in February)
Digital Cameras (new models are announced in Jan)
February
Bicycles
Swimwear
Humidifiers (get enough discounted filters to last the NEXT season as the models change each year!)
Sports gear and running shoes
Houses and Condos
March
Televisions
Camping Gear
Bicycles
Swimwear
Winter Clothing
Sports gear and running shoes
April
Televisions
May: Nothing
June: Ditto
July
Computers
Swimwear
Indoor Furniture
August
Lawn mowers and outdoor furniture
Computers
Swimwear
Dehumidifiers
September
Gas/charcoal grills
Automobiles - new models coming out next month
Shrubs, Trees and Perennials
October
Gas/charcoal grills
Winter Clothing
November
Automobiles
Televisions
Toys
December
Air conditioners
Automobiles
Televisions
Toys
Good Days:
Tuesdays
DVD's
Wednesday
Airlines tickets
Holiday Weekends
Appliances
Article from bankrate.com
Month-by-month guide for finding bargainsBy Laura Shanahan • Bankrate.com
It used to be that consumers had to wait until after the holidays to get good deals on gift items, greeting cards and so forth, or shoppers had to wait until well into a season to get needed clothing or supplies. Happily, it's increasingly a buyer's market, and in recent years, some of the best sales often also take place immediately before the related holiday or season.
Here's a month-by-month guide for the best times to purchase all sorts of consumer goods, based on my experience as a longtime shopping columnist in New York City:
January
Sad, but true: The average American gains seven to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. And what do they resolve? To diet and exercise, of course. Retailers are right there with great sales on workout and sports gear and apparel. The enormous interest in the annual Super Bowl has made the two weeks prior to the game a huge TV-sales period, second only to Christmas.
"White sale" items -- sheets, pillowcases and blankets
Computers
Workout and sports gear
Blowouts on winter wear: coats, scarves, gloves, hats and boots
Televisions
February
She may be weary, women do get weary, seeing that same shabby couch. And lamp shade and recliner, for that matter. And men do, too. Especially in the inclement, stay-in-the-house month of February. To the rescue: Traditional Presidents Day sales of furniture and housewares. And while you're cooped up inside on your new sofa, it's a great month to look for spring and summer cruises.
Jewelry
Chocolates
Fragrance, toiletries
Resort and cruise wear
Furniture and housewares
March
Whether you're off on an early spring cruise or just getting a jump start on warm weather vacation planning, the good news is that this is the month luggage is likely to be priced to move. As the month comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, stormy weather outerwear usually is marked down to move in March.
Windbreakers and raincoats
Gardening tools
Luggage
Frozen foods (it's National Frozen Food Month!)
April
Now that you've done your spring cleaning, you can't help but notice how grungy the walls look compared to the rest of your polished and bright abode. That's what the paint and wallpaper retailers figure -- and that's why they tempt you with cut-rate prices on wallcoverings.
Spring finery
China
Kosher foods
Eggs (chocolate and chicken-laid)
Wallpaper and paint
May
It's Memorial Day and the traditional kickoff of summer. You can spend the first long weekend of the year in your backyard or at a picnic -- or by spending big bucks on a big-ticket apppliance. Retailers try to lure you into the latter by traditionally putting major appliances on sale.
Major appliances (Memorial Day weekend)
Barbecue and picnic foods
Summery handbags and totes
Pre-season savings on swimsuits and sandals
June
Summertime and the living is leisurely -- which is why merchandisers know you'll be looking for portable entertainment devices like DVD and CD players and boomboxes.
Summer fashions
Hardware and home fix-it tools and materials
Televisions and portable music players
Dairy foods (Happy National Dairy Month!)
July
Now that the heat is really on, you may notice that ceiling fan you hoped would take you through another summer isn't quite up to the job. Fortunately, July kicks off the super air-conditioner sales. And if you also stock up on crafts supplies often marked down at this time of year, you can play indoors in comfort.
Deeper discounts on summer dresses, suits, shoes and swimwear
Air conditioners (now through September)
Major appliances (Fourth of July weekend)
Barbecue and picnic foods
Craft supplies
August
Because outdoor furniture is seasonally related, retailers know August is "last-chance gulch" for you to spring for some -- and what better incentive than a swan-song-of-summer sale?
"White sale" (see January)
Outdoor furniture
Fresh produce
School supplies
Pre-season fall fashions
Swimsuit and other summer-wear "steals"
September
September's a big food month as people start stocking up on canned goods for the winter, and the month many charities typically launch drives for foods with long shelf lives. It's also desperation time for home sellers who missed finding the right buyer in the spring and summer but want to be moved before the worst winter weather sets in.
Homes
Scooters and bikes
Deeper school-supplies sales
Canned goods
October
This is the month car dealers are forced to make room for new models and start slashing prices on last year's cars. The best time to buy a car -- new or used -- is late in the month as salespeople strive to meet or beat quotas.
Candy, for the neighborhood ghosts and goblins
Cars
Outdoor sports equipment
November
Before you shiver your timbers under winter's full blast, retailers vie for your heavy blanket and down comforter dollar with tempting sales.
Fall-clothing blowouts, winter-wear markdowns
Blankets, comforters
Thanksgiving fixings: cranberries, turkey, yams, etc.
December
Used to be you had to wait until after December to get good buys on holiday-related gifts and goodies. But not in today's market. Indeed, seems almost everything a person could covet is on sale -- except for that computer you really, really want. Which is why we have the wonderful month of January when computer prices tend to be cut to the quick.
Perfume, ties, sweaters, jewelry, billfolds and other popular gift items
Food serving and storing pieces, from crystal to plastic
Party foods and treats -- roasts, cakes, pies, etc.
Holiday greeting cards (Once it's one minute past the holidays, don't dare spend more than half the preprinted price!)
-- Posted: March 19, 2004
Here is a similar article in bankrate.com http://www.bankrate.com/dls/news/cheap/20040319b1.asp The article is in full at the bottom..
From Smart Money:
AT 50 CENTS a roll — instead of the regular retail price of $4 — buying wrapping paper after New Year's is an easy way to save. The same holds true for buying half-price inflatable pool loungers and patio furniture after Labor Day weekend.
In fact, bargain lovers know that there's a smart time to buy just about anything. For example, those looking for a great deal on a car should shop on weekday mornings in September.
Groceries are cheapest on Sunday evenings.
We talked to the experts, and found the best time to buy everything from wine to wedding dresses.
Airplane Tickets
When to buy: On a Wednesday, 21 days (or a couple of days earlier) before your flight.
Why: Airlines make major pricing changes (and run fare sales) every week, typically on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings. About 21 days out from your flight, you'll see plenty of deals out there as airlines scramble to fill seats, says Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com, a consumer travel advice Web site. Don't wait much longer, she cautions; prices jump significantly from 14 to seven days ahead of departure.
Appliances
When to buy: During a holiday weekend.
Why: You'll find sales on select models all year long, but retailers bring out the big guns for holiday weekends, says Carolyn Forte, homecare director for the Good Housekeeping Institute. But don't worry about spending your Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends shopping for a new fridge — smaller holidays like Columbus Day and President's Day have their share of sales, too.
Baby Clothes
When to buy: During your pregnancy.
Why: Once you know your due date, keep an eye out for end-of-season clearances, recommends Alan Fields, co-author of "Baby Bargains." "If you're [newly] pregnant now, you know you'll be having a baby next summer," he says. "Well, right now, stores are closing out all the summer clothes." You can pick up newborn essentials like onesies for less than half price. (For more ways to save, see our column Oh Baby!)
Broadway Tickets:
When to buy: Hours before the curtain rises.
Why: How does a $25 front-row seat to the smash musical "Wicked" sound? Several musicals offer same-day ticket lotteries that offer up orchestra seats at inexpensive prices. If you'd rather not gamble on getting a seat, wait in line at the famous TKTS booth in Times Square. There, you can get tickets for hit musicals for up to 50% off. On a recent night, prime seats were available for "Hairspray," "Rent," "Sweeney Todd" and "Beauty & the Beast." (For the right times to drop by TKTS, and other ways to save, see our column A Midsummer Night's Dream.)
Cars
When to buy: Weekday mornings in September.
Why: By September, all the next year's models have arrived at the lot, and dealers are desperate to get rid of the current year's leftovers, says Phil Reed, consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com. It's the prime time of year for incentives and sales, not to mention bargaining. "Any car that's been on the lot for a long time loses its value in the eyes of the car salesman," he says.
Heading to the dealership on a weekday morning also helps because there's low foot traffic, meaning you'll have ample time to negotiate and fewer people trying to buy the same car. The more demand, the less willing a salesman is to go down on price, says Reed. (For more, see our column Summer Car Savings.)
Champagne
When to buy: December
Why: Most people assume that because everyone wants a good bottle of Champagne for New Year's Eve that prices go up during the holidays, says Sharon Castillo, director of the Office of Champagne, USA, which represents the trade association of growers in the Champagne region. But due to fierce competition among the Champagne houses, prices are actually lower during the holidays than they are at any other time of year. (For more on picking the right bottle, see our column Break Out the Bubbly.)
Clothing
When to buy: Thursday evenings, six to eight weeks after an item arrives in stores.
Why: After an item lingers in stores a month or more, retailers start dropping its price to get it out the door, says Kathryn Finney, author of "How to Be a Budget Fashionista." These season-end clearances tend to be the same month that designers host fashion weeks (February and September) to preview the next fall or spring collections. So smart buyers can check the catwalk to see if any of this season's trends — say, leggings or military-style jackets — will still be hot next year, and then scoop them up on clearance.
Hitting the mall on a weekday ensures you'll get a good selection. "On the weekend, you'll only get picked-over stuff because the stores don't have time to restock," she says. By Thursday, most of the weekend sales have begun, but everything available is on the floor.
Computers and electronics
When to buy: Just after a new model is launched.
Why: When the latest and greatest of a product is released, you'll often see prices drop on what had previously been the best thing out there, says Tom Merritt, executive editor for CNET, an electronics review web site. Case in point: When Apple released the Nano last September, prices for the now-discontinued Mini dropped 12%, from $199 for a 4GB to about $175. So keep your eyes open for announcements from major manufacturers. Want a little less work? Time your purchases for after big annual technology show like MacWorld (next held Jan. 8-12, 2007) and the International Consumer Electronics Show (next held Jan. 8-11, 2007).
Gas
When to buy: Early morning or late evening on a weekday. (OR another source says before 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, as gas prices start going up for the weekend..)
Why: Time your trip based on whether prices are rising or falling, advises Marshall Brain, founder of HowStuffWorks, a consumer guide. Gas stations tend to change their prices between 10 a.m. and noon, so hit the pump in the early morning if gas prices are on the rise. Go later in the day if prices are falling. Tipsters on GasPriceWatch.com reported that on Sept. 3, a WaWa gas station in Lanoka Harbor, N.J., was offering regular gas for $2.85 a gallon. One day later the station's price had dropped to $2.65. In that case, going early would have cost you 20 cents more per gallon.
Try not to buy gas on the weekends, Brain says. Gas prices are often slightly elevated, as stations try to profit from leisure travelers. (For more ways to save, see our column Save on Gas.)
Gift Cards
When to buy: A day or two before you give it.
Why: These days, gift cards carry a plethora of hidden pitfalls, from expiration dates to dormancy fees, says Dan Horne, a professor of marketing at Providence College known as the "Gift Card Guru." That countdown to fees starts as soon as you buy the card. "You don't want to short-change the recipient," he says.
Groceries
When to buy: Sunday evenings.
Why: Store sales tend to run Wednesday through Tuesday, says Teri Gault, founder of The Grocery Game, a consumer savings program. On Sunday, you'll also have the latest round of manufacturer's coupons from your morning paper. "You can maximize your coupons available for that shopping week," she says. Heading to the store close to closing time means you'll have access to sales on fresh items that must be sold by the end of the day, such as meats and baked goods.
Of course, you'll also benefit from in-season items that can be frozen for use later in the year, says Gault. That means turkeys at Thanksgiving and hams at Christmas and Easter. During the spring and summer, buy fresh produce. Peaches bought at $1 per pound now can be kept frozen for smoothies and pies throughout the winter, she says.
Shrubs, Trees and Other Plants
When to buy: Fall
Why: Take a break from raking up leaves to purchase trees, shrubs and other perennials for your yard. Prices nosedive after midsummer, as garden supply stores and nurseries try to clear out their stock. You can also get great deals on bulbs during the fall. Just store them according to the package instructions for best planting results next spring. For more, see our column Cheap Landscaping Tricks.)
Televisions
When to buy: Six to 12 months after a particular model is launched.
Why: A new TV drops in price after a few months on the market, says CNET's Merritt. Although there will be newer models out there, it's unlikely they'll offer any significant improvements to justify that brand new price. "The technology is proceeding at such a pace that the models out there are not going to be obsolete anytime soon," he says. (For more, see our column The World Is Flat.)
Wedding Dresses
When to buy: Between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Why: Boutiques are stocked up on dresses for the post-Christmas rush (many people get engaged over the holidays), yet traffic is low, says Fields, who also co-authored "Bridal Bargains." "It's not a busy time to buy a wedding dress because people are thinking about the holidays," he says. You'll also have room to bargain.
Wedding Announcements: Well, when you need them, but don't go through the wedding planners or other stationary businesses! Most of the stationary companies will deal with you directly, saving you about 40% over retail prices!! Check their website and ask for a catalog.
Wine
When to buy: Early fall.
Why: For best selection, you can't beat the fall harvest season. That's when most vineyards release their latest vintages. Buying in August and September is also your best shot at snagging so-called "cult wines" — those with limited production and high demand, says Kathleen Schumacher-Hoertkorn, CEO of New Vine Logistics, an online interstate wine retailer. (For more, see our column Buying Wine Online.)
January
Houses and Condos - GREAT time to find motivated buyers
Winter Clothing (after holiday sales)
Toys - post holiday sales
Bedding and Linens (Original Jan WHITE sales)
Indoor Furniture (New furniture hits the showrooms in February)
Digital Cameras (new models are announced in Jan)
February
Bicycles
Swimwear
Humidifiers (get enough discounted filters to last the NEXT season as the models change each year!)
Sports gear and running shoes
Houses and Condos
March
Televisions
Camping Gear
Bicycles
Swimwear
Winter Clothing
Sports gear and running shoes
April
Televisions
May: Nothing
June: Ditto
July
Computers
Swimwear
Indoor Furniture
August
Lawn mowers and outdoor furniture
Computers
Swimwear
Dehumidifiers
September
Gas/charcoal grills
Automobiles - new models coming out next month
Shrubs, Trees and Perennials
October
Gas/charcoal grills
Winter Clothing
November
Automobiles
Televisions
Toys
December
Air conditioners
Automobiles
Televisions
Toys
Good Days:
Tuesdays
DVD's
Wednesday
Airlines tickets
Holiday Weekends
Appliances
Article from bankrate.com
Month-by-month guide for finding bargainsBy Laura Shanahan • Bankrate.com
It used to be that consumers had to wait until after the holidays to get good deals on gift items, greeting cards and so forth, or shoppers had to wait until well into a season to get needed clothing or supplies. Happily, it's increasingly a buyer's market, and in recent years, some of the best sales often also take place immediately before the related holiday or season.
Here's a month-by-month guide for the best times to purchase all sorts of consumer goods, based on my experience as a longtime shopping columnist in New York City:
January
Sad, but true: The average American gains seven to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. And what do they resolve? To diet and exercise, of course. Retailers are right there with great sales on workout and sports gear and apparel. The enormous interest in the annual Super Bowl has made the two weeks prior to the game a huge TV-sales period, second only to Christmas.
"White sale" items -- sheets, pillowcases and blankets
Computers
Workout and sports gear
Blowouts on winter wear: coats, scarves, gloves, hats and boots
Televisions
February
She may be weary, women do get weary, seeing that same shabby couch. And lamp shade and recliner, for that matter. And men do, too. Especially in the inclement, stay-in-the-house month of February. To the rescue: Traditional Presidents Day sales of furniture and housewares. And while you're cooped up inside on your new sofa, it's a great month to look for spring and summer cruises.
Jewelry
Chocolates
Fragrance, toiletries
Resort and cruise wear
Furniture and housewares
March
Whether you're off on an early spring cruise or just getting a jump start on warm weather vacation planning, the good news is that this is the month luggage is likely to be priced to move. As the month comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, stormy weather outerwear usually is marked down to move in March.
Windbreakers and raincoats
Gardening tools
Luggage
Frozen foods (it's National Frozen Food Month!)
April
Now that you've done your spring cleaning, you can't help but notice how grungy the walls look compared to the rest of your polished and bright abode. That's what the paint and wallpaper retailers figure -- and that's why they tempt you with cut-rate prices on wallcoverings.
Spring finery
China
Kosher foods
Eggs (chocolate and chicken-laid)
Wallpaper and paint
May
It's Memorial Day and the traditional kickoff of summer. You can spend the first long weekend of the year in your backyard or at a picnic -- or by spending big bucks on a big-ticket apppliance. Retailers try to lure you into the latter by traditionally putting major appliances on sale.
Major appliances (Memorial Day weekend)
Barbecue and picnic foods
Summery handbags and totes
Pre-season savings on swimsuits and sandals
June
Summertime and the living is leisurely -- which is why merchandisers know you'll be looking for portable entertainment devices like DVD and CD players and boomboxes.
Summer fashions
Hardware and home fix-it tools and materials
Televisions and portable music players
Dairy foods (Happy National Dairy Month!)
July
Now that the heat is really on, you may notice that ceiling fan you hoped would take you through another summer isn't quite up to the job. Fortunately, July kicks off the super air-conditioner sales. And if you also stock up on crafts supplies often marked down at this time of year, you can play indoors in comfort.
Deeper discounts on summer dresses, suits, shoes and swimwear
Air conditioners (now through September)
Major appliances (Fourth of July weekend)
Barbecue and picnic foods
Craft supplies
August
Because outdoor furniture is seasonally related, retailers know August is "last-chance gulch" for you to spring for some -- and what better incentive than a swan-song-of-summer sale?
"White sale" (see January)
Outdoor furniture
Fresh produce
School supplies
Pre-season fall fashions
Swimsuit and other summer-wear "steals"
September
September's a big food month as people start stocking up on canned goods for the winter, and the month many charities typically launch drives for foods with long shelf lives. It's also desperation time for home sellers who missed finding the right buyer in the spring and summer but want to be moved before the worst winter weather sets in.
Homes
Scooters and bikes
Deeper school-supplies sales
Canned goods
October
This is the month car dealers are forced to make room for new models and start slashing prices on last year's cars. The best time to buy a car -- new or used -- is late in the month as salespeople strive to meet or beat quotas.
Candy, for the neighborhood ghosts and goblins
Cars
Outdoor sports equipment
November
Before you shiver your timbers under winter's full blast, retailers vie for your heavy blanket and down comforter dollar with tempting sales.
Fall-clothing blowouts, winter-wear markdowns
Blankets, comforters
Thanksgiving fixings: cranberries, turkey, yams, etc.
December
Used to be you had to wait until after December to get good buys on holiday-related gifts and goodies. But not in today's market. Indeed, seems almost everything a person could covet is on sale -- except for that computer you really, really want. Which is why we have the wonderful month of January when computer prices tend to be cut to the quick.
Perfume, ties, sweaters, jewelry, billfolds and other popular gift items
Food serving and storing pieces, from crystal to plastic
Party foods and treats -- roasts, cakes, pies, etc.
Holiday greeting cards (Once it's one minute past the holidays, don't dare spend more than half the preprinted price!)
-- Posted: March 19, 2004
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Scary Suncreen news
This is from 2007, but still VERY relevant! We get sunscreen because we want to be SAFE, but lots of them, the ones that are mostly available in places like Target and Walmart and the common drugstore, are DANGEROUS. At best, they don't protect us from the sun's rays, but at worst, they actually have carcinogens IN THEM, exposing us to the very thing we're trying to avoid... CANCER.
Below is the article I found in several newspapers, and the actual website http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ . Be SAFE this summer.
Sunscreen Summary — What Works and What's Safe
In a new investigation of 911 name-brand sunscreens, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found widespread evidence that many products on the market are not safe and effective, including one of every eight high-SPF sunscreens that does not protect from UVA radiation. We have also identified 150 products that offer very good sun protection with ingredients that present minimal health risks to users. Find out which in our best and worst lists.
More Americans than ever are using sunscreen to protect from sunburn and guard against skin cancer. Top choices include products with high SPF ratings, and that are waterproof or that advertise "broad spectrum" protection. Most people trust that the claims on the bottle will ensure that the product truly protects their health and their families'. Nothing could be less certain.
JUMP TO SUNSCREENS
All safe & effective sunscreens
Top selling sunscreens
Read all of EWG's Top Tips In our 18-month investigation we found:
With over one million Americans diagnosed with skin cancer every year, sunscreen bottles have become fixtures summer camp, the beach, pools and picnics . Doctors, public health agencies, and medical associations now routinely recommend using sunscreen to block the sun's harmful rays, and parents are especially careful to slather lotion on their children's sensitive skin before heading outside.
Yet even though skin cancer has reached what has been called epidemic proportions (EPA 2007, WHO 2006), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency responsible for regulating sunscreen, has failed to establish standards for its safety and effectiveness. Instead, FDA recommends that people stay out of the sun from 10 am to 4 pm (FDA 2007a). People who do venture out must navigate dozens of ad-hoc marketing claims on hundreds of sunscreens to find products that they hope will protect their and their families' skin from the sun's harmful rays.
To help consumers find out which sunscreens work until government standards are in place, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) undertook an 18-month investigation, assessing more than 600 name-brand sunscreens to find those that capably block the sun's harmful rays using ingredients that are safe for children and others who are sensitive. We have compiled the first-ever analysis of both the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens.
We have done this work because the government has not. FDA announced it would set sunscreen standards in 1978, but after 29 years has not finished the job. Health authorities unanimously agree that people need sunscreen when they go outside, but they have done nothing to help people decide which products to use, an important gap in advice, because we found major differences in the safety and effectiveness of products:
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Our comprehensive scientific review indicates that 84% of 911 sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns. Only 16% of the products on the market are both safe and effective, blocking both UVA and UVB radiation, remaining stable in sunlight, and containing few if any ingredients with significant known or suspected health hazards. Our assessment is based on a review of nearly 400 scientific studies, industry models of sunscreen efficacy, and toxicity and regulatory information housed in nearly 60 government, academic, and industry databases.
Many products lack UVA protection. Fully 13% of high SPF sunscreens (SPF of at least 30) protect only from sunburn (UVB radiation), and do not contain ingredients known to protect from UVA radiation, the sun rays linked to skin damage and aging, immune system problems, and potentially skin cancer. FDA does not require that sunscreens guard against UVA radiation.
Sunscreens break down in the sun. Parodoxically, many sunscreen ingredients break down in the sun, in a matter of minutes or hours, and then let UV radiation through to the skin. Our analyses show that 52% of products on the market contain ingredients that may be unstable alone or in combination, raising questions about whether these products last as long as the label says. FDA has not proposed requirements for sunscreen stability.
COMMON MISLEADING CLAIMS
All day protection
Waterproof
Chemical-free
Read full list
Questionable product claims are widespread. At least 53% of products on the market bear claims that are considered "unacceptable" or misleading under FDA's draft sunscreen safety standards. Our analysis of marketing claims on hundreds of sunscreen bottles shows that false and misleading marketing claims are common. Claims like "all day protection," "mild as water," and "blocks all harmful rays" are not true, yet are found on bottles. Until FDA sets an effective date for these standards, industry is free to use hyped claims. Companies' decisions to inflate claims has spawned recent class action lawsuits in California.
Many sunscreens contain nano-scale ingredients that raise potential concerns. Micronized and nano-scale zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreen provide strong UVA protection, and are contained in many of our top-rated products. Repeated studies have found that these ingredients do not penetrate healthy skin, indicating that consumers' exposures would be minimal. Studies on other nano-scale materials have raised concerns about their unique, toxic properties. FDA has failed to approve effective UVA filters available in Europe that, if approved here, could replace nano-scale ingredients.
The U.S. lags behind other countries when it comes to products that work and are safe. FDA has approved just 17 sunscreen chemicals for use in the U.S. At least twenty-nine are approved for use in the E.U. FDA has approved only four chemicals effective in the UVA range for use in the U.S., and has failed to approve new, more effective UVA filters available in the E.U. and Asia.
Some sunscreens absorb into the blood and raise safety concerns. Our review of the technical literature shows that some sunscreen ingredients absorb into the blood, and some are linked to toxic effects. Some release skin-damaging free radicals in sunlight, some act like estrogen and could disrupt hormone systems, several are strongly linked to allergic reactions, and still others may build up in the body or the environment. FDA has not established rigorous safety standards for sunscreen ingredients.
After 29 years of debate, the government has failed to set mandatory sunscreen safety standards. Companies are free to make their own decisions on everything from advertising claims to product quality. In lieu of setting final standards, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises people to stay out of the sun from 10 am to 4 pm. FDA now stands in direct violation a Congressional mandate requiring the agency to finalize sunscreen safety standards by May 2006, flouting not only Congress but also consumers, who are reliant on sunscreen to protect their health.
With no mandatory, comprehensive sunscreen standards in place, products vary widely in safety and effectiveness.
Recommended: 150 products
Caution: 369 products
Avoid: 392 products
Effective
Moderately Effective
Not Effective
Low Hazard
29 products
16 products
2 products
Moderate Hazard
211 products
245 products
24 products
High Hazard
158 products
212 products
14 products
Source: EWG analysis of ingredients in 911 name-brand sunscreens, based on a review of publicly available technical literature. [See methodology.]
Study Methodology
EWG's analysis of sunscreens includes customized safety and effectiveness ratings for 911 name-brand products ranging from Coppertone and Banana Boat to Hawaiian Tropic and California Baby. Our ratings are based on a unique, in-house compilation of standard industry, government and academic data sources and models that we have constructed over the past four years, and on an extensive review of the technical literature for sunscreen. We have built product ratings into our popular Skin Deep personal care product safety assessment guide, an online consumer tool that garners about one million searches a month.
For this sunscreen analysis we obtained ingredient listings for 911 sunscreens primarily from online retailers. We constructed health hazard ratings for each product based on our analysis of information from our in-house database comprising nearly 60 standard industry, academic, and government regulatory and toxicity databases. We rated products for overall effectiveness in sun protection considering three factors: UVB protection (using SPF rating as the indicator of effectiveness); UVA protection (using a standard industry absorbance model to compute two standard UVA protection factors); and stability (using a customized stability database compiled from a review of industry and peer-reviewed stability studies). Overall, the methods and content of our analysis are based on our review of the technical sunscreen literature, including nearly 400 industry and peer-reviewed studies.
We compiled the results of our analyses in an online interactive sunscreen guide, launched in tandem with this report. Our analyses show that products vary widely, both in their ability to protect from the sun's harmful UV radiation, and in the inherent safety of the ingredients themselves. FDA has set no mandatory standards for any of these factors, and manufacturers are free to make products that may not protect consumers from the sun and that may not be safe when slathered on the skin.
What's behind our sunscreen investigation911 sunscreens, SPF 15 and higher
Customized rating for each product includes:
Sun hazard (effectiveness) ratings for UVA protection, UVB protection, and stability in sun
Health hazard (safety) ratings for all ingredients
Ingredients evaluated in these sunscreens:
14 of 17 active ingredients approved in the U.S. (the ones found in products)
4 active ingredients approved in other countries (listed as "inactive" ingredients in U.S. sunscreen) 0 other ingredients that act like sunscreen, not officially approved (listed as "inactive" ingredients)-->
1,724 other ingredients (not sunscreen)
Data sources
Nearly 60 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases from industry, government, and academic sources [link to ref list for these]
Nearly 400 industry or peer-reviewed studies reviewed in preparing this sunscreen study see all
Recommendations
FDA has spent the past 29 years drafting sunscreen standards (FDA 2007), which it urges manufacturers to follow voluntarily. FDA has no public plan for setting a date by which these standards would finally become effective and mandatory. In lieu of enforceable standards, each sunscreen manufacturer decides on test methods, marketing claims, and the level of protection they are willing and able to provide consumers. Health authorities recommend sunscreen, but people are left wondering which of the hundreds of sunscreens on store shelves will best protect their and their families' skin from the sun.
Sunscreens are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ways that the chemical industry and the government are failing to protect public health. An extensive body of scientific literature demonstrates that everyone in the world carries in their body hundreds if not thousands of industrial chemicals at any given moment, the result of exposures to contaminants in air, water, and food, and to ingredients in everyday consumer products.
No one understands the health implications of our exposures to complex mixtures of low doses of industrial compounds and pollutants: remarkably, federal health standards do not require companies to test their products for safety before they are sold, including nearly all chemicals in sunscreen and other personal care products, and the federal government approves new chemicals for the market using computer models to predict if they are toxic to humans. These are particularly risky methods given the many studies showing that these pollutants cross the placenta to contaminate babies even before the moment of birth, including a recent study conducted by EWG finding an average of 200 chemicals in umbilical cord blood from 10 newborn babies [read more].
This situation is unacceptable. To protect public health, including the health of the fetus, infant, child and others who are most vulnerable to toxic injury, we recommend:
FDA must set mandatory sunscreen safety standards. As mandated by Congress, FDA must complete their safety standards (the "sunscreen monograph"), and establish a date by which these standards will become mandatory. This study confirms the need for mandatory standards — the voluntary system currently in place leaves the public with many sunscreen products that are not as safe and effective as the public needs and expects.
FDA must develop UVA standards for sunscreen. While FDA has set guidelines for sunburn (UVB) protection, the agency has not established protocols and requirements for UVA protection. This is a critical gap in public health protection. UVA radiation is deeply penetrating and is linked to skin damage, including premature skin aging, wrinkling, and possibly cancer. FDA is charged with regulating sunscreen and protecting public health, and both of those charges demand that the agency set standards for UVA protection.
FDA must approve new, effective and safe sunscreens for use in the U.S. Some sunscreen chemicals have been under review at the Agency for over than a decade. Effective sunscreens not approved in this country are in widespread use elsewhere in the world. FDA sorely needs to streamline and modernize its sunscreen review process to give consumers access to the best products possible.
In the larger picture, our system of public health protections allows the vast majority of industrial chemicals to enter commerce with no requirement for premarket safety testing, even for chemicals that will end up in the bodies of Americans from their everyday exposures to ingredients in consumer products. Many state and local organizations and coalitions like the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics are working for important changes that help close the gaps in our system of public health protections.
We not only need sunscreens guaranteed to be safe and effective, but we also sorely need policies that would require companies to document the safety of chemicals before they go on the market. And, most importantly, we need policies that would require that chemicals be safe for the fetus, infant, and other vulnerable populations — a simple, commonsense idea completely absent from current federal law. Such advances would dramatically improve our understanding of health impacts from chemical exposures, and would go a long way toward sealing the gaps that leave consumers at risk from a lifetime of exposure to chemicals.
Study Findings
Because FDA has failed to set UVA standards, many high SPF sunscreens provide only half the protection you need.
People buy high-SPF sunscreens in advance of beach vacations or long days at the pool, assuming they've purchased products that maximize sun protection. High SPF ("Sun Protection Factor") products do protect you from sunburn, the well-known skin cancer precursor caused by the sun's ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. But these products don't necessarily block UVA radiation, the more deeply penetrating rays linked to skin aging and wrinkling, immune system suppression, and possibly skin cancer.
FDA does not require companies to provide UVA protection in sunscreen, and our analyses show that despite high SPF ratings and "broad spectrum" marketing claims, only a fraction of products provide strong UVA protection. We found poor UVA protection in 13% of high SPF products (30 and higher); in 18% of the 471 products marketed as having "broad spectrum" protection; and in 19% of sunscreens overall.
13% of high SPF products (SPF 30 and higher) have poor UVA protection
product
spfpackage text-->
uva rating
Neutrogena Uva/Uvb Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30
30
9
Neutrogena Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30
30
9
Bronze Sensuale Bambino Carrot Lotion SPF-30, Broad Spectrum
30
9
Bronzo Sensuale Carrot Lotion Broad Spectrum Sun Screen, SPF 30
30
9
SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense, SPF 45
45
9
See more >>
Some sunscreens break down quickly in the sun, becoming ineffective.
It may seem counterintuitive, but of the 17 "active ingredients" that FDA has approved for use as sunscreens in the U.S., at least 4 of them break down significantly when they are exposed to sunlight. They lose their ability to absorb the sun's harmful rays, and stop working effectively in as little as 30 minutes, ranging up to several hours. They require stabilizing chemicals to remain effective.
An ideal sunscreen would be stable in the sun. Instead, nearly every active ingredient (all but zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) works by first absorbing the sun's energy so it doesn't penetrate our skin, and then releasing that captured energy by breaking apart, reacting with other chemicals in the sunscreen, or even kicking off free radicals. Some active ingredients are more stable than others, but nearly all break down to some extent in the sun.
We scoured industry studies and the peer-reviewed literature to compile information on breakdown rates of active ingredients in the sun, combinations of ingredients that accelerate breakdown, and, conversely, chemical additives that can stabilize active ingredients and make them effective longer.
Our analysis of this data against ingredients in 911 sunscreens shows that 52% of sunscreens contain ingredients known to break down individually or in combination, with no known stabilizing ingredients in the formulation.
Manufacturers are not required to produce stable products. The test used to establish a product's UVB rating accounts for stability in part, since it tests the product in simulated sunlight on human volunteers over the time needed to produce a sunburn. A product's UVA protection, however, is not subject to testing and rating, and the filters that contribute to UVA protection in a product may or may not be stable.
477 products contain sunscreens that break down in the sun, with insufficient stabilizing chemicals.
product
unstable ingredientspackage text-->
stability rating
Rachel Perry Calendula-Cucumber Oil-Free Moisturizer Sunblock with Echinacea, SPF 15
10
Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand & Nail Treatment
10
Ombrelle Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15
10
Coppertone Sun Block Lotion SPF15
10
Bronzo Sensuale Carrot Lotion Broad Spectrum Sun Screen, SPF 30
10
See more >>
Over-the-top marketing claims — products would be misbranded if FDA finalized sunscreen standards.
With unenforceable draft guidelines in place of mandatory sunscreen standards, companies are free to use marketing terms that FDA says are confusing, and they are free to sell products that would be considered misbranded if the Agency finalized its guidance. Our analysis shows that fully 53% of sunscreens are labeled with one or more terms that FDA considers indicative of a misbranded product, terms that are just flat out "unacceptable," or terms that could "mislead consumers by inducing a false sense of security."
These include chemical-free, non-chemical, sunblock, reflects, shields from, protects from, filters, screens out, sun's rays, sun's harmful rays, help prevent skin damage, and all SPF designations greater than 30.
We found other products claiming to be sand-proof, to provide "all day" protection, and to be "as mild as water," none of which are possible in the real world. Withough labeling restrictions, consumers are left wondering what is true and what is not. Consumers can be fooled into buying products that don't deliver what they sell.
53% of sunscreens bear claims that the FDA considers unacceptable or indicative of a misbranded product
Claims about...
FDA judgment in draft sunscreen standards...
Offending claims...
Total number of products
what's in the bottle
"likely to be unacceptable" (false and misleading)
chemical-free; non-chemical;
32 products
how sunscreens protect
"could provide the wrong message and a false sense of security to some consumers"
shields from; protects from; filters; screens out; reflects; sunblock;
331 products
the kinds of sunlight sunscreens protect against
"could provide the wrong message and a false sense of security to some consumers"
sun's rays; sun's harsh rays; sun's harmful rays; burning rays;
63 products
what sunscreens protect against
"unsupportable" health claims beyond sunburn
skin aging; wrinkling; premature skin aging; photoaging; lip damage; freckling; uneven coloration; prevent skin damage;
60 products
how well and how long sunscreens protect
"could provide the wrong message and a false sense of security to some consumers"
water proof; extended wear; protects for X number of hours; all day protection; sweat proof; spf >30+;
277 products
U.S. lags behind the world in sunscreen safety and effectiveness.
FDA has approved just 17 sunscreen active ingredients for use in the U.S. In Europe 29 have been approved, including some that are more effective than those available here, particularly for blocking UVA. When FDA issued their so-called final monograph for sunscreens (which they subsequently stayed indefinitely at the request of industry), they received multiple petitions urging that they review active ingredients approved for use in Europe. The Agency replied it would "address sunscreen active ingredients that have foreign marketing experience and data at a future time," a hollow promise if their 30-year track record on developing sunscreen standards is any indication.
FDA faces pressure from industry, states, and Congress to set UVA standards and approve new UVA sunscreens to protect the public. The industry's trade association petitioned the agency to approve new UVA filters beginning in 2003 (CTFA and CHPA 2003). In a May 2007 letter to FDA's commissioner, six senators urged the agency to finish setting UVA standards for sunscreen (Dodd 2007). They reminded the Commissioner that the agency had missed the Congressisonally mandated deadline of May 2006 for finalizing the draft sunscreen standards, including new UVA standards. "We continue to find this baffling [the lack of UVA standards] since many other countries, including the European Union, have adopted sunscreen standards including UVA to protect their citizens," they wrote.
FDA has not reviewed or approved new, effective sunscreens available in other countries.
ingredient
US
EU
AU
Japansunhazard-->healthhazard-->
1-(3,4-DIMETHOXYPHENYL)-4,4-DIMETHYL-1,3-PENTA NEDIENE
YES
3-METHYLBENZYLIDENE CAMPHOR
YES
4-(2-BETA-GLUCOPYRANOSILOXY) PROPOXY-2-HYDROXYBENZOPHENONE
YES
4-METHYLBENZYLIDENE CAMPHOR
FDA review pending
YES
YES
BENZOCAINE
YES
BENZOPHENONE-1
YES
BENZOPHENONE-2
YES
BENZOPHENONE-5
YES
YES
BENZOPHENONE-6
YES
BENZOPHENONE-9
YES
BENZYLIDENE CAMPHOR SULFONIC ACID
YES
YES
CAMPHOR BENZALKONIUM METHOSULFATE
YES
YES
DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYLHEXYL BENZOATE
YES
DIETHYLHEXYL BUTAMIDO TRIAZONE
FDA review pending
YES
DIISOPROPYL METHYL CINNAMATE
YES
DISODIUM PHENYL DIBENZIMIDAZOLE TETRASULFONATE
YES
DROMETRIZOLE TRISILOXANE
YES
YES
ETHYLHEXYL DIMETHOXYBENZYLIDENE DIOXOIMIDAZOLIDENE PROPIONATE
YES
ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE
FDA review pending
YES
YES
YES
FERULIC ACID
YES
GLYCERYL ETHYLHEXANOATE DIMETHOXYCINNAMATE
YES
GLYCERYL PABA
YES
ISOAMYL P-METHOXYCINNAMATE
FDA review pending
YES
YES
ISOPENTYL TRIMETHOXYCINNAMATE TRISILOXANE
YES
ISOPROPYL METHOXYCINNAMATE
YES
METHYLENE BIS-BENZOTRIAZOLYL TETRAMETHYLBUTYLPHENOL
FDA review pending
YES
YES
PEG-25 PABA
YES
YES
PENTYL DIMETHYL PABA
YES
POLYACRYLAMIDOMETHYL BENZYLIDENE CAMPHOR
YES
POLYSILICONE-15
YES
TINOSORB S
FDA review pending
YES
Some sunscreens absorb into the blood and raise safety concerns.
Most sunscreen chemicals are far from innocuous. In sunlight some release free radicals that can damage DNA and cells, promoting skin aging and possibly raising risks for skin cancer. Some act like estrogen and may disrupt normal hormone signaling in the body, and some may build up in the body and the environment. Details of these risks are presented here.industry request for stay: www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/DOCKETS/98n0337/cp00001.pdf
Sunscreens that break down in the sun.
The agency has spent the past 30 years drafting sunscreen standards (FDA 2007b), which it urges manufacturers to follow in their draft form, voluntarily. In lieu of enforceable standards, each sunscreen manufacturer decides on test methods, marketing claims, and the level of protection they are willing and able to provide consumers. Consumers are left wondering which of the hundreds of sunscreesn on store shelves will best protect their and their families' skin from the sun.
Most people receive more than 50 percent of their lifetime ultraviolet (UV) dose by 20 years of age. Limiting exposure to sunlight in children and teens may pay large dividends in preventing cancers later in life.http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1603/mainpageS1603P0.html
Sunscreens considered misbranded.
No UVA.
Break down.
Children's sunscreens that don't protect from UVA. And that don't protect from UVB.
More than one million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year, and 60,000 of these million will learn they have melanoma, the deadly form of skin cancer.
The culmination of 18 months of research, we�re releasing a first-ever, in-depth look at name-brand sunscreens, showing what�s both safe to use and effective at blocking the sun�s cancer-causing rays. We�ll be launching a free, searchable database with ratings for more than 900 name-brand products.
This new research is grounded in our review of more than 1,000 peer reviewed studies coupled with customized, product-by-product assessments of protection from both UVA and UVB radiation. We�re building it into our popular Skin Deep personal care product safety assessment database, with its core of 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases and a monthly search rate in excess of 1,000,000.
We�ve done this work to help people stay safe in the sun this summer. People are using more sunscreen than ever, yet skin cancer rates continue to climb in this country, with more than one million cases diagnosed every year. Doctors recommend sunscreen, but most consumers are left to wonder which is best. Some studies question whether sunscreens themselves may cause cancer, with active ingredients that can generate cancer-causing free radicals or damage DNA. Some sunscreens can disrupt hormone systems or cause skin allergies. Some products block sunburn-causing UVB radiation, but not the more deeply penetrating UVB radiation. What products are best at balancing all these factors?
We�re compiling answers to this question in a single, easy-to-use online database that guides people to sunscreen products that are both safe and effective at blocking a broad spectrum of the UV radiation linked to cancer and premature skin aging.
Your Skin.Nunc sollicitudin, orci vel suscipit bibendum, nibh sapien scelerisque nulla, eget faucibus velit dolor quis elit. Nulla facilisi. Vivamus at lorem quis nisl ullamcorper nonummy.Nullam ultrices metus at sem. Morbi in urna. Etiam at lectus. In dictum bibendum magna. Maecenas dolor enim, tempor porta, interdum vitae, tempus vel, sapien. Praesent pellentesque.
-->
References
CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association) and CHPA (Consumer Healthcare Products Association). 2003. Docket No. 2003N-0233: Notice of eligibility; request for data and information. Letter from Thomas J. Donegan, Jr. of CTFA and Eve E. Bachrach of CHPA to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Oct 9 2003. Accessed online July 11, 2007 at http://www.chpa-info.org/Web/newsletter/archive/2003/11_13_03_xnl.html#4
Dodd, Christopher, Jack Reed et al. Dodd, Reed lead fight against skin cancer: Request higher standards for FDA's sunscreen labeling. Letter from Senators Dodd, Reed, Clinton, Biden, Carper, and Sanders to FDA Commissioner Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach. Accessed June 11, 2007 at http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/3906.
EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2007. SunWise Program: Health effects of overexposure to the sun. Accessed June 11, 2007 at http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvandhealth.html.
FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). 2007. The darker side of tanning. CDRH Consumer Information. Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Accessed June 11, 2007 at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/tanning.html.
FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). 2007. Rulemaking History for OTC Sunscreen Drug Products. Accessed June 11, 2007 at http://www.fda.gov/cder/otcmonographs/Sunscreen/new_sunscreen.htm.
NIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health). 2007a. Cancer Topics: What you need to know about melanoma. Accesseed June 11 2007 at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/melanoma.
NIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health). 2007. Cancer Topics: Skin Cancer. Accesseed June 11 2007 at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/skin.
NIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health). 2007. Cancer Topics: Melanoma. Accesseed June 11 2007 at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/melanoma.
To aid the consumer, only the most recent product formulations in the Skin Deep database have been included in this list. [[browse all sunscreens, including old formulations]]
* This product contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide which may be nano scale. Learn more.
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