If you haven’t seen it yet, “Gwyneth Paltrow’s Guide to Everyday Skin Care and Wellness” is live on Vogue’s site. While it’s Vogue and all about luxury, the prices are absurdly high and out of touch with reality. I found the first half quite amusing. Want skin like Gwyneth’s? Just rise and shine, whip up a nut milk smoothie, meditate with your partner, dry brush your skin (always towards your heart), and then slather on a $125 exfoliating scrub, a $185 serum, $75 “hydrating eye pads,” a $200 vibrating face massager, and a $48 “glow lotion.” Oh, and don’t forget the $18 moisturizer because, well, celebrities are just like us!
I don’t judge her for indulging in high-end skincare. If I had her wealth, I might splurge on a $185 face oil that promises youthful skin in three weeks. Who doesn’t want a complexion as flawless as a newborn’s?
However, things took a turn when Paltrow began discussing her sunscreen regimen. While applying a tiny amount of “clean” mineral sunscreen to her nose and cheeks, she spewed this baffling information: “There are a lot of really harsh chemicals in conventional sunscreen. So that’s a product I really want to avoid, that isn’t certified by the EWG. You can check them out on their website, Skin Deep, if you want to understand how clean a product is. I’m not a head-to-toe slatherer of sunscreen, but I like to put some kind on my nose and the areas where the sun really hits.”
Oh dear, Gwyneth, please! In her morning routine video, she mentioned that you taught her a “less is more” approach to makeup. How about encouraging her to apply that philosophy to her sharing of misleading, privileged anti-science claims?
The EWG and Its Misleading Claims
For those unaware, the EWG, or Environmental Working Group, is an activist organization that is overly concerned with GMOs and “toxic chemicals.” They’ve even dabbled in anti-vaccine rhetoric in the past. Their annual “Dirty Dozen” list warns against the top 12 fruits and vegetables they deem unsafe due to pesticide residue (watch out for those “poison” apples). Their yearly sunscreen roundup claims that most products are either ineffective or dangerous, pushing overpriced organic mineral sunscreens as safer alternatives.
If you have even a basic understanding of science, you know that everything is made of chemicals—including water. You also know that “the dose makes the poison.” Many substances are safe in small quantities yet harmful in larger amounts. (For instance, pure sodium explodes in water, but sodium chloride enhances your food’s flavor.)
Unfortunately, the EWG’s reports are often criticized by actual scientists who clarify that sunscreen is indeed safe and effective. Yet many people, including Gwyneth Paltrow, fall for the EWG’s misleading claims, believing they need to avoid conventional products for safety.
The Importance of Sunscreen
Am I shocked that Gwyneth Paltrow, the face behind Goop, is spreading questionable information about sunscreen? Not at all. But it frustrates me that a wealthy celebrity is sharing potentially harmful advice that could endanger the lives of everyday people if taken seriously.
While Gwyneth may view sunscreen as toxic, in reality, it’s a vital component of skin cancer prevention. My dermatologist has endless reminders about sunscreen usage plastered in his office. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin whenever outdoors, including for children. Sunscreen should be a daily staple in your skincare routine. The AAD states that the best sunscreen is the one you will use consistently, so whether it’s a cream, spray, or stick, apply it every single morning.
If you can afford to invest in one of the few products endorsed by the EWG, go for it. But don’t let someone like Gwyneth Paltrow mislead you into thinking you need to splurge or rely on self-proclaimed “experts” at the EWG to protect your family from harmful UV rays. And definitely don’t skimp on sunscreen; you should be applying it liberally to protect against sun damage, sunburns, and skin cancer.
Further Reading
For more insights, check out our post on home insemination. If you’re interested in boosting fertility, visit Make a Mom for expert advice. Additionally, the CDC provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries
- best sunscreen for sensitive skin
- how to apply sunscreen correctly
- sunscreen myths debunked
- importance of daily sunscreen
- top rated sunscreens 2023
In summary, while Gwyneth Paltrow’s skincare tips may seem glamorous, her take on sunscreen is dangerously misguided. Sunscreen is essential for protecting against UV damage and skin cancer. It’s crucial to rely on proven science and trusted dermatological advice rather than celebrity endorsements.
Leave a Reply