In case you haven’t seen it, “Gwyneth Paltrow’s Guide to Everyday Skin Care and Wellness” is currently featured on Vogue’s website. While Vogue is all about luxury, the content is so exorbitantly priced that it feels completely disconnected from reality. The first half provided some comic relief as I read about her morning routine. Want skin like Gwyneth? Just whip up a nut milk smoothie, meditate with your partner, dry brush your skin (always toward your heart), and then layer on a $125 exfoliating scrub, an $185 serum, $75 hydrating eye pads, a $200 vibrating face massager, and a $48 glow lotion. Oh, and don’t forget an $18 moisturizer because, you know, celebrities are just like us!
I don’t begrudge her the fortune she spends on skincare; if I had her wealth, I’d likely splurge on a $185 face oil promising a youthful glow too. Who wouldn’t want skin as flawless as a newborn’s?
However, things took a turn when she started discussing her sunscreen routine. While applying a tiny amount of a mineral sunscreen she labeled “clean,” she shared some rather concerning claims: “There are a lot of harsh chemicals in conventional sunscreen. That’s why I want to avoid products that aren’t certified by the EWG. It’s a great website if you want to check the safety of a product.”
Blythe Danner, where are you? Gwyneth is spouting some questionable advice again. In her morning routine video, she mentioned your “less is more” approach to makeup. Perhaps it’s time to instill that same mentality when it comes to sharing potentially harmful, privileged, anti-science information?
For those unfamiliar, the EWG, or Environmental Working Group, is an activist organization known for its stance against GMOs and “toxic chemicals.” They even ventured into anti-vaccine territory in 2004. Their “Dirty Dozen” list highlights fruits and vegetables to avoid due to pesticide concerns. They also release a yearly evaluation of sunscreens, claiming most are either ineffective or dangerous, pushing consumers toward pricey organic mineral options instead.
If you have a grasp of basic science, you understand that everything, including water, is a chemical. You also know the principle that “the dose makes the poison.” Many substances are safe in small amounts but can be harmful in large doses. Yet, the EWG’s approach isn’t rooted in solid scientific backing; they’re often criticized by actual scientists, who emphasize that sunscreen is safe and essential for skin protection.
Gwyneth Paltrow, with her privileged background, may be misinformed about sunscreen, but in reality, it is a crucial part of skin cancer prevention. My dermatologist constantly reminds patients about the importance of using sunscreen. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, SPF 30 or higher should be applied to all exposed skin whenever outdoors (yes, even for kids!). Sunscreen should be a daily routine, and the best product is one that you’ll actually apply properly.
While Gwyneth may suggest that sunscreen is harmful, the truth is that it plays a vital role in protecting against UV rays. Don’t let her celebrity status mislead you into thinking you need to shell out for extravagant products or listen to questionable sources. Instead, be generous with your sunscreen application and heed the advice of real experts who agree that daily use is crucial for preventing sun damage and skin cancer.
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Summary:
Gwyneth Paltrow’s recent sunscreen advice is misleading and potentially dangerous, suggesting a preference for unverified “clean” products over scientifically backed sunscreen. Experts advocate for the daily use of sunscreen as a critical measure against skin cancer, emphasizing that all sunscreens on the market are regulated and safe to use.