Choosing safer sunscreen? Avoid synthetic chemicals that absorb through the skin, get correct protection, and soak up some Vitamin D while you're at it. Here's how, including numerous links at the bottom of the page...

Five types of sunscreens

1). Organic Filters: synthetic chemical combos that absorb sun's radiation, preventing it from entering the skin. Here's a case where the word "organic" is bad.

2). Traditional Mineral Sunscreens reflect damaging rays. Most include zinc oxide or titanium oxide. They appear white on the skin since they reflect light.

3). Nano-Mineral sunscreens have tiny nano-particles of zinc and titanium oxide. Their safety is questioned as they may penetrate the skin, but they're still safer than organic filters.

4). Clothes and shade work well!

5). Healthy skin burns less. The Paleo Diet may change your tanning future.

Sunscreen ingredients to avoid

• Oxybenzone is common in commercial sunscreens. Linked to elevated estrogen, endometriosis and allergic reactions. 
• Retinyl Palmitate is a form of Vitamin A linked to skin tumors and lesions. It doesn't "help" sunscreen protection. Avoid it.
• Spray sunscreen is too easy to inhale. Use topicals.
• High SPF's only protect against UVB burning rays. They don't block UVA rays that age the skin, affect your immune system and promote skin cancer. You're not safe just because you aren't burning.
• Parabens and PABA
• Sunscreen/bug repellant combos - too many unpronounceable ingredients!

Are Mineral Sunscreens Safer?

In general, yes. But commercial brands of zinc and titanium sunscreens may still contain chemicals in the lotion. If you can't pronounce it, don't use it.

Many brands now use BOTH chemical and mineral filters. Read those labels or use the EWG sunscreen guide below.

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