It used to be that having a deep, dark tan was society’s sign of ultimate health. A bronzed body
was once the ultimate status, telling the world you live a carefree luxurious lifestyle.  Not
anymore. Years of research, backed by cold, hard facts prove that it is not only irresponsible,
but also deadly, to sit out unprotected in the sun.
 

There are two basic kinds of sunscreens, those that derived from naturally occurring
ingredients and those that are created in a lab.
 

Sometimes, though, the chemicals that are found in some sunscreens can be harmful as well.
Think about it, if you can’t pronounce it do you really want it on your skin? It has recently been
discovered that Parabens, found in many sunscreens and sunblocks, were considered
estrogen mimics and endocrine disruptors. Commonly used sunscreen ingredients such as
benzophenone, octinoxate, cinnamates and homosalate were found to potentially increase the
risks of cancer.
 

Another concern amongst the environmentally conscious was that many of the chemical
ingredients of sunblock and sunscreen were being discovered in various waterways. It resulted
in a disruption in the hormonal systems of fish and other animals due to the fact that they live in
and consume the water.
 

Of course we want protection against skin cancer. However, do we want it at the cost of overall
wellbeing and environmental health?
 

In response to the above, several companies began developing “natural” sunscreens, which
contained fewer of the toxic ingredients and as a result, you can now find plenty of “natural”
sunscreens on the market.  For example SolarAegis offers a all-natural product utilizing
mineral and plant derived ingredients. It is a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 30 lotion that is
formulated in a powder base. It goes on clear and disappears quickly. It’s brand-new to the
market, being  created by a man who once had skin cancer himself.  
 

But, is it possible that any sunscreen ingredient can be declared “eco friendly”? A prime
example is Titanium dioxide. It has long been considered one of the least toxic ingredients in
sunblock.  Its found in mineral foundation, which can be thought of as sunscreens work by
repelling or reflecting the sun ray’s as well as coverage. There are only two FDA approved
mineral ingredients:  titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.  Many  natural mineral foundations will
have these two ingredients in them.
 

What can you do if you wish to avoid Store-Bought sunblock all together? Some people do
choose to forgo the chemical sunblock industry all together by using natural ingredients that
can be found at health food stores to create their own sunblock.
 

To make your own sun screen without the worries about the possible effects of the nanotech
elements found in store bought products you can purchase plain zinc oxide ointment at a
drugstore and then mix it into your favorite skin lotion. The added benefit? You end with a
sunscreen that smells good and softens skin as well. As always take with your skincare
specialist to have you decide what type of sunscreen would be best for you.

Copyright 2010 Kim Snyder is the owner of Overall Beauty, home of the #1 Eyelash Enhancer for over 6 years.
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