After many years of tanning and sun-worshipping, reports came to light that said almost any amount of exposure to the sun would, and had resulted in skin cancer. Since then (several decades) we've been told that the sun is dangerous and we should cover up our skin anytime we go out. It was decided by experts that the use of sunscreen would prevent skin cancer and protect your health. This was recommended despite of a lack of any adequate safety testing of the chemicals in sunscreens. Commercial sunscreens popped up everywhere and a new billion dollar industry was born.

Recently, a study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that 97% of Americans are contaminated with a widely used sunscreen ingredient called oxybenzone that has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage. A companion study published just one day earlier revealed that this chemical is linked to low birth weight in baby girls whose mothers are exposed during pregnancy. Oxybenzone is also a penetration enhancer, a chemical that helps other chemicals penetrate the skin, which eventually make their way into the bloodstream.

Two University of California scientists believe that the rise in skin cancer is linked with increased use of chemical sunscreens. They say chemical sunscreens offer a false sense of security resulting in excessive sun exposure, which is risk #1. Now, it seems that risk #2 is the toxic chemicals in the sunscreens themselves.

Another factor to consider is that the application of sunscreens interfere with the skin's ability to produce vitamin D and can cause a vitamin D deficiency that can greatly impact your health.

Ingredients in sunscreens are not regulated...
Sunscreens, like other cosmetics, are not regulated in a strict sense, but most companies display claims that assure you their products are safe. Testing may involve as little as testing the ingredients to determine if the chemicals cause swelling, rashes, or other acute reactions. Manufacturers are not required to test the ingredients in their products to determine if they cause long-term, negative health effects such as cancer, disruption of hormones or the inability to have a healthy child.

Over the past decade, many scientists studying cancer have come to the conclusion that the use of sunscreen chemicals may be increasing the incidence of cancer and that sunlight exposure may actually decrease human cancer rates and improve your health.

It now appears that many heavily-used chemical sunscreens may actually increase cancers by virtue of their free radical generating properties. And more insidiously, many commonly used sunscreen chemicals have strong estrogenic actions that may cause serious problems in sexual development and adult sexual function, and may further increase cancer risks.

Organic chemists have long been long aware of the dangers of compounds in chemical sunscreens, but this was ignored by the manufacturers of commercial sunscreens and most of the medical establishment.

Healthy alternatives...
The best-known physical blocks are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, naturally occurring minerals more effective than some chemical sunscreens. They work as a barrier against sun damage. An alternative is to choose only products that are made from non-toxic natural or organic materials. Non-Toxic natural or organic products do not contain hazardous chemicals, so they are safe and healthy. One of the easiest ways to make a positive impact on your planet and your life is to use safe, non-toxic personal care products.

There are many simple lifestyle changes you can make to radically decrease your risk of sunburn, such as choosing your essential fatty acids wisely, increasing raw vegetables loaded with skin protecting antioxidant phytonutrients, and avoiding processed foods and sugars.

Additionally you can use clothing wisely to avoid sun-induced skin damage. Wearing a hat keeps the sun off your face and the very thin skin around your eyes which is particularly sensitive to photo-aging skin damage from the sun.

Natural sunlight is the best way to get your vitamin D so try to spend small amounts of time in the sun without any sunscreen. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. Safe sun exposure is the key.