The latest inventions and findings in sun damage prevention

Hmm... I don't see me using 75 or 100 SPF sunscreen until they make it in oil free as I like to go rock climbing and repelling and the oils in sunscreen can ruin the ropes....

I'll be sure to head out in the sun with plenty of sun block. If it's got zinc oxide it's gotta be good, not some tube full of chemicals. In addition to applying the sun block, I tend to eat Arctic Zero by the pint. The whole thing is 136 calories per pint! Finally, it's easy to look good for summer.

I love articles on skin safety. Agree with one of the previous bloggers, www.cosmeticsdatabase.com is where I choose my tanning/skin products from. I am currently using Tropicals Sands all natural sunscreen lotion. It is even safe for the Coral Reefs! I have it in both SPF 30 & 50. I also have their Sunless Tanning Spray. It works fantastic. My husband says it looks like a real tan - and no streaks either! But there are a lot of safe tanning products listed in the cosmeticsdatabase. Its a great resource. P.S. Thank you Blogger - "garretteb", I had never heard of Arctic Zero, so I googled it and now want to try some. It didn't look like it was available at any stores near my area (Roseville, CA). But will keep checking our Whole Foods Market till they carry it. As some of you previously mentioned Whole Foods does have a great selection of natural products and is another good source of natural suntanning products. Garretteb are you one of the owners listed on the Artic Zero website? Pretty cool...........can't wait to try, plus the hubby lovvvvvvvvvvvvves ice cream and will be able to chill w/o the gain. Thanks.

These sunscreens will cause other forms of cancer with all the chemicals in them. Use all natural sunscreen.

Love this! Just got back from vacation and used 50SPF with Helioplex applied GENEROUSLY before going in the sun, wore a big hat, sat under a big umbrella, reapplied every hour or so and while we never burned, we did still get really tan (obviously from the time we spent in the ocean in the tropics)
My thing is preventing face freckles. I used two different kinds of expensive face block and STILL got freckles. My body is all brown and smooth but my face is uneven freckles. How can I prevent this from getting worse as I get older??

Morgian I am the same way. My face is SUPER sensitive and sunscreen burns sooo bad and makes my eyes burn and water the whole time it is on my face.

Optivia where can you purchase all natural sunscreens? Do you have a particular one you recommend?

They have some good natural mineral blocks at Whole Foods, also I've seen them at stores like GNC. Badger and Burt's Bees are just two of many.

The previous poster who mentioned this is correct, chemical sunblocks are worse for you than getting sun, they do cause cancer.

SPF 100???? If everyone applied sunscreen as we are "supposed to" we would all be deficient in Vitamin D. God did create the sunshine & a little bit of sun will not hurt. I am a fair skinned redhead and i never wear more sunscreen than SPF 45. But in winter, I don't have to buy a special light to get that extra mood boast. And if I burn, so what. Too little sun is just as bad as too much sun.

I have sensitive skin, especially my face, and using the chemical suncreens make my eyes water and my face itch. I would love a high SPF product that was chemical free that is not so hard to find. They make a few, but they don't seem to be sold in the mainstream stores...

I'd rather just avoid the sun all together than have to interrupt my day by constantly reapplying sunscreen.

Seriously, who wants to reapply sunscreen like every hour when you're in the middle of a fun day at the beach or lake?

Our ancestors seemed to survive the sun just fine by using physical barriers like umbrellas and hats. Sunscreen is greasy and full of chemicals. Give me and umbrella and a sun hat anyday!

RAUL...Skin cancer will look really sexy too, keep on using the 'chemical sunscreens' and eventually you'll find out.By the way, your internal organs will love the chemicals they get to absorb through your skin...eventually you'll find that out too... Kind of a rule of thumb, 'if you can't eat it - its not safe for your skin/or your organs'....your body absor whatever you put on the skin.....use 'all natural' products on your skin. They can be found at 'Health Food Stores'

Optivia....I applaude you for informing people who are not in the know about the dangers of sunscreens.... :^)

Here is what I want: Highest SPF possible, tad bit of bronzer (or skin lightener), hair lessening, skin smoothing, fine line erasing, ultra mosturizing, non pore cloging, sun screen that smells nice and doesn't leave me greasy and is suitable for my face and body. Is that too much to ask from cosmetic companies? Lordy I am tired of choosing which one of the myriad of lotions and potions to choose from. I would pay a pretty penny if that exisited!

The last time I used sunscreen, I got a second degree sunburn. I don't use it anymore. If I know I am going to be out in the sun for a while, I go to a tanning booth and get a tan there so I don't burn. I'm sure the pain that comes with skin cancer is horrible, but I won't risk that sunburn again!

Try Skin Deep's cosmetic safety database to look for safe sunscreens. They have a huge listing of multiple brands and break it down by which contain safe vs harmful ingredients, also great for cosmetics too. Its a great site www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

Read some of the most recent literature about the link between vitamin d deficiency and various types of cancers, diabetes, heart disease, etc.

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/3/266

A little spf 15, sure but spf 100 is going to block the benefits the suns rays provide to our overall health. Sunburn is bad, not the sun. I'll take my chances with skin cancer.

Sunscreen is killing the world's coral reefs.

I love Banana Boat sunscreen because it makes my skin shine & glisten. I know I am looking sexy with shine all over my running body. LOL!

i am a huge fan of avenno baby suncreen! It is tear free, sweat-proof, water proof, all natural and it smells good :) protects my little toddlers and protects me :)