But, I thought Sunscreen protected me?!

Why, yes! Sunscreen does protect your skin, however, not ALL sunscreens are good for you. Your skin is the largest organ in/on your body, and it has pores. That sunscreen + the chemicals inside it may be more harmful to you than helpful.

I was reading an article on the BodyMindSoulSpirit website (which has some notable health information), and it confirmed and informed me of a lot of information. Here are some bullet points from this article you should keep in mind before purchasing sunscreen:

• Chemicals and minerals filter out UVA and UVB rays. 
• Most commonly found chemical in sunscreens is, Avobenzone. 
• Thought to block UVB's the best, but happens to be an endocrine disruptor (the endocrine system comprises all the glands and hormones produced by these glands).
• Avobenzone is sometimes found in plastic bottles and toys. 
• Oxybenzone, huge chemical culprit in the sunscreen biz. 
• The Envirionmental Working Group (EWG) believe this chemical is causes hormone disruption as well as cell damage, which can lead to skin cancer. 

Check out the EWG's website on Safe Sunscreen's. It's awesome and worth the research time to find the best skin protection. 

Be safe and have fun in the sun! 

Don't over expose

My favorite sunscreen, organic, smells
 great and doesn't leave a weird residue on skin either.

 It's that time of year, the sun is hot, the grass is green, the beach and pool are calling your name.
Whether you decide to spend some quality time outside, or just travelling to and from work, don't fry your skin.

Lathering up on sunscreen daily is ultra important to your skin and body health. Protect yourself from getting melanoma, skin cancer. I've been reading more and more, in magazines, newspapers and online news articles, that people are being diagnosed with skin cancer at younger ages.

SPF & insect repellant = Summer perfection.

Soak in these tips before you head outside. 

1. Skip the tanning beds: Time in a tanning bed significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Just don't do it. Embrace your lighter skin tone, and take care of yours if it's naturally darker.
2. Sunscreen and acne: Sometimes there are sunscreens that are so oily and greasy it's cringe-worthy slathering it on your skin, but there are tons and tons of different kinds that aren't so goopy feeling. Though spending a day in the sun dries out your acne, and it seems to be nice and smooth the next few days, the results of this dryness don't show up until a week or two later. Your skin might breakout even more, and the sun damage makes it harder for the pimples and dark spots to heal. 
• TRY: Elemis Aromapure, Vital Face Sun Screen (SPF 15)
  
3. Tan skin doesn't mean you can skip sun protection: The darker the skin, the more melanin you have, but that does NOT make you immune to sun burns. If you're concerned about not getting tan, try a self tanner, or find a place you can get a spray tan you'll like. And, it IS possible to find a self tanner that doesn't leave streaks.
4. Waterproof means waterproof: Of course! It means it will protect you while you're sweating and swimming, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have to reapply. Always reapply. Sometimes in highly populated areas you see  gloss of an oil like substance on the water's surface, there you have it, that's sunscreen. It will wash off. Apply at least 30 minutes before you get full on sun-exposure, and after you've been swimming reapply. What works best for me is, if I plan on being in the sun for four or more hours, I reapply every hour, depending on how much time I spend in the water.

Sunscreen is a must

These are some organic sunscreens that are healthier for your skin. Left: Elemis Vital Face Sun Screen, doesn't give you acne. Right: Eminence Tropical Vanilla Body Sunscreen, not greasy and shiny. Leaves skin feeling smooth and protected.

Throughout my life, I've always been told to wear sunscreen, I'm glad that I have. It's such an important necessity in daily life -- especially now days. Years ago, it was known now to go in the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., but now, that time has been extended.

The sun is stronger, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are the times to stay out of the sun. I'd suggest, if you are a beach goer and enjoy some time outside, keep in mind that prolonged exposure isn't the best for your skin, and overall health down the road.

Just because you put on sunscreen at noon doesn't mean that you're protected completely from the sun, yes you are, but remember that this is peak hours for Mr. Sun. Reapply, but also be smart.

Wear a hat AND sunscreen -- these are two good ways to help shield your face.

Make and it's SPF factors -- though you may be wearing makeup with SPF in it, that's great, better than nothing. It's not enough for those beach days playing volleyball. Load up that SPF, try to go for the organic type. Sunscreen seeps into your pores, and sits in your body, having those bad chemicals in most sunscreens isn't helpful for your inside health.

Coverage -- Be sure when applying sunscreen you cover everywhere you mean to cover. Aside from the fact you might get a weird tan, it's best to keep the skin equally covered.

Acne etc. -- Also, it's worse not to wear any sunscreen if you feel that it affects your acne. It's possible to find sunscreen meant specifically for your face and body. Some that don't have oils that'll cause your face to breakout. Sometimes they might get pricey, but hey, it's worth it to keep you skin safe.

Check out: Elemis products 

Sunscreen dangerous?!

So, we hear so much to lather up on sunscreen and to avoid going out in the sun between the peak hours (Usually midday). But, have you ever considered that just maybe you sunscreen can increase the risk of cancer?

Well, sure enough, it can.

AOL news reported in an article that in the Environmental Working Group researchers annual report, found that only 39/500 sunscreen products tested were safe and effective.

The finding of Vitamin A in sunscreen and it's derivatives (retinol and retinyl palmitate), might speed up cancer...even though sunscreen is produced to prevent that.

The reported reason for Vit. A in sunscreen is that it's an anti-oxidant and will slow skin aging. (A positive thought I must add.)

In lab results animals lathered up with the vitamin developed a tumor 21 percent faster than those lathered with vitamin A free cream.

PLEASE read this article: Dangerous sunscreen

U.S. News also has done a report..Check this out too.. U.S. News Health