Placing My Bet on All-Natural Sunscreen

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

It hasn't even technically started yet, but Summer '09 will go down in my books as the Summer of the Itch. We've only had a few warm days and already my feet and legs are covered in a ghastly heat rash (unlike this blissful bikini model who has probably never even heard of heat rash.) My husband has suggested I wear socks with my sandals (he's serious) but I told him that before I throw in the towel, I'm switching to an all-natural sunscreen. The rash isn't the only reason for my switch - the lack of information on the effects of chemical sunscreens also makes me very nervous. I just have this sick feeling that we're going to find out in 20 years that they aren't as safe as they claim to be. Pure + simple has done a good job of breaking down the differences between natural and chemical sunscreens and Pure Know How is also a great resource with an in-depth section on chemicals in sunscreens and some natural alternatives. When I spoke with the site's co-founder recently about natural beauty products she cited Dr. Hauschka as one of her favourite brands. They do a line of all-natural sunscreen which also comes in a spray and after-sun lotion.

Comments

of course sun screen is toxic! why do you think skin cancer numbers keep rising? it's not the sun, it's the sunscreen! the body needs the sun for at least ten minutes a day around noon for vitamin D etc. definately opt for a all natural organic sunscreen! remember, if you can't eat it, don't put it on your skin! cocunut oil is another natural alternative

I wouldn't say that the sun isn't to blame either, though, you know?

all natural sun screen is most positively the way to go. Obvious!

what isnt toxic today? the food you eat, the plastic bottle you drink out of, the clothes you wear and so on.

I believe Chantale will receive this years nomination for the most irresponsible comment regarding the sun. The body needs vitamin D which can come from exposure to the sun. But there are many other ways to get the vitamin, such as through supplements & vitamin pills.
The suggestion that noon hour is the best time for exposure is ludicrous, since that time falls right in them middle of the worst times for exposure, 10 am to 3 pm.
If you wording is wrong and you are suggesting that sunscreen makes people think they can stay in the sun much longer without the risk of cancer, then you might just be right.

Are any of these comments founded by scientific study or dermatological research?
I can agree to the toxicity of the chemicals that may be used in cheaper sunscreens and the obvious approach to preventing skin cancer is avoiding the hot sun in prime times but be careful of the conclusions drawn from speculation.