You have probably heard talk of the new UVA recommendations for sunscreen. Better protection is a good thing, but what is UVA protection?

Let’s start off by covering the difference between UVA and UVB rays. UV rays are radiation that reaches earth from the sun. UVB rays are the ones that cause damage to the upper most layers of the skin, resulting in sunburn. The SPF number on a sunscreen determines how much protection the product provides against UVB rays...

Zinc oxide is the super sunscreen of the day — nontoxic, natural, and simply the best at providing UV protection. But you may remember zinc as the glaring white substance on the lifeguard’s nose at your local pool growing up. Yes, that zinc.

While zinc oxide is your best defense against sun damage, the white residue is less than desired. In an effort to reduce the white effect manufacturers have begun using smaller particle zinc known as nano-particles (under 100 nanometers)...

A little exposure to sun gives a mood boost and gives a healthy dose of Vitamin D—but we all know that over-doing it results in sun spots, wrinkles, even skin cancer. After 10-15 minutes you had better apply some serious sun protection to guard against damage.

But that doesn’t mean you are stuck with the pale look. Create a natural-looking beachy glow with True Natural Self Tanner Face and Body with Anti-Aging. This multi-tasker delivers a golden glow to...

Many sunscreens do not block UVA radiation and people may be exposed to a high level of UVA without realizing it. To limit unrealistic claims about the level of protection offered, the EU revised the UVA guidelines for sunscreens. Now, the requirement is that UVA must be at least 1/3 of the SPF. For example, if the UVA protection is SPF 5 and the UVB protection is SPF 30, the overall SPF allowed t...

Recently released scientific studies by Switzerland's of Pharmacology and Toxicology, conducted in 2001, prove a link between synthetic sunscreens and hormonal disturbances in the body. The chemical compounds in synthetic sunscreens have been found to accumulate in body fats and in breast milk, and, by mimicking the effects of estrogen, can induce undesirable hormonal changes...

Conventional sunscreens were created to do one thing and one thing only, protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Over time, extended use of conventional sunscreens formulated with harsh chemicals may have an entirely different effect not only on your skin but also on natural plant and aquatic life living in our oceans, rivers and lakes. On the contrary, sunscreens formulated with entirely natural, chemical-free substances utilizing mineral-based ingredients are completely safe for the environment as well as gentle on skin.

Most sunscreens offer little to no protection against UVA rays. That SPF number you see on the bottle only tells you the UVB protection factor. While UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, UVA rays penetrate to the deeper layers of skin, and is a major factor in premature aging and skin cancer. Clearly, protection from UVA rays is a serious factor to consider when purchasing sunscreen...

According to the Environmental Working Group: "We found that consumers using sunscreens without zinc and titanium would be exposed to an average of 20% more UVA radiation — with increased risks for UVA-induced skin damage, premature aging, wrinkling, and UV-induced immune system damage — than consumers using zinc- and titanium-based products"