Face half-covered in sunscreen, seen under UV light.

Image: Wikipedia: “Two photographs of a man wearing sunscreen (spf 50) on one half of his face, in visible light (left) and ultraviolet light (UV-A, 340-355nm) (right). The sunscreen on the right side (your left) of his face absorbs ultraviolet, making that side appear darker in the UV picture.”

“Sunscreen has many compounds that absorb or scatter the harmful UV rays so that none of it gets to your skin.”

How the sun sees you: (“even if you have dark skin, still wear sunscreen!! everyone tans/burns!”)

“We showed people what they looked like in ultraviolet, & wondered aloud if they wanted to put on some damn sunscreen already.

From Dr. Douillard: How much faith do you put in your sunscreen?

According to a report released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), there is surprisingly little proof that sunscreens prevent most skin cancers! (1)

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, “Sunscreens should not be the first choice for skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun.” (IARC 2001a)

With this in mind, find out which sunscreen ingredients you must avoid, and learn some natural and dietary strategies to protect your skin from the sun.

New research reports that sunscreen does not protect against the majority of skin cancers. Bolster your sun protection with alternative methods, and in cases of prolonged exposure, look for the safest sunscreens…read the rest of the good doctor’s article, here.

Excerpt via the NY Times:

“People who diligently use sunscreen every day can slow or even prevent for a time the development of wrinkles and sagging skin, a new study found. Although dermatologists have long told people to use sunscreen to prevent aging, this is the first research to show an actual effect on the appearance of skin, researchers said…” …read the rest at the NY Times.

For more:

Sunscreen vs. Cancer vs. Vitamin D ~ via Ryan Wanger.

The Shady Side of Sunscreen. ~ ShaMecha Simms

Gisele Bundchen: Synthetic Sunscreen is Poison.

How to Use Sunscreen.

Skincare: 5 Steps to Truly Happy Skin. Via Sue Van Raes.

Vitamin D, I Heart Thee.

How Much Faith Do You Put in Your Sunscreen? (Vitamin A, a Common Sunscreen Ingredient, May Speed the Development of Cancer)