
Three Things You Need to Know About Sunscreen
- Discover the only three ways known to reduce your chances of skin cancer
- Are you getting an extra side of cancer or hormones with your sun protection? Find out more…
- Two sunscreens you can feel good about using.
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
“Honestly, given your fair complexion… it could be skin cancer. We won’t know until we get the biopsy result.”
This was the last sentence I ever expected to hear at age 22.
As I sat in the dermatologist exam room staring at the fresh stitches in my arm, I thought to myself, There’s no way this is happening to me. I am too young! I don’t go to tanning beds, and I always use sunscreen!
After a few minutes, I pulled it together and drove back to work.
But by the end of the day, after reading that melanoma kills one person in the United States every minute — I had planned my funeral.1
Since I had spent most of my life up until this point under the blazing rays of the Florida sun, I thought there was a great possibility this biopsy would come back positive. I felt totally powerless as I sat around and waited for the results.
Finally, about a week later, my dermatologist called to report that I was totally cancer-free and that the mole they had taken was simply an “unusual growth.” She also added that I needed to maintain a strict sun protection regimen if I wanted to remain skin cancer-free
Her recommendation?
More sunscreen, of course.
And just like me, you’ve probably been told your whole life sunscreen is the only way to protect yourself from cancer-causing sun exposures.
But about 10 years ago, after I had this scare, I started to wonder if all the trouble I went to applying and re-applying was even working.
Does this stuff actually protect me? Or is this smelly goop just a placebo?
As it turns out, there might have been some truth in my skepticism. We will get to that in just a bit.
My doubt deepened when I realized I knew lots of folks who religiously slathered themselves in this artificial coconut-smelling emulsion but still had run-ins with skin cancer.
And shortly thereafter, I figured out there is a good reason for my doubt — skin cancer is on the rise.
Potent Rays
According to the National Cancer Institute, since the 1970s, the rate of new melanoma cases has tripled, from 7.9 per 100,000 to 24 per 100,000.2
And while science hasn’t been able to put a fine point on the cause of melanoma, there are a few things that increase your risk: indoor tanning, freckles and moles, fair skin, severe sunburns, and UV radiation.
Of these, the only things you can control are indoor tanning, severe sunburns, and UV radiation exposure.
Obviously, indoor tanning is easily avoidable — just don’t do it.
But severe sunburns and UV exposure are a little trickier if you spend time outdoors.
So in hopes of avoiding these factors, you probably make your contribution to the $399 million-a-year sun care products business like most folks.
The problem is you might be spending all that money on a product that’s doing you more harm than good and all the while taking your money.
You see, every major public health authority, including the FDA and National Cancer Institute, concludes that there isn’t sufficient data to prove that sunscreens along can reduce your chance of getting skin cancer.3
Furthermore, sunscreens contain toxic chemicals that can cause cancer.
Today, in an effort to help you get safe sun protection, I am going to share with you three things you need to know about sunscreen, including best buying practices.
Let’s get started…
Three Things You Need to Know About Sunscreen
- Some sunscreens are full of dangerous chemicals
- Suncreens use either chemical or mineral UV filters. Chemical filters include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene, and octinoxate. While none of these chemicals are good for you, perhaps the most worrisome of the lot is oxybenzone. Oxybenzone can mimic hormones and also cause skin allergies. Plus, research from the CDC has found that more than 96 percent of Americans have oxybenzone in their bodies.
- In addition, oxybenzone is lethal to coral reefs. In fact, the chemicals in just one drop of sunscreen can wreak havoc on coral reef systems.4 While you’re not a tiny sea creature, the fact that these chemicals have to power to kill other living thing might make you think twice about slathering it all over your body.
- A Common sunscreen additive may speed up cancer development
- Some sunscreens contain vitamin A. Also known as retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinol, and retinyl linoleate, vitamin A has proven to be a cause of the development of skin tumors and lesions when used on skin in sunlight, according to studies performed by the U.S. federal government.
- Due to these dangers, it’s best to avoid any product with one of these additives.
- Sunscreen doesn’t combat all types of sun damage
- While SPF represents protection from sunburn, it does not indicate a measure for any other type skin damage. UV rays can also create DNA -damaging free radicals. These tiny terrors can also lead to skin aging and skin cancer.
- Sunscreens capable of filtering UVA light can help protect you from this type of damage. Avobenzone, a common UVA filter in sunscreens, can be broken down by UV rays. However, zinc oxide is a strong UVA filter. Zinc or mineral-based sunscreens make a better choice in this arena.
To sum things up, I have made a list of things to look for when purchasing sunblock:
- Chemical-free
- Mineral-based
- Vitamin A-free
- And as always, non-GMO.
Of all the brands out there, Living Well recommends just two: All Good and ButterBean Organics sunblocks.
Both of these choices are:
- Made with organic ingredients
- Chemical-free
- Mineral-based
- Biodegradable
- Non-GMO
- Vitamin A-free
- Top-rated by EWG.
For more information, please click here for All Good and here for ButterBean Organics.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Sources
[1] Skin Cancer Facts and Statistics
[2] Table 16.5: Melanoma of the Skin (Invasive)
[3] Eight Little-Known Facts About Sunscreens
[4] Chemicals In Sunscreen Are Harming Coral Reefs, Says New Study

Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
BEAT Stubborn Leg Swelling Without Dangerous Diuretics
“I need help with edema.” —Swollen Hi Swollen, When patients complain of edema—fluid retention that causes feet, ankles, and legs to swell—I explain that, while conventional medicine immediately prescribes diuretic drugs, nature offers us effective solutions we can try first. I’ll share those in just a moment, but first, let’s take a quick look at...
Mental Health Linked to 30% FASTER Aging [6-Step FIX]
Your mind and body are more connected than you might realize—and a groundbreaking new study proves just how profound that connection really is. In fact, it’s this mind-body link that helps explain why battling depression can put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve...
The Air You Breathe Is Silently Stealing Your Memory
You already know that air pollution damages your lungs. Chances are you’ve heard it can also harm your heart. And I bet you won’t be surprised when I tell you it claims millions of lives annually. But now, alarming new research suggests polluted air might also damage your brain. This study found that long-term exposure...
Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry
Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...
Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next
You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...
Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead
I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...
This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months
You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...
Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works
“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...
Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets
You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...
"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...