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Oh Sunscreen, I know that I should love you. I know that you protect my skin from turning the color of a grilled hot dog in the summer. I know that you can even prevent skin cancer. But I have to confess that I have let you languish away on my bureau because I find your embraces to be... greasy, sticky, and worse of all, very stinky.

If you are in the same sunscreen-smell-hating boat as I am, it turns out that you can’t go wrong with most natural, mineral-based sunscreens. But even if you don’t mind the smell, there are actually many good reasons to consider swapping your Banana Boat for more natural sunscreens. Unlike drugstore sunscreens, most mineral-based sunblocks don’t contain ingredients that could provoke an allergic reaction or cause adverse health effects. Mineral-based sunscreens also eschew synthetic sunscreens for titanium oxide and zinc oxide, which become effective immediately - so you won’t have to wait the usual 30 minutes before you can gambol in the sun. Need another reason to switch to mineral-based sunscreens? They are usually loaded with natural ingredients that will pamper your skin. Read on for some of the sunscreens that I will be snatching up this summer.

The No-Fuss Sunscreen
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Burt’s Bees Sunscreen SPF 30, $15 for 3.5 fl oz
Chemical-free; PABA-free; Paraben-free; Phthalate-free; Petrochemical –free; Sulfate-free; Cruelty-free

This sunscreen is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to bother with a product tricked out with the latest skincare technologies. It contains only moisturizing hemp seed oil, making sure that your skin stays hydrated while baking in the sun.

The Sunscreen for Your Entire Clan
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Jason Sunbrellas Sunblock SPF 30, 12.49 for 4 fl oz
Fragrance-free; Chemical-Free; Paraben-Free; Cruelty-free; 100% Vegetarian Ingredients

No need to buy separate sunscreen for the kids and the adults in your family. This hypoallergenic sunblock is safe enough to protect babies and adults with sensitive skin. It is also formulated with chamomile and marigold extracts to soothe the skin. 

The Sunscreen That Won’t Make You Look Like A Ghost
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SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, $30 for 1.69 oz.
Mineral-Based

For people with darker skin tones, the downside to using mineral-based sunscreen is that it can leave a very noticeable white residue on your skin. But you can finally avoid looking like Casper with this SkinCeuticals sunscreen, which has a sheer filmless tint adaptable to all skin tones. It also contains plankton extract to increase the skin’s defenses against harmful UV rays and heat stress.

The Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin Types
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Lavera Sunscreen Block SPF 20 UVA, $21 for 1.6 oz
Fragrance-free; Chemical-Free; Paraben-free; Petrochemical-free; GMO-free; Gluten-free; Cruelty-free; 100% Vegetarian Ingredients

Looking for a sunscreen that won’t pepper your complexion with zits or hives? This sunscreen is designed for those afflicted with allergies or sensitive skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis. It is loaded with organic evening primrose to nourish skin and licorice extract to strengthen and soothe skin. And it’s waterproof to boot.

The Sunscreen For The Anti-Aging Fanatic
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Coola’s Body SPF 30 Unscented Natural Mineral Sunblock, $34 for 3 oz.
Fragrance-Free; Chemical-Free; PABA-free; Paraben-free; Petroleum-free; Pthalate-free

The fountain of youth might not exist, but at least you have a tube of Coola’s sunblock. Not only is it packed with soothing cucumber and moisturizing shea butter but it also contains vitamin C to help reduce visible aging.

 
 
Ok - so this isn't my usual type of posting. I try to keep it positive and not let my inner fashion critic get the best of me. But yesterday my face got stuck in a look of horror...you know that permanent OMG moment.

I was at the Discarded to Divine event in the city (see below for more details) and off in the distance should I see, sitting with legs folded… cute guy, amazing amaretto and peach shirt, great suit,.....then down to...PASTY ANKLES. Oh ...the horror!  Ok look. There is nothing worst than pasty ankles. 

Well....ASHY ONES are right up there too. Ok – BIG SIDE NOTE HERE [Guys - I realize summer is right around the corner...but don't wait. Most of you HAVE lotion, just don't use it. You probably have at least three “fru fru” gift or travel bottles lying around. You might also think,” I don't have time to put it on”….”people don't look down there anyway”.  Well for all the girls who love guys and guys who love guys...please just bring out the bottle.] 

Well, what can you do about our first issue here? Lotion won't help - you need C-O-L-O-R. Alas...Planet Green (part of the Discovery franchise) has the solution. There is an easy way...and can we all say, "Eco-Friendly", way to do it. In addition to eco-friendly sun blocks, there are also some eco-friendly self-tanning lotions out there. Smart Shield makes some lotions that are self-tanning and filled with vitamins. And there are luckily more eco-friendly tanning salons all over the country these days. They are solar powered many times and filled with green products. Any more excuses…?

More on Discarded to Divine:

RECYCLED FASHIONS. RENEWED LIVES.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco sponsors Discarded to Divine 2010, a reception and auction of one-of-a-kind fashion creations and exquisite home décor created from discarded clothing and materials, benefitting our services to people battling poverty, homelessness and domestic violence.
 

©2011 Taiselyse Inc.