Time to slather on the sunscreen! The weather is finally warming up and summer is in the air. So here’s the deal on sunscreen - short and sweet. Get one that is chemical free. These contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide which are minerals that block out UV and UVA rays - the rays that cause skin to burn and lead to long term damage. I am not going to lie and say that one application and you’re set for the day- you are not. You have to reapply and some brands are better than others in spreadability and overall texture. If you really must use a chemical one. Check the label and avoid these chemicals that are commonly found in sunscreen, lipsticks, face and hair products: benzophenone, homosalate, 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor, octyl-methoxycinnamate and octyl-dimethyl-paba. These 5 were tested at the Institute of Pharmacology in Switzerland have been found to mimic the effects of estrogen in lab rats. The amounts used in the test were equivalent to the amounts used in sunscreen. Scary! Excessive estrogen can lead to uterine or breast cancer, endometreosis, PMS and other conditions. So read your labels and choose a chemical free sunscreen or one that does not contain one of the previously mentioned ingredients. Brands I have tried and liked are Burt’s Bees, Mychelle, and Dr Hauschka.