Natural sunscreens such as Avocado Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil and Mango Butter are a safe alternative to some commercial sunscreens that contain chemicals that may be harmful to our bodies. These chemicals can penetrate to the lower layers of the skin and actually increase the amount of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Studies have shown that the reactive oxygen species in skin treated with commercial sunscreens actually measured higher than in completely untreated skin. As well as functioning as endocrine disruptors, they also showed an increased risk of malignant melanoma and an interference with our natural production of Vitamin D. The most common misconception is that the higher the SPF, the longer you can stay in the sun. This is not correct. SPF is related to the amount of solar exposure, NOT the time of exposure. Protection depends on several factors such as skin type, the amount applied and the frequency of application. SUNSCREENS SHOULD BE APPLIED EVERY 30 MINUTES WHEN IN FULL SUN. Activities such as swimming or physical excerise creating sweating will reduce the protection, thus the sunscreen should be re-applied. Another big factor is the amount of commercial sunscreen the skin has absorbed. This can also be a huge negative factor as you will also be ABSORBING HARMFUL CHEMICALS. BE SAFE - USE A NATURAL SUNSCREEN - SPEND ONLY 20-30 MINUTES IN FULL SUN - WEAR A WIDE BRIMMED HAT - ALWAYS USE SUNGLASSES - AND PLAN AHEAD. If you are going to be out for longer periods, have a small bottle of your sunscreen to reapply, or wear lightweight pants and shirts with sleeves. Here are some effective alternatives to commercial sunscreens: