I'm a BIG sunscreen user.  I'll put it on exposed skin anytime I'll be outside for more than 10 or 15 min., no matter what season or what the weather is like.  I used to use "regular" sunscreen (like Coppertone, or the cheaper brand), but switched to Alba Natural sunscreen last year.  Over the winter it seemed effective enough.  But now that it's summer and the sun is beating down, I've noticed I'm getting a lot tanner than I used to!  I'm worried it's not working.  I was outside almost all day for 3 days in a row this past weekend.  I applied sunscreen generously before going out, and reapplied every 2-3 hours.  And STILL, when I got home at the end of the day I noticed tan lines!!  UGH!  I really want to protect my skin and body from the harmful sun's rays, and would like to do it naturally and safely.  But I'm thinking I'll switch back to the other sunscreen b/c at least that worked in keeping the sun from penetrating into my skin.  Granted, I know it has parabens, which is why I made the switch.  It's like I'm stuck and don't know which is worse......using sunscreen with parabens that blocks the rays, OR using natural sunscreen that still lets rays though.  ????  I need help on this one!! 

I have been feeling the same way about sunscreen! I live at the beach and spend lots of time outdoors. I have read about needing a "broad spectrum" sunscreen in order to protect against burning AND aging. I want to prevent both. However, I think these natural sunscreens really protect against UVB rays...Burns...not UVA....aging?! I am not sure, but I have also notices my face and arms getting freckled (sun damage)! I actually baught some extreme Neutragena sport Sunscreen for now, because it seems to work better...it sucks though, I don't like using these chemicals!

That makes sense... b/c I haven't really gotten burned, but it's definitely penetrating my skin!  I'm thinking I'll switch back to the regular sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB, until I find a better alternative that doesn't have parabens and bad chemicals. 

There are some natural ones with zinc that work, and if you rub them in they don't look white. Remember that your skin absorbs a high percentage of what you put on it.

I use Jason's Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 and it seems to work. 

Here's a link to see which sunscreens are less toxic:  http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/

I just checked the label on my ALBA Natural Sunscreen.  It SAYS it has UVA and UVB protection.  So why do I still get so tan using it??  I'm going to the store to check out other brands today.  Thanks Kiera for the link, I'll check that out before I go!

Hmm, are you reapplying throughout the day?  If not, that may be why you are tanning.  I know we are supposed to use a full shot-glass of sunscreen to cover our whole bodies and reapply every couple of hours.  Of course, that is the ideal way to use it, and I don't know anybody that does that!

Hope you found some that works for you.  :)

With a two year old in tow, I am simply trying to avoid oxybenzone at all costs. He is a very fair skinned blonde and I just think we should do the best we can facing each unique situation. My issue is the kids' sunscreen that doesn't have oxybenzone has parabens and the ones without parabens have oxybenzone. Ugh. It has to be tear-free and waterproof so I am doing the best I can using shade and clothing/hat prevention as well. Let me know if anybody has specific suggestions. Thanks!

Erin - look at the ingredients for the one Kiera mentioned, that's actually the one I use, too. I'm also very fair and live in the Southwest, so I wear a hat most days that I am out in the sun.

Devita's sunscreen is fantastic.  It's the least greasy sunscreen I've ever found.  I had to stop using it because I have an allergy/sensitivity to Zinc Oxide, but I never got sunburned if I applied it.  Skin Deep gave it a 1 safety rating, which is pretty good.

You can find it here: https://www2.devita.net/store/product.php?productid=17535&cat=290&page=1

I now use Alba SPF 45 and it seems to work ok.  It can make my eyes sting, which seems to be a problem with every sunscreen I've ever tried.

I had been using the ALBA Natural sunscreen for Kids, SPF 45.  It's in the purple bottle.  I read about it on the link provided by Kiera above, and found it to be really good for blocking UVB rays (causes burning), but only moderate in UVA protection (tanning).  And yes, I was reapplying every 2-3 hours.  Maybe if I reapply every 1-2 hours it would be better.  I assume so.  But that's so much work, and it's expensive stuff. 

I tried California Baby sunscreen in the past but it made my skin look VERY white, no matter how little I used or how much I rubbed it in.  So, I'm still searching for a good brand with the best of both worlds...I know, probably doesn't exist yet.  As Erin says, it seems the ones with parabens don't have oxybenzone, and the ones w/o oxybenzone have parabens. 

I will look for Jason's Mineral sunscreen however, as well as the Devita brand.  Thanks for the suggestions! 

That's the Alba one I use too, the kids one!  I wish it weren't so fruity smelling though.

I just got back from the store...they didn't have a super big selection, but I found a Coppertone product (Oil-free) that's broad spectrum, UVA/UVB protection, SPF 15 (I wish it was higher).  It does not have oxybenzone or retinyl palmitate in it, nor does it have any parabens!  It uses avobenzone and other chemicals, however, it's not a mineral sunscreen.  I found one mineral product that looked pretty good, but I believe it had retinyl palmitate and/or parabens in the ingredients....there was something in it that made me not choose it.  So I'll give this one a try....

I have used unrefined Avocado Oil and unrefined Macadamia Nut oil as a natural sunscreen for a few years now.  They both work great.  In January my friend and I spent a week in Punta Cana and used only those oils as a sunscreen.  We both came home as lily white as when we left.  The oil must be unrefined.  You can buy them in health food stores or on line.