The layperson might read this article as suggesting sunscreen provides little benefit; I think this is dangerous. It is not true that sunscreen or sunblock does not protect against UVA; modern sunscreens and higher quality sunscreens/blocks containing Zinc Oxide (the same stuff used in diaper rash cream) and Titanium Dioxide protect against UVA and are considered natural organic compounds; they do not cause adverse reactions in the body. These sunblocks are expensive, ranging from $3/oz to over $10/oz.
Natural Sunscreens - Best Natural Sunscreen - The Daily Green
I agree 100% that the chemical based sunscreens are dangerous and provide more potential harm than good, especially in children.
Chemical based ingredients are as follows
Benzophenones (dixoybenzone, oxybenzone)
PABA and PABA esters (ethyl dihydroxy propyl PAB, glyceryl PABA, p-aminobenzoic acid, padimate-O or octyl dimethyl PABA)
Cinnamates (cinoxate, ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate)
Salicylates (ethylhexyl salicylate, homosalate, octyl salicylate)
Digalloyl trioleate
Menthyl anthranilate Avobenzone [butyl-methyoxydibenzoylmethane; Parsol 1789] - This is the only chemical sunscreen currently allowed by the European Community. However, its safety is still questionable since it easily penetrates the skin and is a strong free radical generator.
This following article is a fantastic read. Many may not know that the cheap chemical based sunscreens are estrogenic.
The Chemical Sunscreen Health Disaster
The highest risk of sun damage is between 10-4. Should a person go without sunscreen before and after this period starting early in the spring, they should be able to slowly build a tan which will provide the suns nutrients and offer greater protection durring the peak hours.