Your Ideal Sunscreen Formula: Chemical-Free

Whether you have allergies to chemical UV blockers or are just living a more natural lifestyle, there are plenty of options from which to choose. Natural, chemical-free sunscreens contain broad spectrum UV blockers titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide to reflect UV Rays (UVR) from the skin.

Tips: People who have darker skin tones or spend less than 20 minutes a day in the sun don't need a heavy-duty SPF, but no one should wear anything lower than SPF 15. Sunscreens rated with an SPF of 15 only filter out 93 percent of UVB rays so choosing a lower SPF product increases your risk of burning and developing skin cancer. Do use a higher SPF product (40-70) if you're prone to burning or plan to spend long periods of time soaking in the rays. As the SPF rating increases, the percentage of UVB penetration decreases, affording you extended exposure time and protection (i.e. an SPF of 50 blocks 99 percent of UVB rays).

SPF 15-30 product to try: Zia Ultimate Age-Defying Solar Care Body SPF 15, $13.95, or if you need a water-resistant formula, try Nature's Gate Aqua Block SPF 30 Very Water Resistant; fragrance-free, $8.99.

SPF 40-70 product to try: Jason Active Block SPF 40, $10.95.