LESS THAN 20% are 'low hazard'

These are just 2 of the findings of the Environmental Working Group's analysis of the ingredients of 600 name-brand sunscreens.

Lets summarize this...

Lets start with the 16 ingredients to avoid at all costs I mentioned earlier. After reading the list that follows I hope it'll make more sense to you when you 'read the label' in the future!...

OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
The most widely used sunscreen ingredient, has estrogenic effects (gender bending) noted in laboratory animals as well as disruption of thyroid hormone and brain signaling.

OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)
Associated with photo allergic reactions. This chemical absorbs through the skin in significant amounts. It contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans according to Centers for Disease Control research. Two recent studies highlight widespread exposure to this common sunscreen chemical, and associate concentrations of it in pregnant women to lower birth weight in their daughters (ref. Calafat 2008, Wolff 2008).

AVOBENZONE (BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE)
Sunlight causes this unstable ingredient to break down into harmful chemicals, especially in the presence of another active, Octinoxate (see above).

OCTOCRYLENE
It produces oxygen radicals (cancer causing) when exposed to UV light.

HOMOSALATE
Research indicates it is a hormone disruptor, forms toxic metabolites, and can enhance the penetration of some toxic herbicides.

ENSULIZOLE (PHENYLBENZIMIDAZOLE SULFONIC ACID)
Known to produce free radicals when exposed to sunlight, leading to damage of DNA, this UVB protector may have the potential to cause cancer.

PEG (polyethylene glycol), polysorbates, ethoxylated alcohol
Are all potent carcinogens containing dioxane (one of the most potent toxins known to man).

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Dermatitis, kidney and liver abnormalities, prevents skin growth, causes irritation.

SODIUM LAUREL, lauryl sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate
When combined with other chemicals, it becomes nitrosamine, a powerful cancer-causing agent; penetrates your skin’s moisture barrier, thereby allowing in other dangerous chemicals.

PARABENS
These 'endocrine disruptors' are gender-bending chemicals which mimic estrogen, upset hormonal balance, and can cause various reproductive cancers in both men and women.

PADIMATE O (OCTYL DIMETHYL PABA | PABA ESTER)
A derivative of the once-popular PABA sunscreen ingredient, research shows this chemical releases free radicals, damages DNA, has estrogenic activity, and causes allergic reactions in some people. Causes genetic mutation when exposed to sunlight.

TOLUENE
Also called benzoic, benzyl, or butylated hydroxtoluene, it can cause anemia, low blood cell count, liver and kidney damage, birth defects.

PHENOL CARBOLIC ACID
Circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, death from respiratory failure.

ACRYLAMIDE
Can cause breast cancer.

MINERAL OIL, PARAFIN, PETROLATUM
Coats skin like plastic and clogs pores, trapping in toxins, slows skin cell growth, disrupts normal hormone function, suspected of causing cancer. Robs bones and nervous system of magnesium. Being petrochemicals they can have estrogenic effects. They absorb the oil soluble vitamins A, D, E & K from the body which are then excreted, thereby depleting the body of vital nutrients.

MEXORYL SX
FDA approved use of this UVA-absorbing agent in 2006. 2 hours of sunlight can degrade as much as 40% thereby leaving you without protection.

There are others... Octyl salicyclate, Cinoxate, Dioxybenzone, Sulisobenzone, Menthyl anthranilate, Trolamine salicyclate and more...

But lets leave it there. Just remember to...

Here's why... Less than 20% of the 600+ products analyzed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) met basic criteria for both safety and effectiveness. Many products lack UVA protection. Many sunscreen ingredients break down in the sun in a matter of minutes or hours, and then let UV radiation through to the skin.

When you buy a high-SPF sunscreen before heading for the beach or the mountains you, quite reasonably, assume you've purchased a product that will give you high sun protection. Its true that many high SPF ('Sun Protection Factor') products will protect you from sunburn, caused by the suns' UVB rays, but it's also true that very few of these these products block UVA rays, the more deeply penetrating radiation linked to skin aging and wrinkling, immune system suppression, and possibly skin cancer. The FDA does not require companies to provide UVA protection in sunscreen.

Several of the 17 'active ingredients' the FDA has approved for use as sunscreens in the US break down when they are exposed to sunlight. They lose their ability to absorb the sun's harmful rays, and stop working effectively in as little as 30 minutes. Almost all the 'chemical blockers' (as opposed to the 'physical blockers' zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) work by absorbing the sun's energy and then releasing it by breaking down. In doing so they react with other chemicals in the sunscreen, often producing dangerous free radicals. Manufacturers are not required to produce stable products. The EWG's analysis showed that 44% of them contained ingredients known to break down.

Many products on the market bear claims that are considered 'unacceptable' or misleading under FDA's draft sunscreen safety standards. Claims like "all day protection," "mild as water," and "blocks all harmful rays" are untrue, yet are common.

This was the finding of the investigation of over 600 name-brand sunscreens carried out by the EWG. Many leading brands were the worst offenders! The study covered ingredients in thousands of products and utilized 50 toxicity and regulatory databases, making it the largest integrated data resource of its kind. The FDA doesn't require companies to test their own products for safety.

• They are powerful free radical generators
• They often have strong estrogenic activity
• They are synthetic chemicals that are alien to the human body and accumulate in body fat stores

The analysis of the ingredients in the name-brand sunscreens showed...

• fewer than 1 in 5 to be both 'effective' and 'low hazard'
• more than 59% to be 'high hazard' or 'ineffective'

Makes you think! Makes me angry! (for the EWG's research references click here to open a new window).

What about the good news I promised earlier?

Is there a formulation that fulfills these 4 essential requirements...

• high protection from UVA rays
• enough protection from UVB rays to prevent burning but allow vitamin D production
• contains no harmful or dangerous ingredients
• is loaded with antioxidants and other active ingredients that nourish your skin and protect against free radical damage

Before I answer, first an introduction...

Africa gets a lot of sunshine!

My dual interests in health and the environment led me to research the benefits of natural and organic products and because of my love of the outdoors I focused on sun protection.

Let me tell you what we've been doing for the past 2+ years (I say 'we' as I've been working with 5 independent laboratories, 3 biochemists, 2 photo biologists, and several technical and field researchers)...

This statement encapsulates the principles that have guided my research...

'To produce a sunscreen that provides...

The second bullet above is a favorite of mine! Here's why...

The cutaneous antioxidant system is complex, interlinked and operates as a network. Because of this, an enhanced photo protective effect can be obtained by applying appropriate combinations of antioxidants. These combinations act synergistically. This has been a prime focus of our research...

...to find natural ingredients that are also effective.

The discovery of a unique combination of plant extracts is the key 'hidden secret' to being able to substitute these 'botanicals' for the harmful chemical filters found in almost all sunscreens sold today.

What you've just read in the paragraph above is what makes this brand new sunscreen formula truly unique.

We decided to call it...

...which is another way of saying 'sun shade'.

To get complete details right away click here

What has this got to do with formulating a sunscreen?

Well, in keeping with my core philosophy of 'keeping it natural'... the natural world is loaded with formations governed by this magic number... ferns, broccoli, river networks, blood vessels, coastlines and you, to name a few.

None of us fully understand its power. Best to respect it.

The fact is it has worked to produce a uniquely effective product.

Now, you may be asking...

'Why not just show me the BUY NOW button?'

Well, there are 2 good reasons...

It's very important to me to offer sunumbra^™ at the best possible value to you, and... I'd like to stay in touch.

I'd really appreciate you following through with the actions detailed below.

Many thanks for reading and... get out in the sun, but with the right protection!

Here's what to do now...

If you haven't already done so please join the 'first to know' list by entering your email address here...

To thank you I've arranged a special bonus offer for you.