The teen years see the most high risk sun exposure. Out of parent's watch, and insistence of sunscreen usage, teens are much more likely to get sunburns and sun damage. And this is not only happening at the beach and pool, but tanning salons too.

Teens make up a large percentage of the tanning salon clientele, and research now shows that regular tanning bed usage prior to the age of 35 can increase the risk of melanoma by a whopping 75%.

Legislation is under way to put a ban on minors using tanning beds, with 32 states currently regulating the use of tanning beds by minors. New legislation would make it illegal for anyone under 18 to use tanning beds. The current law is children between 14 and 17 first need parental approval.

By avoiding tanning in the sun or on tanning beds, we reduce our exposure not only to the risk of melanoma, but of premature skin aging caused by the sun as well! That leathery cowboy look is caused by - you guessed it - UV Rays. Starting UV based tanning at a young age only compounds the premature aging effect.

If you haven't already, opt for a Lavera Self Tanner or a True Natural Self Tanner, used in conjunction with a Broad Spectrum or UVA rated sunscreen. Check out some we've created specifically for this purpose: anti-aging tanner and sunscreen kits.

Gloves are recommended - with a sun-tan, the palms of your hand and the bottom of your feet do not get tanned. With a self tanner - a tan will develop wherever the lotion is applied - even the palms of your hands!

Gently smooth a generous amount of product over your entire body, starting at your feet and making your way up your legs in long, even strokes. Avoid aggressively rubbing product into your skin, as this tends to make your tan uneven. Its better to over apply than under apply, because it is the areas that get missed that create the streaky look. Don't worry if you go over the same area more than once. Because your elbows and knees usually have drier skin, use less tanning lotion in those areas.

Allow to tanner to dry for allotted time indicated on the bottle before putting on clothing or lying in bed. Some products may stain fabric if lotion not allowed to dry completely. Try not to exercise or get wet for the rest of the day.

Tanned effect visible within 3-4 hours - if you have light skin, you may see the effect even sooner. Full strength is usually achieved in around 6 hours. If you want a darker tan, reapply to build up to the desired intensity.

Most tanners start to fade after 4-5 days. This duration varies based on the amount of Eurythrulose in the tanner. Once this starts to occur, reapply to maintain your tan.

Facial Tanning
You have a couple of options for self-tanning your face. You can simply mix a bit of body self-tanning lotion into your regular face moisturizer for an even glow, or you can use a tanner made for your face. Similar to the body lotion, don't rub aggressively as this leads to an uneven tan. Its also better to over apply than under apply.

UV Protection
A self tanner does NOT provide any UV protection from the sun. Since you are using self tanner to protect yourself from skin cancer and the early aging effects caused by the sun, a good, natural, broad spectrum sunscreen is a must! Check out our selection of safe, natural sunscreens here.

New guidelines come into affect this summer regulating the labelling that appears on sunscreens. The 5 main points are:

• Broad Spectrum Designation - the FDA has instituted a new test to measure UVA and UVB effectiveness. If the product passes this test, SPF 15 and above products may claim additional uses, described in the next bullet point
• Use Claims - products with SPF values of 15 and higher, that pass the Broad Spectrum test, can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skinaging if used as directed with other sun protection measures. Non-Broad Spectrum sunscreens and Broad Spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value between 2 and 14 can only claim to prevent sunburn
• "Waterproof", "Sweatproof" or "Sunblock" claims no longer allowed - These claims cannot be used as they overstate a product's effectiveness. In addition, sunscreens cannot claim sun protection for more than 2 hours without reapplication or to provide protection immediately after application without submitting data to support these claims and obtaining FDA approval.
• Water-resistant claims - The label must indicate whether the sunscreen is effective either 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. If the product is non water resistant, consumers need to be directed on the package to use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
• Mandatory Drug Facts - All sunscreens must have the standard "drug facts" panel on the back and/or side of the container.

The general compliance date the above guidelines is June 18, 2012, with some exceptions. For more information, check out this informational video from the FDA below. For more information on this topic, visit the FDA's webpage located here.

Well, this "no-brainer mindset" concerning sunscreens will soon be a thing of the past. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on June 14, 2011 new requirements for all over-the-counter sunscreens. These new regulations are aimed at improving the effectiveness of sunscreen products currently being sold, and make them easier for consumers to identify and use.

The new FDA sunscreen requirements address UVA and UVB protection, as well as the water and sweat proof claims. Certain terms like (you guessed it!) "waterproof", "sweat proof" and "sunblock" will no longer be permitted on sunscreen labels, as the FDA sees these claims as misleading. The new terminology you will come to recognize will be "water resistant" and "very water resistant".

What is the new water resistant requirement?

In these new rules, which go into effect next year, water resistance claims on product labels must state how long the user can expect the specified SPF protection to hold up while swimming or sweating. Manufacturers are allowed to claim how long their products are water resistant, based on standard testing.

How are products tested for water resistance?

A sunscreen claiming to be water resistant must pass third party testing. This test involves applying sunscreen to human volunteers. After at least 15 minutes of drying time, the volunteer is immersed to mid-back in gently flowing water between 25 and 32 degrees celsius. The subject stays immersed in water for 20 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of drying period. This is repeated again for a total of 40 minutes of water immersion, for the 40 minute claim. The actual effectiveness of the sunscreen after the 40 minutes of water immersion is then measured. This is the SPF that can then be printed on the bottle of the sunscreen that claims 40 minutes of water resistance. Very resistant tests would repeat until a total of 80 minutes immersion is reached.

If a product carries no water resistance claims, the label must advise users to apply a water resistant sunscreen while swimming or sweating.

So, how often should you really reapply?

At least every 2 hours, according to the FDA. If a product is labeled "water resistant" reapply after 40 minutes of vigorous activity in water, after 80 for "very water resistant". Same goes if you have been sweating a lot or towel dry. Remember: It is always better to be safe than sorry. Here are sun safety tips straight from the FDA:

• Use sunscreens with broad spectrum SPF values of 15 or higher regularly and as directed.
• Limit time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are most intense.
• Wear clothing to cover skin exposed to the sun; for example, long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats.
• Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, more often if you're sweating or jumping in and out of the water. What about SPF?

The FDA has proposed capping SPF values at 50, unless the manufacturer can provide information supporting a higher number. This is due to no solid data showing SPF higher than 50 provides any further protection. Right now there are sunscreens on the market offering 100 SPF or higher.

SPF covers damage from UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburn. But the new FDA regulations require a sunscreen be tested for protection against the more harmful UVA rays, linked to premature aging and skin cancer. Products which protect against both UVA and UVB will be labeled "broad spectrum".

Which sunscreens provide the best sun protection?

Mineral Sunscreens containing healthy oils and waxes are naturally more water resistant. TRUE sunscreens are made with a special Zinc Oxide and provide serious sun protection and water resistance. Organic Soybean oil, Sunflower Seed oil, and Jojoba oil boost water resistance and nurture skin. These oils also create a smoother application.

It may take up to a year for the new sunscreen labels to appear on store shelves. In the meantime purchasing a nontoxic mineral sunscreen is your best defense.

Mineral sunscreens, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are the most effective approved mineral—based ingredients to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB damage. These minerals form a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting UVB and UVA rays and keeping them from penetrating to deeper layers of your skin. They are also less irritating and safer than chemical sunscreens, and offer a wider range of UV protection. A statement from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) states that they have found “consumers using sunscreens without zinc and titanium would be exposed to an average of 20% more UVA radiation; with increased risks for UVA—induced skin damage, premature aging, wrinkling, and UV—induced immune system damage — than consumers using zinc— and titanium—based products".

Smaller sized zinc particles (ranging from 30—200nm) are needed for best UVA protection and to meet the European Union’s (EU) UVA requirements, as well as those of the new FDA broad—spectrum. This smaller size does not necessarily mean nano.

To best protect yourself and your family from dangerous UV rays only choose sunscreen products made with mineral ingredients.

At loveTrueNatural, we offer the following options:

True Natural Sunscreens provide serious sun protection against UVA and UVB rays, among the highest on the market. Made with an innovative non—nano zinc oxide that is 1000nm in size (10 times larger than nanoparticle zinc), these sunscreens are also water resistant and completely transparent.

• Active SPF 40 is made with plant oils and extracts, and is gentle enough for use on face and body. The perfect multi—tasker for the whole family.
• Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 is packed with anti aging antioxidant ingredients to hydrate, firm, and guard the skin from environmental damage. It is a very rich sunscreen best suited for those with dry skin.

True Natural Sunscreens in vitro test results show excellent protection across the UVB and the more dangerous UVA spectrum.

Lavera Organic Sunscreens are 100% mineral—based and contain no chemical ingredients to provide maximum, nontoxic UV protection for the whole family. All Lavera sunscreens are biodegradable and will not damage the environment.

• Anti Aging Facial Sunscreen SPF15 UVA is a light, non—greasy moisturizer with UV protection. Contains anti aging ingredients and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
• Sunscreen Lotion SPF 20 UVA provides maximum protection and is specifically formulated to be gentle enough for children. Or try the same effective sunscreen in Unscented.

Why are the SPF Results so much lower?

European Colipa Standards governs sunscreens produced in Europe. The UVA labeling guidelines require the UVA/UVB protection ratio to be 1:3, meaning a sunscreen cannot show an SPF figure more than 3x the UVA protection provided. So, if a sunscreen provides UVB protection of SPF 30 but only provides UVA protection of SPF 5, the label cannot have an SPF value greater than 15.

US sunscreens do not have such a requirement, and the SPF 30 label only indicates the UVB protection. UVA protection is much more difficult to achieve and most sunscreens offer little UVA protection.

Lavera Organic Sunscreens have been tested and meet the EU UVA standard, and protect against 93%(SPF15) to 95%(SPF20) of all UVB rays.

What’s the Deal with Nanos?

The common complaint by users of sunscreen products containing zinc has been regarding the white coating it leaves on the skin. This is where nanoparticles come in — particles that are smaller than 100 nanometers (or "nm"; a nanometer is roughly half the size of a strand of DNA). In the European Union, nanoparticles are defined as being particles under 100nm. There in no definition in the US. Zinc shrunk into nanoparticle size is able to offer sun protection without the white ghostly hue.

The added benefit of smaller particle size is better UVA protection – in a nutshell, the particles form a better film to reflect the solar rays. Many natural mineral sunscreens have average particle sizes around 120nm.

Nanoparticles have come under close scrutiny by some watchdog groups concerned over the possible health effects of nanoparticles entering the deep tissues, blood or lungs. Research on the subject to date has had varied outcomes. The level of nano—scale zinc found in the body has ranged from zero to little, or greater amounts, dependent on how it is introduced to the system and its size. In their most recent sunscreen guide, EWG writes:

In 15 peer—reviewed studies, nano—size zinc and titanium were shown not to penetrate through unbroken skin at concentrations exceeding 1.5%. A recent review for the EU decision—making body found that, "There is currently little evidence from skin penetration studies that dermal applications of metal oxide nanoparticles used in sunscreens lead to systemic exposure".

The majority of sunscreens available for purchase in the US typically include zinc 30 to 200nm in size, and because labeling laws are unclear where nanoparticles are concerned, it can be difficult to know whether you are purchasing a product that contains nanoparticle ingredients.

The FDA has not yet set standards for nanoparticle claims or defined the minimum size of a nanoparticle. This has caused some individuals and groups to recommend consumers avoid zinc and titanium—based sunscreens altogether.

But this recommendation is not necessarily the safest option. A study by EWG shows that those using chemical sunscreens are exposed to both greater UV radiation and more hazardous ingredients. Micronized zinc is shown to provide safer protection than either chemical sunscreens or unprotected sun exposure.

For maximum safety, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide should be coated in order to render them inert. Many manufacturers use uncoated zinc, but uncoated zinc has approximately 3—5% photo reactivity and may produce free radicals. Coated zinc is below 1% photo reactivity and the chance of free radical production is greatly reduced.

Whether you prefer nano or non—nano zinc, mineral sunscreen is your safest and most effective option.

Origin: Karanja Oil is cold pressed from the seeds from the Pongamia pinnata (Pongam tree), which is native to India.

Products Found In: Karanja oil has incredible insecticidal qualities and has similar therapeutic properties similar to Neem Oil but with a milder aroma. Karanja oil can be used in body oils, salves, soaps, shampoos, lotion and garden sprays.

Alternate Names: Honge oil, Millettia Pinnate, Pongamia Glabra Oil, Pungai Oil, Pongamia Oil, Étienne Pierre Ventenat

Toxicity: Karanja Oil is generally classified as having low toxicity. (EWG)

Mineral sunscreens build a physical protective layer on the skin's surface, providing immediate protection against UVA and UVB rays. Synthetic sunscreens, on the other hand, are absorbed into the skin and body and take 20-30 minutes to shield skin—and typically less effective against UVB rays.

Understanding UVA / UVB

While the majority of sunscreens claim to offer broad-spectrum" UVA and UVB protection, the U.S. requires that the SPF rating only measure the level of UVB protection. Though shielding skin from UVB rays is essential—the harmful rays penetrate the upper layers of the skin and cause sunburn—UVA rays constitute 98.7% of the total UV rays emitted by the sun and deeply penetrate the skin to cause skin cancer, aging, and collagen damage.

Self tanners are NOT sunscreens!

FDA warning notice for ALL Self Tanning products: These product do not contain a sunscreen and does not protect against sunburn. Repeated exposure of unprotected skin while tanning may increase the risk of skin aging, skin cancer, and other harmful effects to the skin even if you do not burn. Natural self-tanners use a natural sugars to change the tone of the skin.

More General Sun Safety Tips

Don't be skimpy

How much sunscreen is enough? Use it liberally and apply it evenly over all your exposed skin to ensure complete coverage. We recommend one ounce of natural mineral sunscreen per application. Reapply as needed.

Manage your timing

Avoid exposure to the sun when its rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Slather it on

Reapply and repeat often. Massage on another layer of sunscreen as needed — and be sure to reapply after swimming, perspiring, vigorous activity or toweling off.

Think beyond the beach

Remember that the sun's rays bounce off snow, concrete and water, as well as sand. Smart sun care is important in all climates and every season. People often get a sunburn on cloudy days when they omit sunscreen.

Mind the easy to forget areas

It's easy to overlook spots like your ears, shoulders, lips, tops of your feet and the back of your neck, but they need sunscreen too. So does your scalp if you're bald or have thin hair.

Babies need extra tender care

Take particular care of babies and children in the sun, and always ensure they are wearing clothing and a hat for extra protection. Pediatricians recommend babies under 6 months stay in the shade and receive minimal exposure to direct sunlight.

Be a shade seeker

Shield yourself from the sun's rays whenever possible: Stay in the shade to limit exposure.

Pregnancy

Natural sunscreens are especially important for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Studies have shown that the chemicals in synthetic sunscreens can accumulate in the body, and can mimic the effects of estrogen. They have even been found in breast milk.

Vegetarian vs Vegan

A vegetarian product contains no animal-derived ingredients, but may still contain milk, dairy, eggs or beeswax. A vegan product is comprised completely of plant materials, excluding animal-derived ingredients, dairy, eggs, honey, animal gelatin, beeswax, and any other animal by-product.

True Natural Cosmetics products are all free from animal-derived ingredients. Our non-vegan products (sunscreens) contain beeswax (cera alba), sourced without harm to animals and are 100% vegetarian.

About the AVA

The American Vegetarian Association (AVA) — Vegetarian/Vegan was created to promote the interests and concerns of individuals and organizations involved in the preservation, propagation, and distribution of vegetarian ideas and products. The primary goal of the AVA is to provide a widely recognized certification program which will enable vegetarian-minded people to make accurate food choices, being certain they can be confident in their selection, and that of the manufacturer's claims. The AVA is trusted to maintain the absolute integrity of it's certification program, and to unfailingly assure the general public AVA Certification represents the highest ethical standards.

For more information on the American Vegetarian Association, please visit their website.

Ecocert certification is recognized world-wide, currently certifying in over 80 countries. Their standards require the use of substantial amounts of natural and organic ingredients, produced with environmentally-friendly processes, and prohibits the use of many synthetic ingredients.

The two Ecocert certifications of cosmetics are ECOCERT Natural and ECOCERT Natural and Organic.

• Natural = A minimum of 50% of all plant-based ingredients and a minimum of 5% of all ingredients by weight must be organically produced.
• Natural and Organic = A minimum of 95% of the total product ingredients must be naturally derived and a minimum of 10% of all ingredients by weight (includes water) must be organically produced.

100% of ingredients used must comply with Ecocert standards, 95% of the total ingredients must be naturally derived and a product can contain no more than 5% synthetic ingredients. No GMO, parabens, phenoxyethanol, nanoparticles, silicon, PEG, synthetic perfumes and dyes, animal-derived ingredients (unless naturally produced by them: milk, honey, etc.) are to be used. All packaging must be biodegradable or recyclable.

COSMOS (COSMetic Organic Standard)

A Europe-wide private standard developed by five charter members: BDIH, Cosmebio, Ecocert Greenlife SAS, ICEA, and Soil Association. This group’s purpose is to set minimum common requirements for organic and natural cosmetic certification supporting the Ecocert principles:

• Promote the use of ingredients from organic farming.
• Use production and manufacturing processes that are environmentally sound and safe for human health.
• Include and expand the concept of "green chemicals".

For more information on the EcoCert, please visit their website.

The simple truth is that many beauty products are advertised as natural and organic when their ingredients are far from it. The terms "Natural" and "Organic" are used often to "Greenwash" products - products that want to appear green, when in fact they are not.

Avoid being greenwashed. Get to know the ingredients to look out for, research reputable brands known for quality, natural products. Finally, familiarize yourself with certification bodies that are strict about green products.

Below is a helpful, simple table that shows some of the differences between wannabe's and truly green products: