Jun 12, 2006, 7:17 GMT
Berlin - Protecting the skin from the sun's harmful rays during the summer months can be done without sun creams that could contain damaging ingredients.
A German environmental association recommends natural cosmetics instead of ordinary products. The natural products use minerals such as titan oxide or zinc oxide to block both UVA and UVB rays.
The Berlin-based association said conventional creams protect the skin only from UVB rays. These products sometimes have chemicals that can affect the thyroid, perfumes that can cause allergies and emollients that are suspected of causing damage to the liver, kidneys and reproductive organs.
Consumers are advised to read the label to determine whether the ingredients are natural and whether they come from a certified organic operation. Such products are carefully processed to maintain ingredients that inhibit the generation of free radicals, which slows the aging process of the skin, the association said.
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