Sunscreen. Sunscreen is the knight in shining armor that protects millions of peoples’ skin from harmful sun-exposure every year. If applied adequately and appropriately to at-risk skin, sunscreen has the potential to decrease the risk of skin cancer by 40 to 50 percent. That is a huge positive that comes with little to no negative outcomes. Unfortunately some companies that sell sunscreen include toxic chemicals in their products, but you can make sure your sunscreen is safe by checking the ingredients on the back of your sunscreen container. If your sunscreen contains phthalates, which is a chemical that can be disguised under the title “fragrance” and is harmful for the brain health of children, or Benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer in humans and is typically found in spray sunscreens, then don’t use it! Luckily, a 2010 study carried out in Australia found that the use of sunscreen, when applied correctly and efficiently, effectively reduces your risk of skin cancer. When you put on sunscreen you are protecting yourself from both UVB rays, which cause sunburn, and UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin damage. But be careful! Some sunscreens can contain harmful ingredients that can have a lasting negative effect on sea life. Oxybenzone, also known as benzophenone, has a hazardous effect on coral reefs and has even been banned in Hawaii, the coast of Florida and Virginia, as well as some areas in Mexico. So be aware of the sunscreens you are buying, it’s very important to keep yourself safe from harmful UV rays, but make sure to keep wildlife safe as well. Sunscreen is the number one skin protectant for sunny days, so with summer right around the corner, make sure to protect those in need!