The sun may feel nice against your skin, but it's also one of
your skin's biggest enemies--its UVA and UVB rays damage cells
and can lead to burns, wrinkles, and skin cancer. But recently
sunblock, generally considered a safe way to avoid sun damage,
has been called into question for its own harmful properties.
Vitamin A and Parabens, in particular, were named by the
Environmental Working Group as worrisome ingredients in popular
sunscreens. A few weeks ago, as part of our "Skin You're In"
series, we reported on natural sunscreens and gave you a rundown
on the sunscreen debate. Now, research has revealed a new
possibility in natural sun protection—bacteria. Cyanobacteria,
to be precise, which has spent billions of years evolving to
thrive in the sun's harsh UV rays. Scientists (not to mention
cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies) are hoping to harness
the sun-fighting power of the bacteria and use it to as a
natural way to prevent sun damage. Keep reading for details
about the science behind the discovery a