Okay, I live in the south, I am Caucasian (blond/blue), I love the outdoors and I'm usually nude. Oh yeah, I am a melanoma survivor. I respect sunscreens, and understand why they exist. I truly believe that my melanoma is a result of my early over-exposure to the sun. Exposure that occurred sporadically and inconsistently enough to cause damage deep in my dermis. Deep sunburns today could add to that risk. I do believe in a 'healthy tan', but you can't get it at the 'tanning salon' (artificially).
Modern sunscreens may help prevent sunburns, but there is a cost. Avoid Oxybenzone, one of the most common ingredients in sunscreen. It is a known toxic substance to humans. Don't do it! You have been warned. I can send you the Safety Data Sheet if you need it.
Zinc and other related compounds, sit on the surface of the skin and provide shade, similar to a hat or shirt. Reading this forum has led to me wearing hats more frequently, and yes, a shirt now and again, even if it only covers my shoulders. I blame Jbee and Karla.
I am now 6 years since my last melanoma diagnosis and my oncologist relaxed my semiannual appointments to annual. We have had many conversations about sun exposure. I think he enjoys my appointments as much as I.
So, what do I say if they say that I will get cancer? I say that is why I am out in nature, naturally. Clothes create illness, they do not prevent it.
Stay safe and stay bare,
Safebare