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When Nashville, Tenn., mom Heather Jenkins went shopping for sunscreen to protect her young son's skin last summer, she found herself searching for terms such as "natural" and "organic" on the bottles and tubes that lined the store shelves.

"I started looking for things that were as natural as possible," says Jenkins, 29, whose son, Caleb, is now 18 months old. "Being a mom, I don't want harmful things going into him and going into the environment."

Shoppers such as Jenkins, who have embraced green lifestyles, are thinking of shunning the chemicals found in regular sunscreens and opting for those with more natural bases.

Regular sunscreens contain chemicals that absorb ultraviolet rays. Natural alternatives, such as those made from minerals, block UV rays. Mineral-based sunblocks contain either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Dermatologist Michel McDonald understands why people may seek natural alternatives, but she says the chemicals found in regular sunscreens do not appear to pose health concerns and are, in fact, also organic — in the scientific sense. Some brands promoted as being natural and gentle, such as Aveeno and Neutrogena, contain such chemicals.

"There are multiple studies demonstrating absorption into the blood, but very few on whether this actually alters hormone levels significantly, and the topic is controversial," says McDonald, who treats skin cancer patients as an assistant professor of medicine and dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

The main reason to try all-natural alternatives is if you break out in a rash using regular sunscreen, she says. Her only concern, though, is that the mineral sunblocks may not be as effective as those containing chemical absorbers.

LABELS MAY MISLEAD

Labeling on many all-natural sunblocks advertise that they are PABA-free or free of phthalates and parabens, which are chemical preservatives. That may sound comforting to consumers, but those ingredients are being phased out in regular sunscreens anyway, McDonald says.

At the same time, consumers should be aware that many brands throw around words such as "natural" and "organic," but because the government doesn't regulate those terms, buyers should carefully read what's in the product.

Although awareness about sun protection is growing, most people still don't include sunscreen as part of their daily routine, McDonald says.

More than a million people were diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma in the United States last year, the most common form of cancer that develops from cumulative sun exposure, McDonald says.

Further, melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is on the rise. The sometimes life-threatening form of cancer is showing up in 1 of every 80 people, McDonald says.

Fortunately, deep tans don't seem to be as popular as they used to be, she says. Also, self-tanning lotions and mists have emerged as a safer alternative to soaking in the sun or visiting a tanning bed.

"We want people to live their lives — to play golf and go boating — but do it sensibly," McDonald says.

MINERAL SUNBLOCKS

Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide

Popular brands: Alba Botanica, Avalon, Badger, Burt's Bees, California Baby, Jason

How they work: The ingredients block harmful ultraviolet rays.

Health concerns: These mineral sunblocks can leave a white tint unless they are shrunk down to micronized and tinier nano-sized particles. Opt for micronized over nano-sized, which may be absorbed into your skin and cause problems, according to The Green Guide.

Environmental concerns: Titanium dioxide is made using a chlorine process that releases carcinogenic dioxins into the atmosphere, according to the Sierra Club. Zinc mining can cause widespread environmental damage by spreading toxic heavy metals. And acid, which is used to separate zinc from ore, can permanently pollute mining locations and contaminate groundwater, says The Green Guide.

CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS

Active ingredients: Oxybenzone and avobenzone block UVA. Octinoxate and benzophenone are the most commonly used UVB blockers.

Popular brands: Aveeno, Banana Boat, Bull Frog, Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic, Kiss My Face, Neutrogena, No-Ad. A new type of chemical sunscreen, Anthelios SX by L'Oreal, is for the first time available in the United States and is highly effective in blocking UVA rays.

How they work: The ingredients absorb harmful ultraviolet rays.

Health concerns: Some environmental groups say chemical sunscreens have been found to mimic the hormone estrogen in the body and can throw the body out of whack. Be careful that these sunscreens don't contain phthalates, parabens and PABA, which can cause allergic reactions.

Environmental concerns: Many of these same chemicals may cause bleaching and death of corals, according to The Green Guide. Sunscreen-wearing swimmers in the ocean leave the sunscreen behind, which doesn't break down quickly in water.