It's summer time. Do you know what's in your sunscreen?

By now, most of us know the importance of slathering sunblock on our bodies before we leave the house. The American Cancer Society says more than a million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year alone. More than 10,000 people will die from it — most of those from melanoma.

While sunscreens are intended to protect us, some of them prove less effective than others. And some may actually be harming us.

For example, many products that claim to block the sun's harmful rays only protect against Ultraviolet B or UVB rays — the radiation that causes sunburn. Penetrating deeper are UVA rays, the culprits that cause premature aging and skin cancer. Since SPF numbers refer only to UVB protection, it's important to choose a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen that blocks both kinds of rays.

To make matters scarier, most sunscreens contain loads of chemicals — and a study by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group claims those chemicals may cause hormonal or DNA damage. Testing more than 1,000 sunscreens, the shocking study found that only 14 percent of sunscreens on the market are both safe and effective.

Experts recommend using mineral, rather than chemical, sunscreens. Relying on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block UV rays, they lay on top of the skin rather than penetrating it.

Consumers should also get savvy about sunscreen labels: Terms like "waterproof" and "paba-free" don't mean much.

Did you know that your own health isn't the only thing at risk when choosing which lotion or spray to drop into your beach bag? A recent study by the European Commission showed that sunscreen ingredients are washing off beach-goers into the ocean and having a bleaching effect on the world's coral reefs. Marine life may suffer as a result.

The following are a few sunscreen brands recommended by experts as both safe and effective:
Alba Botanica
Avalon Organics
Badger
Burt's Bees
California Baby
Dr.Hauschka Skin Care
JASON Natural
Mexitan

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