NATURAL SUNSCREEN

What is natural sunscreen? What is the difference between conventional and natural sunscreens? How can you tell if the sunscreen that you have chosen is safe?

Natural sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, are made up of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or a combination thereof to reflect and block the harmful sun rays from your skin.

Certified organic natural sunscreen products are free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and other potentially dangerous chemicals. The majority of sunscreens found on drugstore shelves are chemical sunscreens. This means they contain chemicals such as oxybenzone or avobenzone that absorb UV rays. FDA research has shown that sunscreen chemicals can be detected in the blood at potentially dangerous levels after just one application.

Natural organic sunscreen is a good choice.

Healthier for you

The FDA has generally accepted zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as safe and effective sunscreen ingredients. Oxybenzone, a chemical sunscreen ingredient made from petroleum that is used in 70% of sunscreens and octinoxate, has been identified as an endocrine disruptor. They may interfere with your hormones by mimicking them. The FDA states that chemical sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone can penetrate the skin and reach the bloodstream.

More healthy for the ocean

Scientists estimate that around 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the oceans each year. Many sunscreens contain oxybenzone or octinoxate which can contribute to coral bleaching. Even in small amounts, oxybenzone can bleach coral quickly and slow down its growth. When snorkeling or lounging at the beach, reef-safe sunscreen is essential. However, sunblock that you use on a hike or at the pool can also be important. The sunblock you use in the woods can get absorbed into the water system after you shower and end up in the ocean.

Healthier for sensitive skin

The UV rays from the sun are absorbed by chemical sunscreens. This heat can cause skin irritation. When applied, the chemicals can sting or cause skin irritations. Non-toxic sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide offer instant protection. They are not like chemical sunscreens which need to be absorbed into the skin for at least 15 to 30 minutes to provide complete protection.

What sunscreen ingredients should you avoid?

It is important to choose a chemical-free sunscreen that contains a mineral active ingredient. However, it is also important to check the inactive ingredients. There can be a lot of junk hidden in the lower portion of the label.

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Avobenzone
• Retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, or retinol
• Mineral oil
• Homosalate
• PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
• Fragrance

Natural sunscreen terms and their meanings

Mineral or physical sunscreen

When describing sunscreen that uses minerals (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) to reflect the sun's harmful rays or block them from reaching your skin, "mineral," "physical," and even "natural" are frequently used interchangeably.

Broad-spectrum

Two types of UVA and UVB light are emitted by the sun. UVA rays can cause wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays can cause sun damage. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects skin cells against both.

Coral Reef-safe sunscreen

Coral bleaching can be caused by common sunscreen chemicals, oxybenzone or octinoxate. These chemicals are not used in reef-safe sunscreens.

Are higher SPF levels better?

Not necessarily. The sun protection factor (SPF), measures how effective the sunscreen is against UVB rays. UVA protection is not currently rated. SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93% of UVB radiation when applied correctly. SPF 30 blocks nearly 97 percent, while SPF 50 blocks just 1% more. Although SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB radiation, it can be tempting to use this and stay in the sun for too long. Then someone would get more sunburnt than if they had applied sunscreen with a lower SPF at regular intervals.

Bottom line: The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends sunscreens with SFP 30 or more. Apply sunscreens correctly and make sure to reapply! Your sunscreen is even more important than high SPF.

Here are 5 ways to use natural sunscreen

If you don't apply the sunscreen with natural ingredients correctly, it won't be effective. These tips will help you get the most protection.

1. Apply at least one ounce of sunscreen

Most people don't apply the recommended amount of sunscreen. This is the biggest error in applying sunscreen. When minimally dressed, adults should apply at least one shot glass of sunscreen to cover their entire body from the tops to the bottoms of their feet to the hairline. You should use a half teaspoon to cover your neck, chest, and face. You will get less coverage and protection if you use less. Using just half the required amount of an SPF 30 sunscreen only provides an effective SPF of 5.5, according to Piedmont-Fleischmann. It sounds simple, but it is important to remember: For best results, follow the directions on the product.

2. Sun protection is not something to be taken lightly

You should also remember to cover the areas you often overlook, such as your lips, your feet, and the tops and sides of your ears. Wear sunscreen, even indoors or on cloudy days. UV rays can pass through glass and clouds.

3. After swimming, sweating, or wiping your skin with a towel, apply at least once every two hours.

Sunburns are more common in people who are more susceptible to sunburn.

4. Choose the sunscreen that is best for you and your day's activities.

For the commute to work, a moisturizer with sunscreen works well. However, for running or hiking, water-resistant sunscreen provides more protection against the sun's harmful radiation.

5. Practice sun safety

It is essential to apply sunscreen correctly. However, it is equally important to seek out shade and wear sun-protective clothing (such as a hat or UPF clothing). You should also follow the daily UV forecast in order not only to avoid peak hours but also so that you can safely enjoy the outdoors during lower UV radiation levels. Take a look at our entire selection today to find the perfect natural organic sunscreen.