Out Smart The Sun
With Natural Sunscreen

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Choosing to buy natural sunscreen is the first step in safe, natural sun protection. Finding a good sunscreen even a natural one is not always easy.

Sunscreens come in two different categories chemical, which work by absorbing the sun's rays, like Paba and Benzophenone and physical, which work by reflecting the sun's rays, the minerals, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

We have learned how easily the skin absorbs into the body whatever we put on it and are beginning to look at all the chemicals in our skin care products. Some chemical sunscreens may be effective but what about all those chemicals being absorbed day after day and we are supposed to wear our sunscreen every day.

Many companies have been looking for a natural alternative to chemical sunscreens and have been turning to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These minerals sit on top of the skin and while effective I think many of us think of the products the lifeguards use on their noses which is white and heavy.

That has changed and new technology has created sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that go on clearer.

What to Look For in Natural Sunscreen

Broad spectrum - UVA, UVB some even offer UVC protection.

UVA has been found to be more harmful than initially thought. These rays penetrate deeper into the skin layers and are largely responsible for aging our skin among other problems.

Most sunscreens focus on UVB which is measured by the SPF of a product. These rays will cause sun burn along with potentially increasing our risk of skin cancer.

Most UVC rays are blocked by the ozone layer but some sunscreens provide protection for these rays too.

Effective. Maintains a consistent level of protection

Natural and safe sunscreen ingredients.

Nontoxic skin care. I want to avoid the same nasty ingredients in my sunscreen as I do in my skin care products.

As always no animal testing and cruelty free.

Biodegradable. Many beaches are now requesting their visitors to use biodegradable products because the chemicals in many sunscreens washes off in the water and is harming the reefs, aquatic and wildlife.

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Finding the Best

What's missing from most searches for natural sunscreens or any sunscreen for that matter? Does it really work? We really have no way of knowing for sure.

Until recently we had to rely on the claims of the companies creating these products. The EWG is the best resource I know that not only tests the effectiveness of all different kinds of sunscreen but also rates them for safety.

What's so surprising is that in their study they found that chemical sunscreens which are supposed to be so effective have actually been found to be amongst the worst sun protection. These ingredients used in the wrong combinations break down and leaving us thinking we are being protected when we aren't.

They have found through their studies that the most effective sunscreens are those made from titanium dioxide or zinc. A simple solution that can be complicated by nano technology which takes these safe ingredients which basically sit on top of the skin and makes them into fine particles or nano particles that raise concern that they now can be absorbed into the body. And is this OK?

The EWG has studied this and the research shows little to no evidence of absorption into healthy skin. Their recommendation is that mineral sunscreens are the safest and most effective. For more information on their findings read more about nanotechnology and sunscreen on the Skin Deep Database.

Worried About Nano Ingredients in Natural Sunscreens?

Not everyone agrees that these really fine particles of titanium dixide or zinc are safe as you can see by reading this article courtesy of the Organic Makeup Co. about the safety of titanium dioxide. I have seen some companies that say until more is known they are not going to use nanotechnology.

As you are weighing which way to go also consider this. Using a good safe sunscreen on a regular basis is important. I have experimented with many brands of mineral based natural sunscreens. Every product I used does leave a slight to moderate white look to the skin. The ones that went on the clearest probably use nanotechnology(they do not always label themselves) but a claim of dries clear may be a clue.

If this whiter look is preventing you from using your sunscreen regularly then you may want to consider nano zinc or titanium dioxide. You have to find something you will use that is safe and effective.

Brands I've Tried That Made the List and a Few Others.

This section on natural sunscreen is updated regularly to reflect new information and new products.

Lavera offers a line of natural sunscreens using micronized titanium dioxide. Having used a few of their products they do dry clearer. Of particular interest to me is finding a sunscreen that works under makeup and their Anti Aging Sun Screen is the best one I've used so far.

It took me a few times to get the application right. It went on smoothly at first and as I applied it became tacky. I had to adjust my touch so as not to pull on my skin too hard to blend it into my skin. I found working on small areas at a time with small amounts worked well for me.

It dried quickly with just a slight white look. I was able to apply my mineral makeup rather soon. Essential oils which give this a slight orange scent went away quickly and other natural and vegan ingredients are used to protect the skin. The creams were listed as very safe and effective by the EWG but the sprays were not recommended because of concerns of inhalation.

UV Natural is another choice. They use nano particles of zinc oxide as their sunscreen ingredient and say they believe this to be the healthiest and most effective choice.

It is rated as very safe on the Skin Deep website, has high ratings for effectivness and it too has many safe, good for your skin natural ingredients. They recommend UV Natural Adult SPF 30 as a good under makeup sunscreen.

As a regular sunscreen for my overall use I would use it but I did not care for the results as an under makeup product. With such high ratings I was hoping it would work out.

I applied this using a small amount and while it dried the clearest of any brand I used I found it to be too greasy even after 15 minutes or so.

After checking the company website, they said if it is greasy you are using too much. Even with the smallest amounts which now had me wondering if so little would provide enough protection, I still found it to be a little greasy and was not happy how my mineral makeup went on over it. It also had a slight scent, that some in my family did not care for very much but it went away quickly.

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Additional Natural Sunscreens

Here are a few others to consider. Many natural sunscreens were found both safe and effective but received a little lower rating. It varies as to why they were lower. Don't discount your favorite natural sunscreen until you check out the Skin Deep database.

No worries, these companies don't do animal testing.

Solar Rx Broad Spectrum SPF 30 from Keys Soap.

Highest rating, #0 for effectiveness and safety uses nano zinc oxide. They say it works well under makeup and is light and moisturizing without clogging pores. Overall had very positive ratings from users.

California Baby
California Baby SPF 30 Sunblock Stick No Fragrance.
California Baby SPF 30 Everyday Stick also highly rated.

The two above were rated, #0 for effectiveness and safety.

All the remaining products rated #1 or 2 for very safe:

California Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen Everyday
California Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen natural Bug Blend
California Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance
California Baby SPF 30 Water Resistant Hypo Allergenic

Mexitan
Spf 30 Sunscreen Rated #1. Uses zinc and titanium dioxide in smaller amounts that make it a little lower UVB protection.

Badger Balm Rated #0
Badger SPF 30 Good effectiveness ratings and ingredients but mixed reactions by users over lavender fragrance and application.

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These are just few suggestions for natural sunscreen. It is important to find one that fits your needs and works on your skin. One thing all the experts agree on is that we are not using enough. Follow the recommendations on the bottle and reapply accordingly.

Natural Sunscreen is just one way to keep our skin healthy and help to prevent sun related aging. New developments in sun protective clothing with SPF factors along with hats and sunglasses should all be used to protect our skin.

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