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Out Smart The Sun |
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Sunscreens come in two different categories chemical, which work by absorbing the sun's rays and contain ingredients like Paba and Benzophenone and physical, which work by reflecting the sun's rays and contain the minerals, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
We have learned how easily the skin absorbs products we use on it. If we use chemical sunscreen there is concern that the chemicals in sunscreen will be absorbed and if you use sunscreen daily like you should that could be quite a bit of chemical absorbtion. That's something to think about.
Those looking for a safer, natural alternative to chemical sunscreens 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 and think no way.
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
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.
- Maintains a consistent level of protection.
- All other ingredients in the product are safe.
- Many beaches are now requesting their visitors use biodegradable products because the chemicals in many sunscreens washes off in the water and is harming the reefs, aquatic life and other wildlife.
Finding the Best Natural Sunscreen
Perhaps the biggest question about any sunscreen is: Does it really work?
Until recently we had no real way of knowing and had to rely on the claims of the companies creating the 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 several popular brands of chemical sunscreens which claimed to be so effective actually provided poor sun protection. It has been found that some ingredients used in the wrong combinations break down and leave your skin unprotected.
The EWG has found through their studies that the most effective natural sunscreen are those made from titanium dioxide or zinc. It's a simple solution that can be complicated by nano technology which takes these ingredients which basically sit on top of the skin and makes them into fine particles or nano particles. The concern is that these nano particles can be absorbed into the body. And is this safe?
The EWG has studied this and the research so far shows little to no evidence of absorption into healthy skin. Their recommendation is that mineral sunscreens are the safest and most effective even in nano size. 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, the most important thing is to find a sunscreen that provides the highest degree of protection and does it as safely as possible.
I have experimented with many brands of mineral based natural sunscreens. Every product I used did leave a slight to moderate white look to the skin. The ones that went on the clearest may rely on 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 natural sunscreen regularly then you may want to consider nano zinc or titanium dioxide. It is more important to find an effective and safe product that you will be willing to use.
A Few Brands To Consider
- Lavera
- UV Natural
- SanRe Organic Skinfood
They offer a line of natural sunscreens using micronized titanium dioxide and coated nano particles of zinc oxide. Having used a few of their products they do dry clearer. Of particular interest to me was an under makeup sunscreen called Anti Aging Sun Screen.
I had to work with this product 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 in. I found working on small areas at a time with small amounts worked well. It did leave a very slight white look but there are very few that don't.
Mineral sunscreens as a whole take some getting used to and it's no different for most products used under makeup. They tend to feel a little heavier on the skin and can often feel a little tacky which can be a plus for mineral makeup users because the tackiness grabs and holds mineral makeup.
Essential oils give this a slight orange scent which went away quickly. Natural and vegan ingredients are used to protect the skin. Lavera was listed as safe and effective by the EWG but the sprays were not recommended because of concerns of inhalation.
Update
When I first used Lavera this product was listed and rated as safe on the Skin Deep Database. Since the EWG who sponsers the database published their sunscreen guide I do not see this particular product either rated or listed. Lavera does meet the EU's (European Union) SPF regulations (my understanding is that these are tougher standards than the FDA) and is BDIH certified for natural ingredients.
This is a sunscreen product good for the whole family. They offer a sport sunscreen that is resistant to water and sweat. UV Naturals 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 Database, 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.
SanRe Skinfood Supple Sunshine is a moisturizer that provides an SPF of 30. This feels like a rich moisturizer when applied. It dries quite clear and with less tackiness. It contains many organic ingredients, vitamins and zinc oxide. I really liked this product and the only real issue I could see was the slight scent it has which may bother very sensitive individuals. It is a very safe product that provides a good degree of sun protection according to the EWG Sunscreen Report.
Additional Natural Sunscreens
Here are a few others to consider. See the EWG's latest Sunscreen Guide for more info.
No worries, no animal testing on these products.
- Solar Rx Broad Spectrum SPF 30 from Keys Soap.
High rating for effectiveness and safety. Uses nano zinc oxide. Can be used under makeup and is light and moisturizing without clogging pores. Overall had very positive ratings from users. Vegan
- California Baby
- Purple Prarie
- Badger Sunscreen
My family uses this natural sunscreen. It is particularly safe for babies and children but anyone can use it. It provides good protection against UVA and UVB rays and it's listed as one of the best sunscreens on the EWG's Sunscreen Guide.
With careful application it can be used under makeup. Most products are water resistant and they have some that are fragrance free.
California Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen EverydayCalifornia Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen Natural Bug Blend
California Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance
California Baby SPF 30 Water Resistant Hypo Allergenic
Natural, non whitening, boidegradeable and environmentally friendly. This natural sunscreen provides good protection for UVA and UVB rays.
Badger SPF 30 sunscreens received very good ratings for effectiveness and ingredients used but mixed reactions by users over the lavender fragrance (they now offer a fragrance free formula) and the application. This product is environmentally safe, biodegradeable and water resistant. Good for use on children.
These are just a few suggestions for natural sunscreen. With a little looking I'm sure you will find one that fits your needs. One thing all the experts agree on is that we are not using enough. Make sure to follow the recommendations on the bottle and reapply accordingly.
Natural sunscreen is just one way to keep your skin healthy and help to prevent sun related aging. Light colored clothing helps too but consider buying sun protective clothing that provides actual SPF protection factors along with hats and sunglasses. All part of good sun protection.
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