I screen, you screen, we all screen for… sunscreen? Okay, that’s not quite how it goes, but let’s talk about why applying SPF is a game-changer for your skin. With summer making its grand entrance, everyone’s must-have accessory is a good sunscreen. But did you think sunscreen was only for summer? Think again! UV rays are like the nosy neighbor who’s always around, even on chilly, cloudy days.
Now, before you think we’re here to rain on your sunny parade, take a deep breath! Sunlight is your forever bestie, not your enemy, as long as you play it smart. So go ahead, soak up those rays—just don’t forget your SPF armor for extended exposure. After all, we’re all sun beings, and a bit of sunshine is vital for our mind and body. Just remember, safety first, and let the sunshine in!
As conscious beauty enthusiasts, we believe in the power of mindful choices. Embracing the sun’s warmth while protecting our skin is a beautiful act of self-care. Opt for sunscreens with clean, eco-friendly ingredients that are kind to your skin and the planet. Beauty isn’t just skin deep – it’s about nurturing ourselves and our environment. So apply sunscreen as needed, step into the light, and let’s glow responsibly and brilliantly!
The UV
We’ve simplified everything you need to know about sunscreen. Discover why it’s essential during the long, hot summer days and beyond.
Prevents sunburn: Sunburn is a visible sign of skin damage caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation. Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) helps prevent sunburn by blocking or absorbing the UV rays.
Reduces the risk of skin cancer: Prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer, including both non-melanoma and melanoma types. Regular use of sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection can significantly reduce this risk.
Minimizes premature aging: Fun fact: we all age. However, the sun’s UV rays contribute to premature aging of the skin, causing wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and a loss of elasticity. Sunscreen helps minimize these signs of aging by shielding the skin from UV damage.
Protects against harmful UV rays: The sun emits two types of UV radiation that reach the Earth’s surface, UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin, causing long-term damage, while UVB rays primarily affect the top layers of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn. Sunscreens with broad-spectrum protection guard against both UVA and UVB rays.
Prevents hyperpigmentation: UV exposure can trigger an overproduction of melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots or uneven skin tone. With consistent sunscreen use, you can help prevent pigmentation issues from worsening.
Lastly, use sunscreen along with other sun protection measures during extended sun exposure. Seek shade, wear protective clothing, and wear sunglasses. Also, keep a soothing moisturizer handy for after-sun care—pure aloe vera and calendula are perfect treats for your skin after a long, hot day.
The Sunscreen: Mineral vs. Chemical
It is widely known that mineral and chemical sunscreens are the two common types of sunscreen formulations, each differing in their active ingredients and how they protect the skin from UV radiation. If you’re unsure about their performance or efficacy, you may want to learn about their differences, along with the risks and benefits of each formula, below.
Mineral Sunscreens
Active ingredients: Mineral sunscreens use physical blockers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work by sitting on the skin’s surface and reflecting or scattering UV rays.
Protection mechanism: They create a physical barrier that helps prevent UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin.
Benefits
Broad-spectrum protection: Mineral sunscreens offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Immediately effective: They start working as soon as they are applied to the skin.
Generally well-tolerated: Mineral sunscreens are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies, making them suitable for sensitive skin types.
Drawbacks
Potential for a white cast: Mineral sunscreens can sometimes leave a white residue on the skin due to the nature of their physical blockers. However, newer formulations have improved this aspect.
Thicker consistency: They can be thicker and more difficult to spread compared to chemical sunscreens.
Chemical Sunscreens
Active ingredients: Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, or homosalate. These ingredients work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released from the skin.
Protection mechanism: Chemical sunscreens need to be absorbed into the skin to become effective and provide protection.
Potentially harmful: Some ingredients (oxybenzone and octinoxate) have been identified as harmful and toxic to the skin, causing many product recalls from well-known personal care brands.
Benefits
Lightweight and easy to spread: Chemical sunscreens often have a lighter texture, making them easier to apply and blend into the skin.
Potentially higher SPF values: Chemical sunscreens can offer higher Sun Protection Factor (SPF) values, which indicates the level of UVB protection.
Transparent finish: Unlike mineral sunscreens, they generally do not leave a white cast on the skin.
Drawbacks
Potential for skin irritation: Some individuals may be sensitive to certain chemical sunscreen ingredients and experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Longer activation time: Chemical sunscreens typically require approximately 20 minutes to become fully effective after application.
Some ingredients may have environmental concerns: Some chemical sunscreen ingredients, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been associated with potential harm to coral reefs when washed off in the ocean.
It’s important to note that mineral and chemical sunscreens are considered safe and effective when used correctly. The choice between the two may depend on personal preference, skin type, and specific needs. Ultimately, the most crucial factor is the regular and proper use of sunscreen to protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation during long exposure.
The Protection
With all this information, you might be wondering how to get started and which products are worth investing in. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here are some amazing brands with safe, innovative SPF formulas for all your sunscreen needs.
Reflector SPF 30 Facial Sun Protection by Cocoon Apothecary
Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by Thoya Laboratoire
We’d love to learn how you incorporate sun protection into your skincare routine. Share your favorite sunscreen brands and formulas below!