Summer is here and the word “summer” has pretty much become synonymous to the word “sunscreen”. And the truth is, most people don’t put as much thought into the quality of their sunscreen, as they should.
We’ve all been there, running into the local drug store last minute to grab some random high numbered SPF sunscreen…
Your biggest decision was probably trying choose between packaging… “should I get the spray or the lotion?”
But the truth is, the quality of sunscreen you choose to coat your skin with, is just as important as; the quality of the food you eat and the quality of your personal hygiene products.
When your skin is exposed to environmental pollutants, combined with the heat of the sunlight (during extended exposure), it is inevitable that some form of skin damage will occur.
Because if this, it is important to try to reduce the amount of potential damage as much as possible, by minimizing free radical activity.
The most powerful way to combat free radical damage is to invest in a natural sunscreen that will not only protect your skin from UV rays, but will also contain powerful antioxidants and minimal chemical irritants.
Most conventional sunscreens contain over 15 unpronounceable chemical ingredients. Studies have shown that these chemicals not only have the ability to penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, but they also have the ability to; disrupt hormonal balance, trigger allergic reactions, and cause thyroid and reproductive issues.
Why damage your skin consistently through the use of toxic chemicals, only to run to a cosmetic surgeon down the line for synthetic fix?
Ingredients to look for in a Sunscreen:
Sunscreens made out of Zinc Oxide (as the sole active ingredient) is the best option to use in place chemicals such as: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Octisalate and Octocrylene (all found in conventional sunscreens).
Why Zinc Oxide?
Zinc Oxide offers excellent broad spectrum UV protection and lacks all the other side effects that conventional sunscreens offer.
Zinc Oxide’s molecular structure has been proven to be the most stable; leading it to be less likely to break down and penetrate the skin when exposed heat and sunlight.
The chance of Zinc Oxide penetrating through the skin has been shown to be less than 0.01% as opposed to conventional countertypes; which show to penetrate the skin at a minimum of 1-9%. (Gulson 2010)
Studies have shown that these chemical particles have even been detected in mother’s breast milk (Krause 2012).
Other factors to keep in mind when choosing your next sunscreen include; the number of ingredients and the quality of ingredients.
Personally, I feel the less ingredients the better.
Ingredients that contain powerful antioxidants, such as fruits and herbs, are a plus, as antioxidants have been proven to be especially efficient in reducing free radical activity.
Organic Opulence’s Pick
The two sunscreens I have chosen to feature are organic sunscreens that contain; limited ingredients and meet all the criteria we have reviewed throughout the article.
Badger (Sport) SPF 35 Sunscreen works especially well for long days out in the sun. I love using this for sunny beach days as it is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and spreads over the skin nicely without that overpowering sunscreen scent.
Aside from being completely natural, I personally love how this sunscreen only contains 5 ingredients!
Zinc Oxide, Sunflower Seed Oil, Beeswax, Jojoba Seed Oil and Vitamin E
… That’s it!
The properties contained within those ingredients have been proven to have moisturizing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects – all crucial in preventing sun-damage.
Juice Beauty’s SPF 30 Moisturizer is my go-to sun protection for casual days out in the sun. Whether I’m having brunch on the patio, or walking through a semi-outdoor mall, this sunscreen is perfect for frequent, casual use. It feels just like any other lightweight lotion and smells delicious!
Aside from Juice Beauty being one of my favorite organic skincare brands, this sunscreen is packed with a rich variety of anti-aging agents.
Rich in antioxidants, (such as apple juice, grape juice, pomegranate juice and mandarin extract) these ingredients are key in minimizing free radical activity.
Furthermore, healing agents such as Aloe Vera and Vitamin E (derived from Sunflower Oil) prove to be anti-inflammatory, as well as moisturizing.
To grab one of these toxic free sunscreens, feel free to visit:
And for more information regarding sunscreen safety, feel free to visit:
