In case you didn't know, sunscreen is a MUST.
Using sunscreen everyday should be non-negotiable. Yes, even in the winter, on cloudy days, rainy days, windy days, beach days, every day that ends in Y you should be wearing sunscreen.
Now, which type of sunscreen you choose is completely up to you.
While we love the sun and ALL THINGS SUMMER, we also know that the sun, that gorgeous, hot, glowing, beauty in the sky can cause some havoc on our skin. Sun damage can lead to wrinkles, spots, and premature aging.
And let’s be honest, who wants that?
So, in order to keep your skin healthy and safe while living your best life, protect that gorgeous face (and body) of yours.
If you’ve ever looked at the back of your sunscreen, you may notice there are tons of ingredients listed. And our philosophy at SUMMER GLOW CO. is all about simple effective ingredients, which is why we made the switch years ago to mineral sunscreen.
What is Mineral Sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreen is made of minerals instead of chemicals. The active components in mineral sunscreens are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These mineral components will sit on the skin to help physically block ultraviolet rays. Because of this, mineral sunscreen is also known as physical sunscreen.
What is Chemical Sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, use chemical filters to absorb the ultra violet rays to protect the skin from sun damage. Unfortunately, the chemical filters that are used in chemical sunscreen are absorbed through skin. This absorption has been linked to skin irritations, hormonal disruptions, and even skin cancers.
The most commonly used ingredients in chemical sunscreens are oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone, and all have been found to stay in the body even after weeks of not applying the product.
And while mini amounts may not do much harm, it’s the culmination and accumulation over time that is troubling.
Making The Switch
When searching for a mineral sunscreen look for the active ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Either or a combination of the two will be listed in the active ingredients.
- Look for UVA and UVB protection. Zinc oxide is known to protect against both. UVB rays cause sunburns and UVB rays can cause cancer. You want protection from both.
- Look for a minimum SPF 30. The percentage of the active ingredients matters here. This is where the protection comes from.
- If the formula is using zinc oxide as the active ingredient, it should be at least 15%. Look for 20%-25% for a minimum SPF of 30.
- If the formula is a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, look for 15-20% zinc oxide and 5% titanium dioxide.
This ensures there are adequate amounts of the active ingredients for the protection you need. Anything less than 15% active ingredients will not provide the coverage and protection you want and need from sunscreen.
While mineral sunscreens have come a long way in just the last few years, it can be a bit of a process to find the right one. You may need to test a few before finding one that suits you. And as with any new product, always patch test for any irritations.
Whatever you decide, know that the best sunscreen you can use is the one that you will use every day.
Glow on friend, glow on.