Splash Into Summer By Going Clean With Sunscreen
As warm weather arrives and beach enthusiasts flock to the shores, the significance of sunscreen takes center stage in importance. Despite tanning culture being ingrained in American society as a prevailing norm, and sunscreen often perceived as an obstruction to achieving a sun-kissed complexion, it's time to welcome a fresh approach that prioritizes prevention and cherishing your skin with the help of sunscreen.
For quite some time, the prevalent concern about the dreaded "white cast" in sunscreens has been a common reason why people hesitate to include sunscreen in their daily regimen. However, in today's age, we witness remarkable advancements in sunscreen formulations tailored to suit various skin tones and types; and thanks to the vast digital market, we now have easy access to a wide array of sunscreen products from around the world, eliminating the need to settle for the last chalky sunscreen bottle on the local pharmacy shelf. Embracing sunscreen that suits our skin has never been more convenient and promising.
Much like the nutritional facts provided on food products in grocery stores, every sunscreen comes with a dedicated section detailing its ingredients. With the growing popularity of sunscreen, extensive scientific research and studies are being conducted to ensure the safety of the chemical components applied to consumers' skin. In 2019 the U.S Food and Drug Association (FDA) released rules and regulations stating that among the 16 approved active ingredients commonly used in sunscreens, only 2 pose no significant health concerns. These two safe and effective ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are found in mineral sunscreens. Fortunately, an array of clean sunscreens is readily available in the market. Read on to find out how to enjoy sunny days with confidence, knowing your skin is well-protected and cared for.
Why Clean Sunscreens?
What are clean sunscreens? There are two types of sunscreens: chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV photons, and mineral sunscreens, which reflect them; clean sunscreens fall into the mineral sunscreen category and contain safe and effective ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, as approved by the FDA. Unlike some chemical sunscreens that pose potential risks, mineral sunscreens do more good for your skin.
Health:
When it comes to chemical sunscreens, some of the common ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and phthalates can be absorbed into the skin, possibly entering the bloodstream. These chemicals are known to act as hormone disruptors, and irritants, and can even cause damage to cells while posing risks to gut health. Embracing clean sunscreens allows you to prioritize both the health of your skin and your overall well-being.
Environment:
The ingredients found in chemical sunscreens have a detrimental impact on coral reefs and marine life. They disrupt the reproduction and life cycle of coral, causing coral bleaching and in some cases, death. These chemicals adversely affect marine life, compromising their immune system, resulting in deformities, reduced fertility, and impaired reproduction. Switching to clean sunscreens not only ensures our health but the planet’s health.
Cancer Prevention:
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage skin cells, impacting DNA and potentially leading to skin cancers. However, incorporating clean sunscreens into your skincare regimen can provide a vital protective layer for your skin, effectively reflecting harmful UV rays.
Sun care Tips
Incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or every hour if you are in the water.
Wear protective gear(sunglasses, hats, long sleeves, etc…).
Stay in the shade.
Wear sunscreen SPF 30 or higher.
Make sure your sunscreen is clean.
Around the Globe
With the expansion of the digital market, shopping for products all around the globe has never been more convenient. However, it’s essential to remember that different countries have unique regulations for products. When comparing sunscreens from the US to those in Europe and Asia, it's crucial to consider these varying regulations. In the US, sunscreens fall under the category of non-prescription drugs, resulting in lengthier review processes and costly trials that might be considered unnecessary when there isn’t a significant demand. On the other hand, the EU classifies sunscreens as cosmetics, subjecting them to different, less restrictive trials. This has allowed them to approve 34 UV filters for sunscreens, whereas the US has only approved 16. Keeping these regulatory differences in mind helps ensure a well-informed and satisfying sunscreen shopping experience across the globe.
Despite the presumption that the extensive review process for US sunscreens should result in comparable or superior quality to EU sunscreens, several studies have compared the two and revealed that EU sunscreens are, in fact, more effective in protecting the skin. One study, conducted by British researcher Brian Diffey, examined 20 US sunscreens. The results indicated that 19 of them met the US standards, but only 11 met the requirements set by the EU. Fortunately, by slowly making advancements in research and technology, we have witnessed significant improvements in sunscreen quality within the US over the past decade.
Recommended Brands
Even though it may seem as if the US is behind on the sunscreen game, the digital market has made sunscreens from all over the world just a click away. Below are some of the top-rated clean sunscreens from all over the world.
Who Are They: Native is an American beauty brand that has a wide range of products that aim to make an impact on the environment and its users. Their sunscreen features 20% Zinc Oxide that complies with Hawaii Act 104 making it reef-safe.
Price Range: $
Who Are They: Cocokind is an American beauty brand that prioritizes gentle and effective formulas for its customers. As a brand that makes an effort towards sustainability and transparency in the product’s ingredients, Cocokind’s fragrance-free formula is a favorite among many.
Price Range: $
Who Are They: Tower 28 is an American clean beauty brand designed for sensitive skin. The brand features an SPF 30 tinted sunscreen that comes in a variety of shades.
Price Range: $-$$
Who Are They: Saie is an American clean beauty brand that uses eco-conscious ingredients to formulate sustainable products. Saie’s tinted sunscreen features a variety of nourishing ingredients that also hydrate while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
Price Range: $-$$
Who Are They: La Roche-Posay is a popular French skincare brand that features a variety of products recommended by various dermatologists. This SPF 50 mineral sunscreen from La Roche-Posay was developed for sensitive skin and leaves a matte finish.
Price Range: $$
Who Are They: EltaMD is a Swiss skincare brand that features products that work to protect and heal the skin. This SPF 40 mineral sunscreen is oil-free, sensitive-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, vegan, non-comedogenic, and dye-free.
Price Range: $$
Who Are They: Avène is a French skincare brand that targets sensitive skin. This lightweight mineral sunscreen features a variety of ingredients used to soothe sensitivity.
Price Range: $$
Who Are They: Benton is a clean Korean skincare brand that aims to offer products that keep the customer’s skin youthful. This lightweight SPF 50 sunscreen protects and nourishes the skin with ingredients such as witch hazel.
Price Range: $
What we choose to buy extends well beyond ourselves and forces us to analyze the ingredients of the products we buy. These days, rather than being the white chalky paste that left you looking like a ghost, sunscreen can be the luxurious item you never knew you needed. Now is the moment to make the move and discover what is best for your skin!
