5 Tips for Sun Protection
As a formulator, manufacturer & retailer of plant-based skincare products we believe that prevention is key.
We promote a total wellbeing approach to skincare that includes a healthy diet, exercise, high water intake, and an organic skincare routine. While we offer only topical treatments, we recognize that skin health and beauty is affected by many factors that we can cannot control. One of the key topical elements that we recommend to our clients is a physical/mineral sunscreen. This is a very important step in any skincare routine to prevent further signs of aging and to lower your risk of skin cancer.
Here are a few tips about sun-care to create a more complete skincare routine:
1. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, Does MatterSPF of 30 is about 97% and SPF 50 is about a 98% sun coverage. I personally wear an SPF 30, if you are very fair and burn easily you may consider wearing a 50. Most experts advise to wear an SPF between 15 and 50. Low SPFs do not provide enough protection and high SPFs usually cost more and do not provide much additional protection if any, depending on the number. We recommend to not allow yourself to have a false sense of security because you are wearing a high SPF. It is important to remember that If you are outside the sun is affecting you. I recommend this article to learn more in-depth what SPF means.
2. Reading Product Labels
Self education is the key to deciphering product labels and decoding what exactly is in the product. We recommend to look for a physical, mineral-based sunscreen that uses either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (non nano) or a combination of the two as the active ingredients. A physical sunscreen works by deflecting both UVA and UVB rays away from you. A chemical sunscreen such as avobenzone & oxybenzone absorbs the rays into the skin and disrupts their chemical structure allowing the changed chemical structure of the rays to be metabolized by the body. It is important to look for sneaky ingredients within the base of a sunscreen as well. It is possible to have a physical sunscreen with petrochemical inactive ingredients which can lead to skin irritation.
3. Be Thorough in Your Application & Re-Apply
Use a balm or cream sunscreen versus a spray or powder as these can be respiratory irritants. This will ensure you are able to see where it is actually being applied. Don’t forget the overlooked areas like your ears, lips, scalp, the tops of hands & feet.
4. Remember, The Sun Reflects Too
It is important to remember that even if you do not intend to get any sun, this approach to sun protection is one that will get you burned. The sun reflects off surfaces which will lead to an increase in sun exposure even when sitting in the shade. It is best to keep in mind that direct sun exposure is NOT the only sun exposure.
5. Wear Protective Clothing when Possible
A sunscreen will only filter or block some of the harmful rays from the sun. Protective clothing will provide an additional barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. I recommend tightly woven baggy linen or cotton. These natural fibers will allow your skin to breathe, keeping you cool and repel mosquitos and other pests. Next time you’re outdoors, in the garden, or at the beach grab your long linens and your wide brimmed hat!
Before you head out consult EWG’s Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database for additional information concerning ingredient safety. They even have an app which we find incredibly convenient when on the go.
I truly hope this helps you to protect yourself and your family and make the decision that is right for you.
XO, Cristina Brewer | garden zealot, sun worshipper, beginner yogi, & green beauty obsessed 🇺🇸🇪🇸🌿🐰🥒 | C&Co.® Handcrafted Skincare
A few helpful links:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/sunscreen-confusion
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/24/image/la-ig-scalp-20110724
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/15/news/la-0615-sunscreens-20110615
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/minerals#photoprotection
https://www.livescience.com/32666-how-does-sunscreen-work.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/best-sunscreen/art-20045110?pg=1
https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/sunscreens-explained