Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to bask in the warm sunshine. While soaking up the sun can bring numerous benefits, it’s crucial to safeguard your skin from harmful side effects. Chemical sunscreens, once popular, are now raising concerns due to their use of potentially harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate), homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone, many of which are endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are scary because they’re most harmful in small doses, as they mimic the hormones that our bodies create daily and can interfere with everything from our reproductive systems to our metabolism. They’re particularly bad for young ones, whose systems are rapidly developing.
So, why not switch to safer alternatives? Clean sunscreens are becoming increasingly popular and for all the right reasons. These sunscreens rely on mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act as a physical barrier to shield your skin from harmful UV rays without disrupting your body’s hormonal balance.
When choosing a clean sunscreen, keep the following factors in mind:
1. Active Ingredients:
Look for sunscreens that list only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. Be cautious of the term “mineral-based,” as it may indicate a mixture of mineral and chemical sunscreens.
2. Water Resistance:
If you plan on spending time in the water, ensure the sunscreen you choose is water-resistant. Look for clear indications on the label, mentioning a 40- or 80-minute water resistance test.
3. Broad-Spectrum Protection:
To guard against both UVA and UVB rays, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
4. Avoid Toxic Ingredients:
Even if the active ingredients are mineral-based, check the formula for any potentially toxic ingredients. Stay away from products containing phthalates, sodium laureth sulfate, fragrance, or any ingredient ending in “-paraben.”
Now, here are 8 clean sunscreens you should consider for a safe and enjoyable summer:
- Unsun Hydrating Full Coverage Body Lotion SPF 30
- Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30
- Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen
- Saie Sunvisor
- The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF 50
- MARA Algae + Zinc Sea Kale Sunscreen Serum
- Supergoop Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 40
- Saint Jane Luxury Sun Ritual Pore Smoothing SPF 30
Additionally, two other clean sunscreens available for purchase are:
- My Chelle Dermaceuticals SPF 28 (on Fullscript)
- Alba Botanica SPF 45 (on Fullscript)
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Embrace the sunshine responsibly this summer by choosing clean sunscreens that offer effective protection without compromising your health. Remember, protecting your skin is an essential part of your overall wellness journey. Stay safe, and enjoy the sunny days ahead!