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Now that the weather is getting warmer and theres more exposure to the sun, you are probably wondering what type of sunscreen is best for you. Here is something you should know, there are two types of sunscreens, mineral and chemical, and they do not work the same.
Mineral sunscreen which reflects rays is generally thought to be safer for both humans and the environment, the only downside to it is it might leave a white cast on the skin within application. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreen include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Chemical sunscreen includes a various list of ingredients that may prove to be harmful to both humans and the planet. Chemical ingredients absorb rays instead of deflecting them but does not last long after application. The two of the most common harmful sunscreen ingredients is oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are known to be toxic for corals. We need the oceans reefs for coastal protection, food, ocean habitats, medicine, and much more. According to experts, there’s an estimate that 90% of all reefs will be dead by 2050, and sunscreen could play a huge part of that problem on top of climate change.
You can start making an impact by avoiding the purchase of chemical ingredient sunscreen. Popular brands often formulate the sunscreen in a more marketable way to make them sellable in an effort to make sunscreen that people will actually wear. One study found oxybenzone, more known as Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) is an emerging contaminant of concern in marine environment which has a toxic effect on coral and is a cause of environmental contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Hawaii has banned the sale of oxybenzone and octinoxate. Key West in Florida and the island nation of Palau have followed, and more states, especially California, are likely soon to ban the sale of oxybenzone and octinoxate as well.
There’s a whole list of chemicals in commercial products that are questionable. For that reason, the European Union has banned over 1,400 chemicals from cosmetics due to safety concerns, while the U.S. has only banned about 30. Although nothing is as dangerous as avoiding the use of sunscreen to prevent the steadily rise of melanoma skin cancer. You decide!
While there may not be many affordable mineral based sunscreens out there, you can find ways to save while using better quality products that are not only good for you but for our environment.
–>Here’s a tip, you can get a mineral based sunscreen at a local CVS using ExtraCare coupons. I purchased a Bare Republic sunscreen for 40% off so I basically got it at half price, $8.99 (reg $14.99)
You can also check out Ulta, they often have coupons available at their site or catalogs as well as a whole list of sunscreens available.
Make sure to check out past blog post on sunscreen.
Now that summer is almost over, you’re probably thinking you don’t need sunscreen. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US which is why it’s important and necessary to apply sunscreen. Sunscreen is an effective protective agent against damage from the sun’s powerful rays for all ages, genders, and skin types; lessening the chance of developing skin cancer. It is recommended to seek shade during the brightest time of the day which are between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (or 2pm).
According to dermatologists, sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. There are two types of UV rays known as UVA and UVB rays. These rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Both UVA and UVB rays are carcinogens (cancer-causing).
• UVB has a B for “burning” – these rays are the ones most commonly associated with sunburns when skin is exposed to sun.
• UVA has an A for “aging” – these rays beams cause fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. They are most commonly associated with skin aging that cause wrinkles and potentially skin cancer (although less than UVB) after repeated exposure. UVA rays have the ability to pass through glass. UVA rays make up more than 90% of all UV radiation, and penetrate clouds and glass, year-round.
AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) recommends using a broad-spectrum protection sunscreen that offers protection against both types. The suggested SPF (Sun Protection Factor) should be of at least 30 and must be reapplied every 80 mins if in water or every 2 hours if dry.
Even if you have darker skin or tan rather than burn, skin cancer is non-discriminatory and can be diagnosed for any age, gender, or skin type. The great news is that sunscreen can now be found in some cosmetics. This was not the case years ago but because it is more important now to apply sunscreen, certain brands have included sunscreen in their products.
For face: There are now many facial moisturizers that contain sunscreen, and this is adequate for regular daily use if the majority of your day is spent indoors and/or out of direct sunlight.
• Choose a non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide if you have acne-prone skin or if you experience skin irritation with other chemical-containing sunscreens. Consult your doctor if sunscreens cause persistent significant skin irritation, or if you believe that you have a sunscreen allergy.
• There are now several powder-based products containing mineral sunscreens that can be applied over moisturizer or make-up. Tinted (skincolored) products are available.
For lips: lip-balm containing SPF30 is recommended.
For body: UVA/UVB (broad spectrum) coverage greater than SPF50 is recommended
• lotion, cream, gel is recommended over spray
• consider using SPF30-50 UV-blocking articles of clothing as an alternative to sunscreen.
I like to use Ocean Potion which I purchased in TJ Maxx. It has a pleasant smell and is smooth during application. This sunscreen is available in retail stores such as Walmart, Stop n’ Shop & ShopRite or online retailers such as Etailz.com, Amazon.com, Jet.com & Walmart.com.
To read more on sunscreen click here
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