Sunscreen 101
So many people don’t realize how harmful sunscreens actually are.
We all assume all sunscreens protect us from the sun just based on the name, but that’s not actually true. There are several well known brands and others that contain several ingredients that actually cause more harm than good.
When deciding which sunscreen to use, I highly suggest looking for a mineral based sunscreen. Mineral based sunscreen sits on the top layer of your skin creating a barrier that blocks the sun and reflects the heat and energy from UV rays before they reach the skin’s surface. It doesn’t actually get absorbed into your skin.
Titanium Dioxide/Zinc Oxide also known as “physical sunscreens” are types of sunscreens are made from minerals and and provide protections against the full spectrum of ultraviolet radiation. They are less irritating and begin providing protection immediately (vs. chemical sunscreens which require 20-30 minutes to absorb). You are still required to re-apply every 2 hours.
Non mineral based sunscreens absorb into your skin, and when some of the ingredients listed below are exposed to UV rays, they undergo a chemical reaction that causes a hormone disruption This disruption is toxic to cells, damaging DNA, and may lead to cancer.
Even when it's overcast, up to 80% of the sun's rays are still being absorbed by your skin, and you only need an SPF 30. Anything higher than that is just a marketing scam and does not actually protect you more than a SPF 30 will.
I highly encourage you to do your own digging and research so you can keep yourself and family safe through the summer. I’ve included a list of ingredients to avoid with resources and my go to sunscreens that are also spray tan safe!
Avoid any sunscreens with these ingredients:
oxybenzone, octinozate, avobenzone. Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) , Octocrylene, Paraben Preservatives
Approved sunscreens: Beautycounter, Mineral Baby Bum/Sun Bum, Native, Babyganics, Bare Republic
For an additional resource, check out this article.
Xx,
Torey
The Confident Co.
