Sun Protection ☀️ 🕶

The sun's rays can be harmful to our skin, causing premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. That's why it's so important to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days 🌧   

 

However, not all sunscreens are created equally. Some contain harmful chemicals, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream and wreak havoc. These ingredients are called endocrine disruptors, which means that they can interfere with the way our hormones work. 

 

Negative Health Effects of Endocrine Distruptors: 

• Reproductive problems: Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the production of hormones that are essential for reproduction, such as oestrogen and testosterone. This can lead to problems such as infertility, miscarriage, and premature birth. 
• Developmental problems: Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the development of the brain and nervous system, which can lead to problems such as learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder. 
• Cancer: Some endocrine disruptors have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.  

 

That's why we recommend using natural sunscreens that are made with safe, non-toxic ingredients. 

 

What are natural sunscreens? 

Natural sunscreens are made with safe, non-toxic ingredients that are derived from plants or minerals. They typically contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are both effective at blocking the sun's harmful rays. 

 

Why are natural sunscreens better? 

There are a few reasons why natural sunscreens are better than traditional sunscreens: 

• They are better for your skin. Natural sunscreens are less likely to clog your pores and cause breakouts. They also tend to be gentler on your skin, so they're less likely to cause irritation. 

• They are better for the environment. Natural sunscreens don't contain harmful chemicals that can pollute our oceans and waterways. 

• They are more effective. Natural sunscreens often contain active ingredients that are more effective at blocking the sun's harmful rays. 

 

Tips for choosing a natural sunscreen: 

• The active ingredients should be zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are the only two minerals that have been proven to be effective at blocking UV rays. 

• The sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher. This will help to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

• The sunscreen should be fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. This means that it won't irritate your skin or clog your pores. 

 

Children's Sunscreen 

Children's skin is more delicate than adult skin, so it is important to use a sunscreen that is specifically designed for children. Children's sunscreen should be broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and it should be water-resistant. It is also important to choose a sunscreen that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, as these ingredients can irritate children's skin. 

 

Here are some tips for applying sunscreen to children: 

• Apply sunscreen liberally and evenly to all exposed skin, including the face, ears, lips, and the tops of the feet. 
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if your child is sweating or swimming. 
• Avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, as these ingredients have been linked to health concerns. 
• If your child is under 6 months of age, talk to your doctor about whether sunscreen is right for them. 

 
Still need help finding a suncream/sunscreen? 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), the same guys that published the Clean 15 and the Dirty Dozen have shared a selection of EWG Verified sun protection. Check the list out here, and grab yours now.   

 

Some recommendations from Bridget Hancock our Senior Nutritionist: 

“Look for mineral based protection with zinc oxide” 

Hawiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk - Amazon 

Attitude Mineral Sunscreen Sticks - Amazon 

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen - Amazon 

Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion - Amazon  
 

 

Want to read more on this topic, the EWG has got a few interesting articles if you want to check them out, I've included links below 👇  

EWG - The trouble with SPF – Click here 

EWG – Does Europe have better sun protection ☀️ - Click here 

EWG – Top sun safety tips 🕶 🧢 - Click here