Confused about what’s good and bad when it comes to sunscreen?
Here are the 5 things to look for when looking for a safe sunscreen:
▪️ Avoid ingredients such as Benzene, Homosalate, Octinoxate, and Oxybenzone.
▪️ Ensure that they are reef safe.
▪️ Look for a mineral sunscreen that uses “non-nano” zinc oxide as smaller particles are easier to inhale.
▪️ Air-powered over aerosol.
▪️ A mineral sunscreen that rubs in nicely.
More on how to choose a safe sunscreen and why it’s important:
Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen:
Chemical and mineral sunscreens both provide broad-spectrum protection which means they protect against UVA and UVB rays. Beautycounter goes the extra step by also protecting from Blue Light – another type of ray that damages cellular DNA and leads to aging and cancer.
What’s wrong with chemical sunscreens? Chemical sunscreens filter the sun (and are skin irritants, linked to hormone disruption as well as the destruction of our coral reef ecosystem). You’ll see them on labels in the form of oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate most commonly.
Mineral sunscreens reflect the sun. The safest forms are non-nano zinc oxide (which Beautycounter uses) and non-nano titanium dioxide. When searching for mineral sunscreen, ensure it says NON-NANO (or call the company to find out). The particle size matters here as smaller particles are easily inhaled and can damage the lungs.
There is absolutely no additional benefit to using chemical sunscreens… they are linked to health and environmental harm as well as skin allergies. Skip ’em!
How much SPF do I need?
Higher than SPF 30 is unnecessary & a marketing ploy.
· SPF 15 – Blocks 93% of UVB rays.
· SPF 30 – Blocks 97% of UVB rays
· SPF 50 – Blocks 98% of UVB rays
Does my sunscreen need to be waterproof?
There is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. There is a difference between water-resistant and waterproof (no sunscreen is technically waterproof so beware of that labeling). All sunscreens that resist removal while in water are specifically labeled water-resistant (40 or 80 minutes).
There is so much misleading information out there about sunscreen- I hope this helps!
Beautycounter’s Sunscreens:
▪️ Are screened and tested for harmful ingredients.
▪️ Are coral reef safe.
▪️ Use non-nano zinc oxide which works by sitting on the surface of the skin and physically bouncing away the sun’s rays.
▪️ Air-powered not aerosol.
▪️ Don’t leave chalky cast like so many of the other mineral sunscreens.
No stone was left unturned when these sunscreens were created! Beautycounter has a couple of great sunscreen options! Check them out here.
Another clean sunscreen option that doesn’t leave a white film is Thinkbaby.
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