Summer is Here, How Clean is Your SPF Game?
If you were going to pick only one beauty category to go clean with, sun protection is it. Just as the chemicals in conventional sunscreens can kill coral in the ocean, they also cause problems in your skin by increasing inflammation—the root cause of most aging. So beyond the potential endocrine disruptors and cancer causers in conventional synthetic beauty products, mineral or physical sunblocks are without a doubt the most effective anti-aging cream on the planet.
WHY CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS AREN’T GREAT
Chemical sunscreens employ a potent combination of chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate (octylmethoxycinnamate), 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.
Wechsler wears SPF every day and she often likes to layer different formulas, especially at the beach. “I’m super diligent—I’m a dermatologist, of course, but also I have melasma, so it’s essential for me. And at the beach, I wear a rash guard, a baseball hat, and sunglasses—and I reapply like a crazy person.” At the same time, Wechsler believes firmly in vitamin D supplementation. “Get tested—lots of people don’t get enough,” she says. “Wear the SPF, supplement with D3. It’s the healthiest solution.”
What about the mood-lifting benefits of being in the sun? “They did the best study ever,” she says. “They put people in tanning beds, half of which secretly filtered out the UV rays: The change in mood between the two groups turned out to be identical. The mood-improving benefits come from visible light, not UV light. So put on your SPF and enjoy the sun!”
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER
Active Ingredients: Mineral sunscreens will list zinc and/or titanium dioxide only. Be wary of the term “mineral-based,” which often means zinc and/or titanium dioxide has been mixed with chemical sunscreens.
Water-Resistance: A sunscreen can claim to be water-resistant only if it has undergone a forty- or eighty-minute test. If water-resistance is not stated clearly on the label, most likely the sunscreen will wash or sweat off.
Broad-Spectrum: This is important, as it means that the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
Read the original article via Goop
——— Clean Sunscreens We Recommend ———
A hydrating, lightweight zinc oxide formula that works for everyone, from babies and sensitive-skin-sufferers to outdoor-sports enthusiasts. The broad-spectrum water-resistant formula protects against UVA, UVB, and blue light, and it’s infused with antioxidants and aloe vera. It sinks beautifully into skin and smells faintly of tangerine and lemon.
Non-nano formula based, contains high UVB/UVA protection and, as always, is all natural and kid-safe.Contains 18.4% Zinc, the most effective and safest sunscreen ingredient, and skin-soothing certified organic oils. This hypo-allergenic sunscreen is non-greasy and doesn't run in eyes.
Protect your skin from far more than just the sun. Naturally derived mineral titanium dioxide provides chemical-free SPF 30 Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Natural marine biopolymers protect you from pollution. 100% vegan and cruelty free.
Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free so you won’t have to worry about toxins disrupting your hormones and it’s environmentally friendly. Made by women of color for people of color, dries completely clear so it’s perfect to use before any outdoor activity or even under your favorite makeup products. Infused with avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice and sunflower oil.
