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When it comes to sun protection, we seem to get a constant barrage of warnings and reminders to protect ourselves from those cancer-causing rays. This is not something to be taken lightly. For most of my teenage and adult life, I was more concerned with looking tan than about sun damage. (I’m not even going to talk about tanning beds!) However, seeing sun spots and premature aging on my skin at only 26, I am singing a different tune. This has not been an easy transition for me. I absolutely love laying out in the sun and watching my tan build. But alas, I have accepted that my tan from here on out will be from a bottle. (Stay tuned for future self-tanner reviews and recommendations)
So does this mean that all sunscreens are created equal? Not necessarily.
Recent studies have shown that certain chemicals found in chemical sunscreen have shown up in the bloodstream with daily use. Go figure. *insert eye roll here* Some of these ingredients are oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. Now, the extent that these chemicals effect our health is unclear. Not to mention the effect on the ocean. The FDA has not officially said they should not be used, but they are under further study. I’m certainly not a scientist or health professional. I’m also not a super crunchy, health guru that requires everything to be chemical free and organic. (That’s totally cool if you are. You inspire me!) But it’s understandable that this would be a concern to some.
That leaves us with mineral sun blocks. These usually contain only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that act to physically block the sun. The downside is that nasty white cast it leaves on the skin that seems impossible to completely rub in. Many view this as a small price to pay when it comes to their health.
I, myself, take a neutral position on this subject. Because of this, I have listed two products that contain these ingredients, and two that do not. Everyone loves options, right? These are all products from brands I would recommend.
First up is Matte Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50 Waterblock by the brand SolRX
retail: $16.50
3.4oz
solrx.com/…products/spf-50-zinc-sunscreen
What I love about the SolRX sunscreen is its staying power. It is water resistant so it’s great for days by the pool or for athletes who will work up a good sweat and don’t want it to disappear. It also protects against the UVB rays as well as UVA so you can feel extra protected. It’s not free of all the chemicals listed above but it is FDA approved and oxybenzone free!
Active Ingredients
Octocrylene – 10%
Octinoxate – 7.5%
Zinc Oxide – 15.0%
Next is a sunscreen designed for use on the face which I think is super important because that’s where we are most concerned about signs of aging and it’s the easiest place to forget about.
Coola Mineral Face SPF30 Cucumber
retail: $36.00
1.7 oz
ulta.com/mineral-face-spf30-matte-cucumber
This product is on the spendy side for sure. If you are one that uses a primer under your foundation, you might be able to replace it with this product depending on your skin type and primer needs. Also, you only need a little bit to cover your face so it will still last you quite a long time. Since it is a mineral sunscreen, you don’t have to worry about the chemicals in question. Definitely a great product I would recommend.
Active Ingredients
Titanium Dioxide 3.2%
Zinc Oxide 1.8%
Bare Republic Mineral Sport Lotion SPF 50
retail: $14.99
4oz
ulta.com/mineral-sport-lotion-spf-50
I’m new to using Bare Republic products, but i love that they include ingredients such as kukui seed oil for moisture and algae extract for anti aging. This product is also free of all concerning chemical sunscreens. Thumbs up from me!
Active Ingredients
Titanium Dioxide 5.6%
Zinc Oxide 3.7%
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 30
retail: $7.00
4oz
walmart.com/…-Lotion-SPF-30-4-Oz/24819837
In general, I love Alba Botanica products. I feel like they have great ingredients and are reasonably priced. This sunscreen boasts that it is free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, PABA, nano-sunscreens and Vitamin A and free of active ingredients that may harm coral reefs. Cool! However, this is a chemical sunscreen. Just because you can buy it at the health food store does not mean it is free from ALL chemicals. If you feel strongly about this, you might want to pass it up. I find it to be a great sunscreen when I want to protect myself but also get a little glow.
Active Ingredients
Avobenzone – 3.0%
Homosalate – 7.5%
Octocrylene – 7.5%
Octyl Salicylate – 5.0%
Summer is such a wonderful season. It is warm and happy and filled with frappuccinos! Have a blast, soak up that lovely Vitamin D and don’t forget to protect and hydrate your skin!
hugs-
kourt
Modern Mommie 