Safer Sun Protection

Have you walked down the sunscreen aisle at your local store lately? 

SO. MANY. CHOICES.

And I'm sorry to tell you, but most of these products contain toxic chemicals that may not be any better for your skin health than the UV rays they're protecting you from. Recent studies show that the chemicals found in sunscreen don't just sit on top of the skin, they absorb into the bloodstream in alarmingly high amounts, and stay in your bloodstream for up to a week after use. These chemicals were found in the bloodstream of study participants for up to a week after use, and are known carcinogens and hormone disruptors! In fact, sunscreens containing certain ingredients are actually BANNED in coastal states, because of their effect on marine life! 

So how do you decide which sunscreen to buy for your family? 

Don't worry friend! There are options for sunscreen that are safer, healthier, and overall better than others. Basically, there are two types of sunscreens: Chemical and Physical.

Chemical sunscreen works by absorbing into the skin and then absorbing UV rays, converting those rays into heat, and releasing them from the body, while Physical sunblock sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays. Chemical Sunscreens contain ingredients such as: 

• Avobenzone
• Homosalate
• Octisalate
• Octocrylene
• Oxybenzone
• Octynoxate

These are ingredients that you may want to avoid. You also want to avoid any sunscreens that contain retinyl palmitate or retinol. While these forms of Vitamin A are known to combat signs of skin aging, they also speed the development of certain skin cancers when applied to sun-exposed skin.

Mineral sunblocks contain:

• Zinc oxide
• Titanium dioxide

Science has come a long way in reducing the particle size of these physical sun blockers so that they don't leave such a chalky, white residue on the skin.

Basically, if it's reef-safe, it's skin safe!! 

Tip: Check the skin-deep database by Environmental Working Group. Even within the same brand, different applications like sticks, sprays, and lotions have different ratings and ingredients.

Sun Protection Tips

Sunscreen should be just one tool in your arsenal against sun damage. There is so much you can do for your skin that doesn't involve rubbing unsafe chemicals on yourself or your family members! Check out this infograph for some other ways to protect yourself from UV damage!

If you do get too much sun, don't sweat it! 

Our Lavender fields salve or Cuts & Bruises essential oil blend may help accelerate healing and stop further skin damage. 

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