Choosing Natural Sunscreens
Is there a safe sunscreen product?
It seems that there are no definitive answers to this question, and this may be one of those issues where we need to choose what offers the least harm. Of course, covering with clothing is always the safest, but this is not always practical, especially if children will be swimming in the sun for long periods. Recommendations: stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or cover with hats and clothing during these times. If you will be out in the sun for long periods or swimming, use a micronised zinc oxide sunscreen. Moderate sunshine every day is healthy. Exposure to longer periods of sun means we need to protect ourselves with the least toxic means possible. Our sunscreen manufacturers advise people to wash off suncreens with soap and water at the end of each day, to help return the skin to its normal function overnight.
Why use Zinc oxide as a sunscreen?
* Zinc oxide is a natural mineral known as zincite. It has been used safely in sunscreens for generations to shield against the harmful effects of the sun.
* It is used in sunscreens because it provides a thin film of micro-fine particles over the skin, forming a protective physical barrier.
* Physical sunblocks, such as zinc oxide, work by physically reflecting the sun’s rays and are effective sunscreens against both UV-B and UV-A rays.
* Unlike chemical sunscreen ingredients, zinc oxide cannot be absorbed into the skin and is not metabolized by the body.
* Additionally, unlike most chemical sunscreen ingredients, zinc oxide is known to be stable so does not degrade in the sun.
What about the SPF value of sunscreens - what does that mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and the value (anything from 2 to 60) refers to the amount of time longer than usual you can be in the sun when using the sunscreen before you burn. So the concentration of chemicals is higher as the SPF value of sunscreens increases.
Are there any plant sources that can provide the equivalent SPF factor for sunscreens, thus avoiding the use of chemicals?
Certain plant extracts, such as hemp oil, coconut oil, shea butter, buriti oil, edelweiss, carrot seed oil and aloe vera have been found to have some sun protection value, but not as extensive as mineral sunblocks. However, the plant based materials do not interfere with the absorption of vitamin D, and also provide much in the way of cell repair.
Jacquie x
You can buy a range of sunscreens chosen for their balance of sun protection and natural ingredients in our online shop. Our products are natural, chemical-free, eco-friendly, organic where possible, and over a third are vegan.